I can't think of anything worse than trying to get a meeting with a potential employer from scratch... let alone trying to convince them I'm the right person for a job. There are ways to be known without ever needing a resume. But building these relationships starts long before you're looking for a job...
1. Volunteer for organizations you believe in
Several years ago, I e-mailed Todd Wilson, who is the Don of the church planting world. I offered up my blogging skills to the National New Church Conference, which he was directing at the time. I actually never blogged anything, but it started a friendship with Todd, which has birthed some incredible opportunities.
2. Never burn bridges... or start fires
I'm amazed at how many ministry bloggers write negative things about other leaders in their posts and comments. Leaders read this stuff, and mental black lists are made.
3. Look for new friendships everywhere
Years ago, a creative arts pastor from Florida commented on my blog. I loved his creativity and insights, and we struck up a blog friendship. Eventually, Integrity Music snagged him to be their senior director of marketing. Now, Stephen Brewster is not only a friend, but we're forging new opportunities together.
4. Be the best at what you do
And do some strategic quitting if you're not.
5. Reach out to leaders you respect
I just spoke with Nicole Dawn Baldwin who said she e-mailed Seth Godin with some questions about writing. Surprisingly, Seth asked her to call him, and she got to spend a few minutes with him on the phone talking about her book.
Ah, the power of networking! A useful practice to develop no matter what your situation. I have friendships and business connections that would never be possible otherwise if I did not reach out to people whenever I am given the chance. Nice points, thanks for the post
Posted by: Sean | August 04, 2008 at 09:06 AM
#4 and #5 cut right to the core. I did #4, finally, a few years ago and I have been on an amazing ride ever since. #5 has been on my list for a while BUT....
Thanks again.
Posted by: Jeremy Small | August 04, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Gotta love networking... and I do!
Posted by: Terrace Crawford | August 04, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Great stuff...this is why I'm your friend! :)
Posted by: Scott Harris | August 04, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Wow. This is great stuff, Ben. Thanks.
Posted by: Jesse Phillips | August 04, 2008 at 05:48 PM
Great stuff Ben! Thanks for sharing it. I shared it with my team of college interns today and they thought it was good stuff too!
Posted by: Nic Burleson | August 04, 2008 at 10:14 PM
GREAT post, Ben. Ever since Whiteboard I've been churning about some of the very things that you wrote about. I think I've also been avoiding, with great success, number four. Sigh. Thanks for the brilliance.
P.S. Please tell LV hey for me?
Posted by: m.w.smith | August 05, 2008 at 07:17 AM
It's great to hear from you Michael W. Smith. =) Why don't you follow #5 and tell him yourself?
lv.hanson@catalystspace.com ;)
Posted by: Ben Arment | August 05, 2008 at 10:30 AM
WOW, thank you for a powerful, succinct treatise on success and living fully alive.
Posted by: Steve | August 07, 2008 at 10:29 PM