Some bubbly, perhaps?

Some bubbly, perhaps?
Originally uploaded by AdiaMichelle

That glass of champagne is also being raised to my fellow "The Less We Talk" workshoppers. Thank you for an extremely fun and educational process. I wouldn't have learned as much if you all weren't as fearless and supportive as you were! See you soon!

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I was thinking about networking a few days ago. I'm looking for another job and I tell EVERYONE, knowing that I can get information and leads from friends and acquaintances. It doesn't matter whether or not they directly have something for me. They may know someone who knows someone who knows someone, and that's better than nothing.

I really appreciate that sense of sharing information and helping everyone at the same time: you have a job, I'm looking for one. If I fit, you fill your job, and you think highly of the friends that helped you find the right candidate. Win-win!

What I don't appreciate is when people are hesitant about sharing information with me because they don't think I can help them. I remember one instance, riding home from a dinner party organized by a Minnesota friend, two other attendees were exchanging business cards. I already had the business card of one of them, and I asked the other if I could have one as well. He hesitated, obviously reluctant to give me one. I almost wanted to say, "Wow. Were they expensive? You don't have to waste one on me if you don't want to," but I held my tongue and smiled.

I learned something in that moment. I learned that, personally, I'm happy to give people my contact information. I never know what projects you'll be up to in the future, and you never know what I'll be up to in the future. I may need your skill set exactly, and in five years time you may get a call out of the blue from me saying, "Hey, you're the only one I know who can do this. Can you?" Every interaction is a chance for both parties to advance, to live the principle of "win-win" rather than "win-lose."

So, "win-win," people! Help each other. It really doesn't cost you anything unless you let it.