My Promise: To Become a Power Connector During This Crisis

I’ve been wracking my brain over the past week about how I can help people during this time of crisis. I’m fortunate to have a job and work for a company that is in a good financial position to weather this storm- at least for some time. 

As I hear about those who have gone from a seemingly secure job to no job overnight, I can’t help but think about how difficult that has to be. 

It seems as though more companies are laying people off than are hiring, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop trying, give up, or just be lethargic. 

I’m currently reading and listening to Malcolm Gladwell’s book The Tipping Point and this morning, while on my run, he was talking about how most people find their jobs through acquaintances, not their friends. 

This gave me an idea of how I could help. 

I used to be a corporate recruiter. Making connections and helping people get hired was my full-time job. 

That, combined with the fact that I grew up in Indianapolis and have lived in Seattle, Denver, Los Angeles, and now Spokane, over the past 20 years has resulted in a very large network. A network of nearly 8,000 people on LinkedIn. 

But that’s not enough. Over the next week, even as I welcome a new son into the world, I plan to be intentional about connecting with various people on LinkedIn to further expand my network and enhance my ability to make connections for others. 

I plan to connect to at least 10 new people per day, 20 if I can. 

When an acquaintance reaches out for help, I’ll ask them a few questions about what they’ve done, what they can do, and what they’re willing to do and then craft a short message in hopes others will share while at the same time seeking out people in my network to introduce them to. 

I want to do what I can during this time of need for so many professionals. I want to do something I would be grateful for if I were in their position. 

All I ask is that you help me share and amplify these peoples’ messages across LinkedIn. To offer to connect with them, even if you can’t help right now. 

It’s time to follow Benjamin Zander’s Rule #6 and not take yourself to God damned seriously. It’s time to be selfless and help, at the very least, by making a connection. 

Photo by Jenny Caywood on Unsplash