None of Us Can Thrive in Isolation, Personally or Professionally

Have you ever heard of the game Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon? This was a popular pastime in the early 2000s where you could link anyone in the entertainment industry to Kevin Bacon within six connections. It was a fun and intriguing way to see how interconnected people are in the world. Even those who weren’t around at that time could still be linked. For example, Elvis Presley acted in Change of Habit with Ed Asner, who appeared in JFK with Kevin Bacon. Just two degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon.

I mention this to emphasize the power of connections in any successful career. While you might not end up linking to Kevin Bacon, having the right connections can open up unexpected opportunities. You don’t need to be best friends with everyone; simply being on people’s radars can pave the way for new possibilities.

Imagine you work in accounting. You meet another professional, exchange pleasantries, connect on LinkedIn, and that’s it. They are not actively seeking an accountant at that moment. However, a few weeks later, someone they know mentions they need an accountant. As luck would have it, they remember you. This scenario illustrates how career prospects can arise through connections.

In today’s world, especially during times of isolation like the pandemic, LinkedIn is a valuable tool for forging connections. Making connections on LinkedIn is akin to building friendships on other social media platforms. You spot someone interesting, send a connection request, and if they’re interested, they accept. If you aspire to work for a specific company, consider reaching out to the CEO or a prominent figure within the organization. Keep it casual and authentic. Your aim is not solely job-seeking; rather, it’s about establishing meaningful connections. Having a broad network of influential individuals not only offers networking prospects but also boosts your credibility by association, which appeals to hiring managers.

Once you have established a robust network, you may notice that companies are more inclined to engage with you. This is the power of networking and building connections in action.