About Networking - Getting Personal

Just to share a bit about my own experience.

Back when I was still a full-time employee, I pigeon-holed myself in my own little world, happy and content of my career and what was to come up. Obviously I had my ups and downs, triumphant moments and set-backs, but in general, I was very much a company man. Through trials and tribulations, I finally got made, in the Wall Street jargon - I made it to the front office and became part of a structured transaction team.

Then the credit crisis hit and the layoff was a wake-up call, probably the best that could have happened to my career. With myself over 40 and a family of three young kids, I had to do a lot of hard thinking. Not necessarily worried about finding a job immediately but my main concern was: what if it happens to me again when I am 50.

One major takeaway from that period is the value of networking, and the very reason that I decided to stay on consulting instead of taking it as a mere transition. Among others, consulting provides a great opportunity for me to meet with interesting and talented people and expand my network significantly.

In hindsight, I was institutionalized (borrowing a concept from "Shawshank Redemption"). The world has moved on and I was too afraid to venture out of my comfort zone due to my family obligation, the perceived risks and the list goes on.

Here is the official definition of "institutionalized":


However, I am not saying that you should quit your current full-time job and venture into the wild wild west. I still fully believe the boot-camp of an institution, through which you will be properly trained for the right tools, social / political skills, rational self-assessment and value-set, before you are ready on your own. For that, please refer to a previous post - Career Advice (click me).

So how do you network?

Here are a few excerpts from "Never Eat Alone" that I hope you find interesting. It's never too late to start networking but it's always too late when you need it the most. Refer to "Why NEA?" (click me)

Thanks for linking-in with me. That's a good start. Bottom line is: my network is yours to lose.

Note: Originally sent as an email (with some modifications) to someone I tried to network with and then shared with my young friends on July 26, 2012. The bits about "institutionalized" are today's additions.