How to Create a More Potent Network

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Last January, I decided to start my professional new year afresh by cleaning up my LinkedIn Network. I believe that someone belongs in my network if I know them or if we share a passion. Like many of us, I was promiscuous when I started building my connections — I said yes indiscriminately.  My criteria now is that I know the person and would be willing to do a 20 minute favor to help their career, and I would also reach out to them for a similar career boost.

Since I was snowed in, I got a warm cup of cocoa and went through all 1300 of my connections.  If I recognized the name, face, and/or employer, I said into the air, “Hi, Gigi.  I wish you career success in 2016.”  This may be a little woo-woo but it felt good.  Otherwise, I removed them, knowing they would not be notified.

If a remaining connection had a new job title or employer, and I had missed congratulating them, I took a few seconds to send my best wishes.  If a connection made referrals to me for career counseling or coaching, I took a few minutes to review their Profile and send them a message of appreciation. Sometimes I asked if I could be of help.  If seeing the photo brought an especially big smile to my face, I contacted the person to  chat or have tea when the snow melted.

On January 5th I had 300 fewer connection, 10 renewed meaningful relations, and 3 cups of tea on my calendar.

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Vicki Lind

I’ve been a career counselor and job search coach in Portland for 20 years. I have my finger on the job pulse to find the sweet spot where meaning meets money. As a career counselor, I’ll help you identify your top values, skills, and interests that intersect with a practical career direction. Since I was an academic advisor, I also know the ins and outs of educational programs. I can help you craft self-designed internships to test career directions. I’ve had a Colorful Job History. As a result, I know the challenges of career transition. As a job search coach, I’ll take you through a step-by-step process to land the job you want. Together we can leverage LinkedIn so I can introduce you to people in my vast network. We also look at job boards and select keywords so that you get interviews. I’ve helped 100’s of people improve their interview skills to land offers. I have an MS in Education from Portland State University, an MS in Early Childhood Education from U. of Oregon, and a Certificate in Human Resource Management from Linfield College. I was nominated for the 2019 Portland Business Journal’s Woman of Influence award.

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