Networking

Do you take time to network? I try to, even though I'm an introvert. Here are several ways to network without going too much out of your comfort zone:

• E-mail your contacts or clients and let them know you're available for freelance assignments


• Talk to your friend or neighbors about what you do. Maybe they know of someone who needs your services.


• Join a professional organization related to your career or expertise


• Join a professional network group such as www.LinkedIn.com. You can expand your list of contacts by someone including you in their network.


• Write in your own blog and find people to read and add comments to your blog. Add your blog address to your signature line in all your e-mails.


• Exchange business cards whenever possible, especially at seminars, workshops, or conferences


• Go to www.google.com and type your area of interest to find an organization or others with a similar interest


• Join an online discussion group. Try http://www.yahoogroups.com.


• Tell your contacts or clients to recommend your services to others.

Now all I need to do is follow my own advice! Actually, I've done a few of these. What about you?

Friends

What do your friends mean to you? Do you have different types of friends (like old school chums, coworkers, ex-coworkers, family friends)? Do you ever introduce your friends to one another? Would they get along, if all they have in common is you?

There are friends who are good listeners and those who are great for a good time and aren't interested in hearing about your troubles.

I have different sets of friends. Most are very supportive and are understanding while I'm grieving for my sister, but I can tell that others don't want to talk about how I'm coping with my sister's death.

Friends are there for you when you want to forget about your troubles or want to hear about how their life is going. I often find that my troubles are small compared to the hardships of others--like suffering with terminal cancer.

Of all the friends I have, no one can compare to the friendship I had with my younger sister. when we were growing up, I was always trying to get rid of her, but as we grew up, we became closer than ever. We told each other everything--good and bad news, gossip, current events, opinions, wishes, dreams, fears--and listened to each other when the other one had to vent.

None of my friends even come close to the friendship I had with my sister. Will I ever find a friend like her? I doubt it.