I Know Great People

Chances are if you’ve been in my life and on my list for awhile, I’ve connected you to someone or something.

I’m a connector by nature, and believe

making meaningful progress depends on connection, both to ourselves and to one another.

This principle was the foundation of my 12+ years as a career development leader for a national organization, and serves as a foundation to the work I do now.

And while the outcomes I delivered at that time were different, many of the tenets remain the same:

 Know yourself.

 Trust yourself.

 Be yourself.

 Be seen for who you are.

and

 Confidently go out, use your voice, shine, and connect with your people!

While I’m not specifically a career coach now — though my coaching clients are at different stages of their personal and professional transformations — I am always (unofficially) reviewing resumes, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters, and advising people in my network who are searching for their next opportunity.

Enter this edition of The Message. Yes, that’s the name of this email if you didn’t already know.

So many incredible people in my network are seeking their next opportunity to make the world a bit better by adding their magic to a new organization…maybe even YOURS.

Even if you’re not hiring now, I want to introduce you to some lovely people who you should know:

People like Meghan, who accidentally wound up in the data world but when you get to see her problem-solving, people-oriented, big-picture, creative brain in action — you know why. Plus she runs a craft mafia, writes fiction, and has contributed at all levels to the Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization — from participant to President.

People like Windea, who brings the fun into project management and strategy for every professional occasion, and personal ones, too! I’m super excited about her new side venture as she seeks a permanent place to land.

People like Hamilton, who knows advocacy, policy, and communications inside and out, and can create meaningful stories and back them up with get-er-done actions. Plus, he’ll make you laugh and keep it real, even in the most challenging moments.

People like Shrinitha, who brings a global MBA perspective with a highly respected MS in Marketing to nonprofits and organizations looking to do good in the world.

People like Amber, who can manage regional operations, people, and profitability for large scale organizations while still being one of the coolest people in the room. And you should hear her sing.

People like Ricardo, who knows tech support, troubleshooting, debugging, training, and all things IT inside and out — in English and Portuguese.

People like Beth, who illuminates AI for adults and kids alike. With her brilliance and background in education and science, and her incredible roots in volunteerism, she’s making the future (and our kids!) better.

People like Dominic, who can wrangle kids in an education environment and include all into the experience, and Embrace Matters of Richmond on the podcast he co-hosts with the legendary Carl, lead improv, and get people together in positive ways to create community. Want a breakfast dance party? Yeah, he’s launched that, too.

Even as the world becomes more “efficient” with AI (allegedly, because if you’ve applied for anything recently you know that the applicant tracking systems are garbage) and people are worried about being replaced by a computer, one fact from from my career development days rings more true now than it did then:

It’s WHO you know that makes the difference.

I hope you take a few moments today to expand your network with some quality peeps.

 Visit their LinkedIn profiles.

 Connect.

 Say hello.

 And if you know someone who is looking for a great human with their qualifications — make the introduction.

One last thing —

The most powerful takeaway from a class I recently taught to global Amazon professionals who wanted to learn how to leverage their network was that future leverage depends on how you nurture your connections now.

It doesn’t have to take long…even a few minutes a week can go a long way.

 Reach out to someone you miss working with and ask how they are and what they’re interested in right now.

 Send that article to the person who popped into your head while you were reading it.

 Connect two people who would benefit from knowing one another.

 Spend 5 minutes on LinkedIn and make a thoughtful (non-AI) comment on someone’s post that moves you.

Happy networking!

xox,

Michelle

P.S. I teach and facilitate a great 2-hr interactive session on “Strategic Networking” to help participants grow, strengthen and leverage their networks within organizations, and outside of them. Reach out to inquire how to offer it to your people!

P.P.S. Want to work together in a different way? I’ve got room for one more coaching client right now, let’s chat! I’m also booking tarot sessions if you want to spend a short, focused time exploring your inner knowing..

I speak on alignment, voice, authenticity, strategy, and all things communications related for companies and groups. Interested in developing something meaningful for your org? Let’s connect!

(photo by Toine Robertson, another person to know & hire for photo/video)

Want to work together?

Visionaries hire me to help them navigate the liminal points and be a thought partner, coach, and strategist for their lives and businesses.

Leaders hire me to amplify their brand voice, align strategies to values and goals, and work with their teams to facilitate growth and connection through engaging training, workshops, and speaker-led sessions.

 Seek yourself. Be more you.