It s a shame I've been sitting on this book for about two years now. A friend of mine gave me Never Eat Alone , by Keith Ferrazzi a couple years ago (thanks Rey), and it s been on my bookcase ever since. It was resting there not because I didn't want to read it, but because I already had so many others in the pipeline. I finally got around to reading it last month and I definitely recommend it. In very simple terms, Ferrazzi explains why networking is important and how to do it. From how to make call lists to planning dinners to personal branding to goal setting, it s all here. He also maintains a valuable blog .
Inevitably there will be times when you have setbacks or things don t go your way. Maybe you didn't get a job you thought you were sure to get. Maybe you lost a job unexpectedly, didn't win a contract, or lost a major client. Your car always seems to break down right after you've had some other unexpected expense. These kinds of situations immediately place us in crisis. They don t feel good, but sometimes they re what we need in order to grow. The beautiful thing about crises is that they force us to take a step back and reevaluate what s going on in our lives and rediscover what we truly want and need. When we get over that initial shock and feeling of disappointment, we might realize that maybe that job wasn't really the best for us anyway. Maybe, just maybe, that wasn't what you really wanted to spend your life doing. Maybe that friend was holding you back instead of pushing you forward. The way I deal with crises of these sorts is simple: If something doesn't go my way professionally, I try to create a situation that would be more rewarding than the situation originally planned. A while ago, I was offered a job that looked very promising. After I accepted the offer, they pushed the start date back three times, later informing me (via e-mail) that they wanted to bring me on in the near future but I should feel free to explore other options. I was extremely disappointed. I felt disrespected and angry, but decided to make the best of the situation and follow my dream of working internationally. I then flew to Santiago, Chile and had great professional and personal experiences I wouldn't have had otherwise. Later, reflecting back on the original opportunity, I realized that working for a company that avoids a start date three times and then can t pick up the phone to explain the situation is probably not where I need to spend my time. Use setbacks as an opportunity to put your goals in order and act on them. In the moment, it s difficult to look at a setback as temporary, but they are. They happen to everybody. It s how you respond to them that will determine how they affect you.
I am deeply honored and excited by the response to the launch of my personal branding workshop series. What has been a hope and dream for the past year is officially becoming a reality on Monday, April 16, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. PST at Union One Square in Seattle, WA. This workshop series is intended to bridge the gap between the discourse around “How To Promote Yourself” and “How To Find Yourself.” Apparently there is a need for this type of stuff (The event sold out before I had time to promote it).
They will take place monthly (3 months on; 1 month off) every third Monday. They are designed to be cohesive enough that you can gain by completing the series, yet modular enough that you won’t be lost if you attend only one. More details and specifics are to come. I’m also working on building a live online version, a pre-recorded webinar version, and a breakfast/luncheon series.
More free stuff?
Currently, the on-site workshops are free to attend. If you’ve read any of my previous work, you’ve probably noticed that I like to give stuff away. Why would I do this? Why would I be willing to put in the time needed to research these topics, find out what people want and need, write the documentation, print the materials, buy the food, etc. and give it away? First and foremost, I want to ensure that this type of opportunity is not denied to anyone who wants access. I hope to work with marginalized populations who are typically prevented from nourishing network opportunities, education, and the confidence needed to develop their dreams. Secondly, I love learning. One of the best ways to make things stick is by teaching it. Plus, I’ll learn just as much from the people in attendance. Thirdly, when you do good things, you tend to be around good people. I’ve already felt enriched with the community of people who are working to effect positive change out there where they are.
Financial compensation will come in the form of personalized consultations, speaking arrangements, etc. So, professionally, this has the potential to be just as good for me as for anybody looking to polish their resume. At the end of the day, I want to do something that I can feel good about.
If you’d like to join the conversation, stay informed, and join the community please like the Facebook Page and follow @michaelbmaine and @menrvalabs on Twitter. You can also sign up for the Menrva Labs newsletter here.
Special Thanks
Before I conclude this blog post, I’d like to extend my huge, heart-felt appreciation for some of the people who helped make this possible:
Fortunato Vega—Thank you for being so gracious as to offer the venue at no charge so that I can afford to offer these events for free.
Mary Kay Chess—You have been a tremendously positive force in my world these past few months. Thank you for teaching me that it’s okay to just be.
Interviewees—To everyone I’ve ever interviewed for Menrva Labs. Thank you for re-inspiring me with each and every one of your stories. It’s people like you that remind me of the power we each hold to be the change we want to see in the world.