Getting "Plugged In" to your Community

When I moved to Nashville, I didn't know a soul.  Well, I knew my ex-boyfriend, but I didn't really want to call him.  So, I set about getting plugged into the community.  How does one do that – get plugged in, I mean.   I've learned that whether you've moved to a new city or you've just graduated college and returned to your home-city – getting "plugged in" is the same.

I liken it to the mantra of a bride.  You know… something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.  There aren't many brides I know who aren't willing to play the odds in hopes of having a successful marriage.  Well, getting plugged into a new city is similar.  We suggest a well-rounded approach to networking… something for work, something social, something for your mind and something for your soul.  

Something for work – Start at work - meet the people in your department and systematically introduce yourself to those in other departments - especially those that can help you stay knowledgeable.  Also, attending functions offered by your area Jr. Chamber and/or Chamber of Commerce is a great way to meet people outside the company.  In the beginning, you won't have much to offer, but after you've established your network – you’ll be a viable player in this field.  Other options today include third party businesses providing event by event networking opportunities or your industry trade association or professional organization.

Something social – Making friends can be difficult – even if you grew up here, you may need a new circle because your high school friends moved to other cities.  Join a gym, join a social club or enroll in a sporting event.   Attend sporting events or enjoy happy hour at a bar where you feel comfortable.  Regardless how you do it – the key is to just do it.  And, it never hurts to attend those summer cook-outs and Sunday football parties of your friends – surely there are people they know that you'll want to know.

Something for your mind – Public seminars, college course-work, even basket-weaving or photography – it doesn't matter so much what you study, just make sure you keep studying.  And, if funds are tight, you can always learn from others – seek out a mentor in your industry or field of study and meet with them on a regular basis to learn from them.

Something for your soul – Finding a charity you can work with and really get involved is the most rewarding part of getting "plugged in".  However, you have to make two commitments:  first, you will select a charity you are passionate about and second, you will do all that you can to help them achieve their goals.  Get involved with your church, synagogue or mosque.  Become a member and go on retreats, participate in studies and help organize the annual picnic.  You will meet a wide variety of people who are eager to help you achieve success.  

Balance is the key - you can easily meet 100 new people each year by simply finding ways to work the networking opportunities we discussed above.  And, you'll have a great time doing it.  A research project completed at USC in the early 90's suggests, "the longer an individual participates in a business development, the greater the number of referrals.  In fact, the likelihood of receiving a hundred or more referrals virtually doubles with each passing year of participation.(1)"   If a bride is willing to play the odds on her wedding day, why not play the odds with your career?  

(1) Entrepreneur.com, October 2002