25 Sep LinkedIn and Being Unapologetically YOU at 50+
Once I made the big decision to move to Chicago I began reaching out to anyone and everyone who knew somebody that knew somebody…and on and on. The networking game is the most valuable tool we have. Think about it—by the time we are 50 something we know a lot of people…a lot a lot of people—through friends…through your children…through work…through your spouse… and on and on. Collectively, we know so many people.
I made a list (my favorite thing) and started with those I knew from years ago working as a TV News Anchor. It was a beginning…my “so-called” baby steps into uncharted waters. My approach? Old School meets New School.
Starting with old school Networking 101, I listed everyone I knew in Chicago or who had relatives or connections in Chicago. The list was bigger than I could have imagined. It kept growing…
With “new school” I ventured into using online tools. I reached out to connect on LinkedIn. I have absolutely mastered Google. You can find everyone! You can find “stuff” you want to know — and even more “stuff” that you would rather not know!
And then “middle school”…email (in the ‘olden days’ you would have started with a phone call). The initial emails were probably too formal and stiff. Slowly I got rid of the ones who didn’t reply to my third and probably annoying email (although no need to send a fourth one!) Move on…
But I kept plugging away, and as people starting replying my confidence grew. I quickly realized that most people are generally helpful. However, more than that, many successful people like to “pay it forward.” They realize that someone helped them along their journey…why not do the same?
It is amazing how many meetings I was able to set up with complete strangers. I can’t even tell you how many Starbucks I have sat in waiting for someone that I can only recognize from their LinkedIn picture. Trust me—people don’t always look the same in real life!
This is what I have found so far….
Don’t be afraid to PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE.
Realize how much you have accomplished, organized and managed in 50 plus years. Don’t fool yourself—this is valuable work experience that can be leveraged into full-time work with a paycheck.
Believe in yourself and your own abilities. They are many!
At 50, we have a resume full of life experience. Maybe I can’t do an Excel spreadsheet in 20 minutes (or four days—today, but check back with me in a few weeks) but I can organize, mobilize and get “stuff” done better than any 25 year old who can do a Power Point! Don’t be apologetic. Initially I felt the need to almost apologize for not being in the full-time workforce for 25 years. Stop yourself. Be unapologetically you. It is indeed the best resume.
Be your authentic self and be proud of what you have accomplished.
One of my “strangers” in the Starbucks meeting place (who happens to be a giant in TV Media) asked, “So, what have you been doing for the past 25 years?” I took a deep breath and for the first time I stopped apologizing for the work I chose. I was my authentic self. I was my unapologetic self. I was lucky to have a choice—and I chose to stay home and raise four incredible children–while trying to save a marriage–and care for a mother with cancer. I spoke about my countless hours of meaningful and substantial volunteer work. I spoke about my children with pride and confidence. Damn—I set 4 great people into the world. My friends, this is real work—real skills—and there is no “sick pay” or “leave of absence.” And believe me—it’s full-time. It is hardly meaningless or trivial. For many us, it is what defines us. I am grateful that I had a choice– and even more so– unapologetically grateful that I made that choice.
By the time we are at this point in our lives—no apologies are necessary. We have earned the right to be ourselves and to show it off. Journey on with confidence, and always a sense of humor. Ask yourself—what is the worst that can happen? It can’t be that bad! But, I guess we will never know if we don’t try. But as my children say, “Do you.” You already own it.
I am hooked up, linked in and ready to go. This is the part where Mary Tyler Moore throws her hat in the air and says with a smile and confidence, “I’m going to make it after all…”
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