The Career Value of Who You Know

How many co-workers do you think you’ve had in your career? And, when you think about those people – your bosses, team members, people in other departments, etc. – how much do you value them?

Relationships are key for human survival. And, as in any good relationship, our connection to our co-workers requires attention.

From where I stand as a career coach, I’d go so far as to say that when you fail to appreciate the people you work with – past and present – when you fail to nurture these relationships, you are putting your career and your professional survival at risk.

As I write this I’m sitting in a hotel room in Los Angeles attending Vector Marketing Corporation’s national conference. If you don’t know Vector, there’s a good chance you know their product, CUTCO Cutlery.

Over the last few days, I’ve met several people who had a role within this company – a sales rep, a manager, etc. – then they moved on to something else. Then they came back. Including me.

I was recently brought on as a consultant to help CUTCO/Vector build an  alumni program. They believe in the career value of relationships and they are formalizing it with a program for those individuals who helped the company get to where it is today.

Sustained Relationships are a Key to Career Success

How I was able to land a consulting gig with a company that I left over 5 years ago? Relationships were the key. Because, while I found a new role with a different company, I was very intentional about not leaving my relationships with the people behind when I walked out the door.  And when I looked around the conference room at other folks who had returned in various capacities, I knew the same is true for them as well.

It’s never too soon, or too late, to attend to your professional relationships.

So, here’s your challenge for the week:

1. Who could you reconnect with?
2. Who did you enjoy working with?
3. Who would love to get an update from you?

Reach out. Say “hello,” and give them an update. You never know where it may lead.

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