The Crazy Concept of Connecting

I'm not talking about your Aunt Sally that lives in your grandmothers basement. Although a connection, I don't wish to talk about your crazy connection with her, but the concept of having connections.

Utilizing a Professional Learning Network (PLN) to it's maximum potential may be easier than you think. There are so many technological sites, apps, and streamable media that thinking of connecting personally, with a person, in person is, well, crazy!

I had the great opportunity to speak with a former professor within this past week. I was seeking advice on where to go once the time came for me to graduate. I told him about the course I am taking now, and how it is involving utilizing social media to make great connections. He agreed that it is a wonderful place to be, and there is a lot of information that can be learned if I take the time for it. I can learn about companies, individuals, the company culture, ratings and reviews from current and past employees. Among other things, there really is a lot to learn about different companies that I would like to potentially like to work for.

Back to the concept of crazy. It is crazy to me that we rely so heavily on social media to make all of our connections, and expect them to grow just from that. Through this phone call I remembered something; it isn't difficult to pick up the phone and call someone. Seeking advice from someone over the phone isn't relied on too heavily these days. We sometimes look more towards the Tweets and SlideShare's for advice than we do from our own friends and mentors.

I'd like to challenge you to apply a crazy concept to your life. First, let your crazy Aunt Sally know you are thinking of her. If you don't have a "crazy Aunt Sally" or "crazy Uncle John" well, let's just say someone should be calling you letting you know they have on their mind! -- In all seriousness, apply this crazy concept of connecting with someone this week that you haven't but have been meaning to for quite some time. Reach out to your connections and show them you care. Caring for, and being there for someone this week, could have the most tremendous impact on you and your connection. Reach out. It's really not that crazy.

People and Blog Bonanza

When there is a seemingly vast deficit of information for growth, there is a larger supply of resources that are available. When searching for this information, it is mandatory that you know where to find such resources. The internet is full of tremendous resources, but there are an excess of mediocre sites and references. The way that I will seek this information out, is through groups of people that are interested in the same topics that I am. Being involved in a group can lead to many different opportunities. My mentor throughout my college years explained to me he has accepted many positions just by being connected with someone, and also giving back to that group. A two-way source of communication builds trust. This trust leads to communities looking our for that individual and referring them to one of their own connections.

Although it is great to receive assistance, it is necessary to give back to that community. Being active within a group and sharing your expertise will portray you as a beacon of light to those within that group. Sharing your experiences and knowledge often will also make your group members seek you out with answers to questions they have. Being able to assist people you have never met face-to-face has got to be one of the most rewarding experiences I know of. Within your communities, you will notice the "newbie" or "new guy". Invite him in, listen to the stories and experiences they have to share. This will help your mentoring skills, and down the road you will able to offer advice to other's more frequently.

Remember, this network is about working together. Be kind, and think of your responses before you post. Text can always come across the board much more negative than you ever intended. Ask questions, maybe even if you know the answer to them already. This will give you a new perspective on what other people are thinking and how they would have behaved in a similar situation. But the most important thing to remember about a PLN, is to HAVE FUN! Be enjoying the interaction with others, you will show that group through the communications.