How has networkin helped you?

A former mentor of mine once told me that being able to build and maintain relationships will be the difference from simply maintaining a career and propelling to top. In a word, networking.

I cannot tell you how right she was. I am so fortunate that I learned this valuable lesson early in my career and continue to development my networking skills to this day. The relationships I’ve developed and maintained over the years have served me and others quite well.

Here’s a great example of how networking effectively has benefited numerous people:

A few months ago, I attended a professional development workshop, Building Facilitation Skills 101, hosted by the Central FL ASTD. Class participants gave a five minute facilitation on a chosen topic. One fellow chapter member chose to speak about social networking and more specifically LinkedIn.

Me being an avid LinkedIn fan and user, this certainly caught my full attention. At the close of the workshop, this individual and I engaged in conversation about how much we love LinkedIn and how so many people do not realize how powerful this tool is as part of a networking strategy. She informed me about a book called “I’m On LinkedIn, Now What?” by Jason Alba, the networking strategy guru. I immediately looked up the book and ordered it as soon as I got home!

By mere coincidence, I got an email a few days later from my fellow chapter member that Jason Alba was going to be here in Orlando presenting to her company on this very topic. Of course, I was not going to let this opportunity slip away from me! Using LinkedIn, I sent Jason a message. We exchanged a few emails and the next thing I know, I’m on the phone with this rock start!

Jason was certainly happy to meet with me and my other colleagues. I quickly sent out an email to the rest of the CFC-ASTD Board Members (I’m the VP of Marketing) to share my fantastic fortune with them and the chance to meet with this great mind.

My buddy from the Board, Randall, was available to join Jason and I for dinner. We ate at Seasons 52 (love this place) and had such a wonderful time. Jason talked about how important personal branding is, best practices on blogging and how effective it is, and a whole host of other pearls for networking strategy.

Jason invited us to see him speak at a conference he was one of the keynote for, which was the next day. I could not be more impressed! What a genius he is.

Jason and I have kept in close contact since his visit to Orlando. The very exciting news he will be back soon to facilitate a workshop hosted by CFC-ASTD on personal branding and networking strategy! We are nailing down the details and will have the registration open soon! I could not be more stoked!

So that’s my story! I am so happy that I helped secure Jason and can share his brilliance with Central FL! Please share your stories about how networking helped you. I would love to hear about your experiences. Email me or post comments: jenna.papakalos@jrmpenterprises.com.