This post started with the intentions of reaching out to dreamers; those who have an idea bigger than themselves. But in the process, I’ve deleted nearly everything I originally wrote and shifted to a brand new focus; one which seems to take precedence before making any professional decision. Networking. Interaction. Community. These elements can launch any big idea into a social movement or booming enterprise.
Networking only goes so far. Instead, build relationships:
Attending a business school pushes a simple message into your mind: meet as many people as you can, always carry your business card, and develop a firm handshake. I tried this for years and ended up meeting some great people, but came to the realization that connecting with selfish intentions is both exhausting and easily discovered. Show you care and present your skill set as an opportunity for others: chances are things will work out for both parties. Genuine care trumps even the finest business card design.
Read this challenging article by Jeff Ghannam, President of Crystal Communications and Marketing
Be you.
If your critics joke about your hyper-enthusiasm, obsessive interaction, or eagerness to please, you may be doing something right. A non-sarcastic “kill them with kindness” approach to your daily schedule can open your eyes to a whole world of great stories, people, and opportunities to make a difference. People are watching, listening, and criticizing. Some of the most valued people in the world were criticized for their acts of kindness, immediately questioned on their integrity. But, at the end of the day, someone who consistently seeks good is going to gain the approval of their community. Value opinions, but don’t stop being you for anyone.
Work Collaboratively.
While you’re sitting in a local cafe sketching out the layout of your dream storefront or reading that “Business for Dummies” book, chances are someone else is overcoming the same daily obstacles that you find yourself in while working for “the man”. Embrace the power of your community. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, find your like-minded tribe of people online via blogs, community boards, and your favorite reading subscriptions. Seth Godin provides some excellent insight on what a tribe is.
“If you can dream it, you can achieve it. You will get all you want in life if you help enough people get what they want”. – Zig Ziglar