Networking happens both online and offline, and both are very powerful ways to further you in your job search and career management efforts.
I’m a big believer in taking an online connection offline whenever possible. When working with nonprofits, I saw the dramatic impact that connecting face-to-face had on the growth of volunteer programs I managed and in fundraising efforts I undertook. The same definitely applies when networking to achieve your career objectives.
With that, here are some outstanding folks whom I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with beyond e-mail and Twitter:
Michelle Martin (@pbhgirl)
My friendship with Michelle pre-dates my online activities considerably. She’s definitely a wonderful person — someone I know I can count on when I call for help. When my daughter needed to go to Urgent Care, Michelle was the person I called to stay with my son, and she came without a moment’s hesitation. She’s just a great person like that.
Michelle’s also a highly gifted photographer. She’s the one who took my head shots and allowed everyone to get to see me. (I can say, they are the best photos I’ve had taken since my wedding day!) Truly, if you have some photography needs and are within a reasonable distance from Madison, WI, Michelle’s the one to call.
Julie Kramer (@JulesAKramer)
If you’ve been readiing my blog for a while, you will recognize Julie as the featured job seeker here on The Job Quest. I had the pleasure of meeting Julie initially through Twitter. Those interactions led to e-mails, and then phone conversations. I haven’t been able to make it up her way due to geography and scheduling, but it will be great when we can connect in-person!
Julie graduated in May 2009 with a degree in business and concentration in marketing and graphic design. But don’t let the fact that she graduated less than a year ago fool you! She’s an ambitious person, completing five internships in her final two years of college alone. Looking at the information on her website tells you what a talented person she is!
Paul Wesselmann (@RipplesGuy)
I had the pleasure of meeting Paul several years ago when I was the program chair of Dane County Administrators of Volunteer Services (DCAVS — basically, the members are the folks who managed the volunteer programs across Dane County, WI). Previous to my involvement with DCAVS, Paul had been the Director of Volunteer Services of AIDS Network and a member of DCAVS. By the time I started my position with the local literacy organization, Paul had launched Stone Soup Seminars and was speaking all over the country.
One topic that was very necessary for our members was “Managing Compassion Fatigue.” Paul was so kind to take time out of his busy schedule to share his wisdom with us. At the luncheon he spoke at, he was so energetic and engaging! It was just what we all needed. I always have appreciated how he gave back to us that day. Thanks, Paul! 
Julie Weber (@Jewliweb)
I also encountered Julie at first through Twitter. She had been laid off from her position as a commercial interior designer last May, and she started a blog to chronicle her journey. In reading her blog, I found her to be a funny, talented writer. I also discovered that she is a wonderful artist.
After talking quite a bit on Twitter and e-mail, we decided to meet in-person. After a slight mishap in which the place we were going to meet at had moved to a different location (but failed to update their website — oops!), we finally figured out where we were going to meet. Julie is just as kind and funny in real time as she is on her blog and tweets. The conversation flowed effortlessly, as though we had known each other for a long time. Meeting face-to-face definitely cemented the connection I have with her.
How are you benefiting from taking your online connections into the offline world?
#FollowFriday happens every week here at The Job Quest. To learn about other wonderful folks who are follow-worthy every week, visit the #FollowFriday archives, and start following some amazing people!
