Humans are social beings. We are meant to be connected. Whom we are connected to and how we are connected to them is crucial. Often times our relationships play an important role in our success or failure.
• About 48% of job-seekers obtain employment through referrals from people they know – networking with friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and former co-workers. Hiring managers don’t hire resumes they hire people.
• Have you heard the saying “Show me your 5 closest friends and I’ll show you your future”? Even youth understand that there is truth to that statement. If you are the kindest, smartest, most disciplined, most motivated, AND highest paid person in your inner circle I doubt that you are being “stretched” beyond your comfort zone and you probably need a new inner circle.
When you work with youth they want to know who you are not what degrees you possess. They want to know you care. We build relationship by being transparent. Don’t get me wrong – I have strong professional boundaries – but you can’t get to know your youth without allowing them to know the real you.
What you post online should be a reflection of your values and reminiscent of how you conduct yourself offline. When you connect with potential clients, advisors, and joint venture partners online they also want spend time getting to know the real you. As important as your words are your photos. You will not find lewd or questionable photos of me on line – in fact you might have to search awhile to find any photos of me online LOL. Understand these tips are coming from a woman who really dislikes taking photos. Despite my displeasure, I do understand that people want to connect a face with a name and a bio.
My colleagues and social media friends know that I am a mother, youth advocate, entrepreneur, and proponent of education and civic engagement. My youth know that I am honest, dependable and responsible. They also know that I love roller coasters, New Edition, Fred Hammond, and Crunchberries and that I dislike ferris wheels, taking photos, and corn. What do your youth know about you?
Nicki Sanders, MSW, Chief Visionary Officer
The Teen Toolbox provides youth portfolio development and civic engagement and academic enrichment opportunities to help teens set goals for life after high school and create a road map to reach those goals through its PACKAGED FOR SUCCESS™ Programs.