Recently I have had a lot of requests from individuals looking for job-search advice. I know there is a direct correlation between what I write on Bulls Eye Recruiting and people reaching out to me. Nine times out of ten, if you have sent me a e-mail, have given me a call or just sent me a response from one of my blogs, I will respond. You may ask yourself “Why?”
You see, I have been in your shoes. I am writing this to tell you that you aren’t alone in the job search. I have fortunately or unfortunately (whichever way you look at it) worked for MANY different companies in my career. I feel blessed. I have met more people than most, and have had the opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds.
Since I have worked for so many different organizations, I have been the new hire more times than I wish to admit. When you are new to a company, someone has to show you the ropes. I was in sales for a large portion of my career, so someone had to help me learn the product, convince the customer to buy, and close the deal. I had to get up to speed very quickly. Without someone helping ME, I would have never made it.
Whether or not the people who were helping me out knew it or not, they WERE PAYING IT FORWARD. Without asking anything in return, they made me successful. They helped me when I needed help the most.
My philosophy in life is that things do come around full-circle. I received an e-mail the other day from someone who worked with me in the late 90’s asking if we could meet for coffee as he was in a transition. He was a top salesman and I was not. I always went to HIM for advice and he never said “No”. Fast forward to 2014. The tables were now turned.
What would you have done in this situation? We had not worked together in almost 13 years and haven’t talked regularly in almost as many. Let me tell you something. I did not forget. I still remember what this individual SELFLESSLY did for ME. The very least I could do was to meet for coffee and see what I could do to help.
What came out of our coffee was a fantastic conversation; a renewed friendship and I think I may have given some good leads. It was MY turn to pay it forward. I truly hope that I can help him as much as he helped me.
People do this all the time for me. My mentor Marc Miller has gone out of his way to help me in my career progression. He is Paying it Forward. When I can help him, I will do the same.
Life is short. Relationships are important. Never turn down an opportunity to meet someone or talk to someone. What I may do today for you today, you may help me in the future. It is a two-way street.
You will be amazed at how your life changes when you give. You will receive more than you ever asked for in life.
#payitforward friends.
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