Pay It Forward

By: Timothy Augustine, Author, How Hard Are You Knocking?

It is estimated that the average person knows about 250 people. And each of those people knows, in turn, another 250 or so people. This means that for each new person you meet, you gain access to a potential pool of 62,500 people separated from you by just two degrees!

Now consider your network in college and the broad depth of skills, abilities, diversity, life experiences and accomplishments of the group.

As I write this article, I reflect on our current economy, the job market, the globalization of industry and the challenges that we all face as students of commerce. While reading my most recent Northwestern Alumni newsletter, I spotted an interesting quote about networking. “Follow-up by giving first, before asking for anything: Networking is a two-way street, where you get more when you give first.” Based on the current economic conditions and the uncertainty my job seekers are facing, I felt that an article addressing the power of networking might be appropriate.

Networking is the art of meeting people and benefiting from those relationships. The best networking professionals that I know build relationships and maintain long lasting connections. Within these established relationships we continue to learn, grow and find ways to help each other succeed. This cycle of giving back to the network that helps you is the concept of Pay-it-Forward!

During a recent seminar event, I challenged the audience to meet and network with fifteen people during the weekend. During these meetings, they were to uncover each other’s career goals and figure out how they could help each other. If they accomplished this and sent me an email, I would give them a signed copy of my book. Not only did I receive 62 emails, I also received a copy of a business card from one of the participants stating that the introduction in Newport Beach helped him land his first job!

A friend of mine recently received an unsolicited resume from a friend of a friend. Although, he did not have any openings in his firm, he reviewed the resume and noticed a few minor errors. He called the candidate with the suggested corrections and learned that this person was originally from his home town. He offered to help the college student with his resume, make a few introductions, provide and industry overview and give support and encouragement. The candidate landed a job as a Product Support Analyst in Chicago after an introduction from my friend.

It is the little things that can make the difference in a person’s life.

The concept of Pay-it-forward is founded on the principle of reciprocity and begins when someone gives you something you weren’t expecting. It inspires you to return the favor in some way. We all need advice, constructive criticism and mentorship. The success comes when we actively seek the advice, or engage others by giving freely of our talents, expertise and time which is the key principle of authentic networking.

Helping others and providing advice, encouragement and support is the key fabric that can keep relationships strong. Advice can range from career development, financial management, business acumen, or simple lessons learned. As an example, I asked a few colleagues what advice they typically share with college students.

Job Hunting:

How can you help someone land a job? What advice would you give a job seeker?

With an unemployment rate hovering at 10%, networking is critical in today’s job market. If you receive advice or assistance for your resume, interviewing, or salary negotiation, how can you share it with others? Keep your eyes open for job opportunities and share those leads with others who might fit the role.

Let 2011, be that year that we look inward to help each other and get through this tough economic downturn. Offer to review and critique a resume, role-play an interview scenario, or introduce the brother to someone in your network. Utilize social networking sites like Facebook and Linked-in to make introductions. If you are currently working, find opportunities for people in your network by providing a job or internship with in your firm.

Business Advice:

During my seminars, I always end with an open-ended Q/A period for student’s to ask any question that is on their mind. Here is a sample list of questions most frequently asked.

I wanted to provide a context for the type of information that is most relevant in today’s company.

Obviously, there are many more topics to consider, however, I wanted to at least get you started. These are the topics that you can use when providing advice to fellow brothers and your network. It is the little things that will go along way of supporting and encouraging each other.

Take a moment and reflect on the advice you have received, support you have been provided and advice that has helped you personally and professionally. Now, how can you take that information and Pay-it-forward to someone else?

Networking is a lifelong activity and is based on trust, support and a genuine interest in helping others.

However, a caution: don’t be disappointed if some people don’t spring forward to reciprocate immediately. The “good karma” you’ve generated will return the favor down the road – maybe not from this person – but from places you might not expect.

As you navigate through 2011 and interact with people in your network, be generous in sharing your talents, knowledge, and ideas, and always be respectful of and demonstrate appreciation to those to provide a helping hand, a lesson-learned or a word of encouragement.

About the Author: Augustine is a nationally acclaimed author and professional speaker focused on career development and corporate people strategies. He is the Author of the book How Hard Are You Knocking? and has been featured on ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC and reviewed in USA Today, Wall Street Journal, LA Times, The Chicago Tribune, and The National Association for Campus Activities. He has made numerous radio and television appearances and has presented to over 300 organizations and 100,000 people throughout the United States. He is a contributing writer to Inc. Magazine, Fast Company and Monster.com on topics pertaining to the people strategies of successful organizations. His newest award winning seminar is titled “Landing a Job in a Difficult Economy” To learn more about Tim, his books and seminars series, please visit www.howhardareyouknocking.com or contact him directly at 248-447-2005.