"I don't have time to network"

When chatting about the values of networking and the fun in reticulating it is amazing how many people claim they don't have the time. The truth be known many don't want to make the time and blame it on "No time".

None of us actually have time for anything, we make time for what we deem necessary or really want to do. Just reflect back on your life and you will notice some tasks you used to do you no longer do and on the other end some items you currently undertake you never did before.

So then! What is the value of this task of "networking (reticulating)"? Is it a waste of time and superfluous in real life? Will you really gain anything from it?

First off, you've always networked. Just never called it that. Second of all most humans like human contact and networking is a great platform that encourages human contact. Cultivating all these allows us to GIVE, not always take, have fun, meet people and thereby learn something. The affiliations, connections and friends we make are mere residual effects of good networking.

So! Go out and spread the wealth and remember "The secret to success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes." B. Disraeli

"What Do I Want to do When I Grow Up?"

This is probably the most asked question/statement made when it comes to people trying to either get back into their next job or opportunity. It even happens to folks while they are working and find they are unhappy in their current position.

In listening to this constant statement/question, several observations, by me, come forward. In over 15 years between 30 and 50 percent of attendees will make the statement that they "...aren't sure what they really want to do".

First we have so many more options and opportunities than ever before. The books tell us today's grad will have at least seven distinct careers and who knows how many employers. No doubt that technology has a lot to do with this. Everyday it all happens faster. Software is obsolete as soon as we download it, computers are cheaper and faster the day after we buy one. Products often go down in price in time due mainly to competition. I just refilled my business card supply after a year and paid less for the exact same product from the same company.

Whereas this is frightening to many, we should look at the opportunities. For one you don't have to worry about being bored in your job. Every time to move onto another opportunity you gain new knowledge, friends and business associates which in turn expands your network. This is cause to be involved with On Web networking such as LinkedIn.

Should you find yourself saying "What Do I Want to do When I Grow Up?" do not fret. Just go out and increase your reticulation, talk with people and learn something new.