Come Together Through Networking
Have you ever had a series of events that made you reflect on activities you needed to continue because of the positive experiences that came from them? That happened to me recently when I attended two back-to-back conferences. One was an industry conference, and the other was the annual conference for an international organization, Toastmasters. For some reason, these conferences made me reflect on a song that speaks to the opposite of what I had just experienced, the late 1960s hit by Three Dog Night, “One Is the Loneliest Number.”
The song speaks to a relationship, or lack thereof, between a couple. As I listened to it, I was struck by how the lyrics could also relate to the relationship between a person and the world around them. The isolation many of us experienced during the recent pandemic, along with current world events, may make the words of this song meaningful for many people.
In 1969, when this song was written, many changes were taking place in the world. There were many anti-war demonstrations related to the Vietnam War, the famous Woodstock music festival held on Max Yasgur’s farm in Bethel, New York, the widespread display of peace signs, and on July 20 of that same year, one of humankind’s crowning achievements when American astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the Moon and utter the famous words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
And now, with so many challenges and changes in our current world, how can we all take a giant leap into a better place? How can we make our own new discoveries? How can we avoid the emptiness of “One Is the Loneliest Number” when there is still so much isolation, and often limited interaction with co-workers, family, friends, and even neighbors? How can we move to a happier place filled with growth and opportunity, especially in our careers? That is when I began thinking about the benefits of networking.
I recently came across an article by Claudio Fernández-Aráoz in the Harvard Business Review where he says: “The landmark research in the early 1970s by Mark Granovetter on how people find good jobs remains relevant today despite the big changes in roles and recruitment that we’ve seen during the last 50 years.” Granovetter found that most jobs, especially good ones, were not acquired through direct application or other formal means, but through personal contacts who told applicants about positions or recommended them to someone inside the organization.
As a professional career consultant since the early 1980s, I have seen people find jobs in a variety of ways. But I do believe making the effort to connect with others, tapping into networking and professional contacts through groups and associations, and contacting previous bosses or colleagues are all valuable strategies to use when seeking a job or expanding your current career opportunities.
At the very least, personal growth is often best facilitated by talking with like-minded people in social situations, online or in person, who share ideas and experiences that broaden your perspective and help you become a more informed and interesting person.
I know for me personally, being part of industry groups and growth-oriented associations like Toastmasters and Rotary has fostered meaningful relationships and allowed me to grow in ways I probably never would have if I had not joined these groups.
Let’s take a look at some key areas related to collaboration that employers have told me throughout my career often make one candidate stand out over another. See if any of these suggestions might help you expand your skillset, add to your toolbox, or even motivate you to encourage a child, relative, or friend to look at employment differently.
1. Membership in Professional Organizations
Many employers are impressed when a candidate has invested in membership in professional organizations. That tells a prospective employer the candidate is serious about their industry and wants to build relationships with others who may become customers, contacts, or colleagues. Organizations like Toastmasters or Rotary that help a person expand leadership and presentation skills are often viewed positively by employers. The relationships developed through these associations can also become invaluable for both professional and personal growth.
2. Early Training and Development Organizations
Involving young people in groups like Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire, and similar organizations can build lifelong skills that transfer well to the workplace and life in general. One example that stands out is the Eagle Scout program. I have had numerous clients reference the leadership skills and initiative they developed through that experience. These programs teach teamwork, perseverance, discipline, and goal achievement.
3. Community Engagement
Many employers have told me they are impressed with candidates who give their time to community involvement. Volunteer work often demonstrates a desire to contribute to the greater good and shows qualities many employers value. Today, more than ever, employers appreciate people who want to give rather than simply take. Belonging to organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, becoming a mentor at a school, or serving in the community can leave a lasting positive impression.
Knowing how to collaborate with others, and being able to articulate it, can be a real asset in the current and future job market. Don’t let “One Is the Loneliest Number” be your mantra going forward. With careful thought, consider how you can make that giant leap and discover new ways to expand your own possibilities and opportunities in the New Work World. If you can make a valuable contribution to society in the process, your self-esteem and personal relationships may grow as well. It can be a win-win for everyone.
I am so happy I took the time to attend two back-to-back conferences that allowed me to hear great speakers, attend seminars, and network with people I learn so much from. I was even able to reconnect with old friends I had missed seeing while working so many hours.
I smile now as I think of the Beatles song from 1969, “Come Together.” Let’s make that our new mantra going forward in 2026. The benefits we can achieve from networking can be meaningful in the New Work World and beyond.
