Advance Your Career with this One Simple Step

This is a quick tip with big implications.

Ready?

Join a group!

Why?
Joining a group will:

• expand your network,
• help you learn and develop,
• show interest and enthusiasm in a particular field, and
• let others get to know you.

Where?
There are groups everywhere people. Here are just a few places to get started.

• Alumni groups
• Associations in your field of interest (Ex. The Association of American Publishers)
• Professional development group (Ex. Toastmasters)
• Local networking group (Ex. BNI- Business Networking and Referrals)
• Chamber of commerce
• Volunteer organizations
• Hobby groups (Find these easily on meetup.com)
• A group around your demographic (Ex. young professional group or women in PR)
• Social media groups on Facebook and LinkedIn (Ex. On LinkedIn go to groups and type in your university and profession to get started. If that doesn’t work try typing in just your profession.)
• Political group
• Religious group
• Community group (Ex. Neighborhood civic association or Rotary Club)
• Make your own group

How?

• Show up
• See if you like the group
• If so, show up some more
• Be a giver (offer help and support as you can to other members)
• Attend regularly
• Smile and be friendly

As I was working on this piece I thought about the different groups I’m a part of. Each one has provided a resource or a connection that has helped me on my own journey. My engagement with the groups I’m a part of has varied depending on whatever else I’ve had going on in my life, but over time they’ve really enriched my life.

No one makes it alone.

Help your chances at success by going forth and joining a group!

What groups are you a part of that you would recommend? Or what group are you interested in joining? Leave a comment below!