If you know me personally, or go back far enough into my blog archives, you’ll know that I’m proud of my New Jersey upbringing, which includes being a fan of Bruce Springsteen. After all, that’s the law of Garden State citizenship, isn’t it? 😉
In his last album released in January 2012, Bruce’s first single was titled “We Take Care of Our Own.” Sample lyrics include:
“I’ve been knockin’ on the door that holds the throne
I’ve been lookin’ for the map that leads me home
I’ve been stumblin’ on good hearts turned to stone
The road of good intentions has gone dry as bone
We take care of our own
We take care of our own
Wherever this flag’s flown
We take care of our ownFrom Chicago to New Orleans
From the muscle to the bone
From the shotgun shack to the Superdome
We yelled “help” but the cavalry stayed home
There ain’t no-one hearing the bugle blown
We take care of our own…”
While the meaning of song lyrics is often left to multiple interpretations, one could see where Bruce is possibly (probably?) singing about economic hard times.
Whether or not you’re a fan of his music, there’s a lot of truth to the sentiment of taking care of our own. That’s true whether it comes to business networking or job searching. Think about it. If you have a friend or family member looking for work, aren’t most people more likely to want to help them first than a total stranger? What if you belong to a networking group, a social group or even a group on LinkedIn? Aren’t you more likely to share a lead with a fellow group member . . . someone you know, “one of your own?”
If you believe that premise, as I do, then the song serves as a great reminder in the power of networking. Networking should not be limited to when you need something or are looking for work. It’s something that should be done year-round regardless of employment status. Active networking is more effective than passive networking, so make sure you remain visible. And, for it to be the most effective, you must give to get.
Listen to the song here, and then get motivated to create a networking plan for the next month! What does your networking plan include?
Arthur Catalanello Consulting 
Great blog! (And yes, I’m a Springsteen fan, even though I’m not from New Jersey.) I wrote on a similar topic recently on my own blog, with some tips for networking: http://jkhansonwordcraft.com/2013/04/28/building-your-community-is-worth-the-effort/. It was inspired by a LinkedIn discussion about groups, which I think you were part of…
Glad you found the post useful. Good tips in your post Janice – I’d encourage readers to check it out!
Nice analogy Arthur. Bruce just always gets the job done. And I am a Bruce fan.
Music has a way of blending things together.
Laurene
Thank you Laurene!
Springteen’s words (and yours) rang true in 2010 when I found myself with fewer working hours and a practically nonexistent network. I blew the bugle quite loudly and yelled “help!” a few times, but the cavalry had every right to stay home. Then I joined New Horizons and the ABC Power Networking group. What I also found helpful were the JumpStart sessions. John Bayley showed a special interest in showing me how to teach others what I do best.
Right now I have 15 teaching hours at RIT’s English Language Center, which is actually equal to 35 with the hour of preparation plus all the professional development meetings. If ever I fall on hard times again, at least now I will not be a total stranger knocking on doors.
Thank you for sharing your experience here Lori!
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