A Day in the Life of a Networker
Corporate employees run on the hamster wheel while startups face uphill challenges. Where does that leave the networkers?
The sun was shining as I finished my eggs and bacon.
I couldn’t help but sing along to my favorite song as I headed to my weekly business networking meeting.
I got there twenty minutes early.
Cheerfully, I greeted each guest as they arrived.
I nailed my presentation and was a little embarrassed when my group members started clapping.
I love my business networking group!
I went back to the office.
I grabbed some coffee and jumped on my first Zoom meeting of the day.
Everyone smiled when I displayed my beach background with the amazing sunset.
I instantly connected with several of the attendees.
Even got a sale before the meeting ended.
Later that afternoon, I jumped on LinkedIn and Twitter.
I got my dopamine fix as I read the comments from my posts.
Thumbs up for you, Tom!
Heart for you, Betty!
I love social networking!
I stopped at a networking happy hour event on the way home from work.
I stayed longer than usual as a few people insisted on buying me drinks.
I smiled as I sat back in my chair.
Ah, the life of a networker!
I love professional networking!
I then got up, grew some wings, and flew off into the sunset!
Wait … what??
As I was beaming about the day’s accomplishments, a garbage truck noisily picked up the garbage outside and I was instantly …
Awake.
The realization then struck me that I was late to my business networking meeting.
My networking group did not tolerate tardiness.
I arrived late and smiled apologetically.
Everyone clapped with sarcasm.
I sat down and realized I forgot to bring my presentation.
I hate networking!
After the meeting, I went back to the office.
I quickly looked over my postings on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Damn. Not a single response.
Time for my Zoom call.
Shoot! I couldn’t connect as I glared at the frozen screen.
I packed up for the day.
There was a happy hour that evening I had planned to attend.
I saw some light snow flurries outside so I decided it would be best if I went straight home.
One day was just a dream.
The other really happened.
My “real” day taught me some valuable lessons:
Always be prepared
Good things take time
Be patient and an understanding for others
Technology isn’t perfect - have a backup plan
Don’t make excuses - just do it!
After a some reflection, I accepted it was just one day.
All the potholes.
All the frustrations.
And all the challenges that …
Could make me a better person?
Tomorrow will be better, I think.
But the lessons I learned today will last a lifetime.
As the day wound down, I reflected a little more and surmised …
It was a perfect day.
A LinkedIn profile is an important tool to showcase your professional experience, skills, and accomplishments to potential employers and clients.
A key component of your LinkedIn profile is the banner.
The banner is the biggest piece of real estate on your profile.
Unfortunately, many people waste the space that LinkedIn gives to them.
LINKEDIN BANNER
A few things to keep in mind regarding your banner image …
The banner should be clean and well organized
It should be easy to understand with a clear message
It should have the appropriate images and colors to get a user’s attention
And it should reinforce who you are
Examples include:
The generic banner is wasted space and a lost opportunity to enhance your message and brand.
The second banner here is ok because it has an attractive background that may appeal to users. But it does nothing to help your brand or message.
The third banner is the best, as it tells what the person does, empowers his brand, and has a Call-To-Action with a DM and “Follow Me” option.
Want to learn more?
Check out my new LINKEDIN COURSE launching on April 1, 2024:
Strategic Networking on LinkedIn with a FREE Account
Join us virtually!
Participate in discussions on networking strategies, connecting with professionals, and sharing valuable tips. Join our weekly virtual networking events for new, exciting, and sometimes unconventional ways to network.
There is no cost to participate.
NEXT NETWORKING EVENT: March 27th, 2024, 12:00 - 1:00PM EST
Topic: Strategic Networking Tips for 2024! (15 mins)
Live Networking: Connecting Participants with Zoom Advanced Polls (45 mins)
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