So I've finished working for the international consultancy as Head of Marketing and Communications of the Lithuanian firm for quite a few years. It's the first week that I don't have to rush to work and do the 8-to-5 office hours.
Is it scary after so many years of office-going to feel unemployed (or rather - self-employed!:)? Well, believe it or not - not at all! I'm involved, together with business partners, in setting up a MarCom company and it takes a lot of energy, time and constant and instant decision-taking. I realised that every day is a full-time negotiation session.:) Negotiations take place with partners, potential partners, prospective clients and suppliers. It's tiring, challenging but very interesting! Each day and each hour brings new situations, issues and crises that need to be solved in a cool, reasonable and value/benefit-based manner.
Over these last weeks I've been meeting many people with different backgrounds, occupations and goals. It takes an experienced negotiator not to lose temper and get the results one needs. Am I a good negotiator? I don't know. You - my friends - could tell better. But judging from the results, I am not disappointed.:)
Most of the people I meet are people I've known for some time. I also meet new people who can direct me to the people I need for the benefit of the new company. And you know what - the power of social networks (personal and business contacts) is amazing!
Since starting this blog and announcing my career change, I've met some of you personally under various circumstances. All of you were very congratulatory, supportive and excited. That makes me very happy and assures that the "drastic" decision (according to some of you:) was the right one!
Most of you mentioned that you were about to post a "Congratulations!" comment on this blog but didn't want to sound boring and therefore didn't write any comment. Well, please do post your comments on this blog! They will show if the things I write about are of any interest to you. And they may start a healthy discussion with other friends and colleagues.
Come on, don't be shy - communication is an important part of life! As are social networks - friends, colleagues, business contacts, etc.
"On the road again", photo by Paulius Gasiunas
2 comments:
Labas Giedriau,dziaugiuosi,kad atgaivini savo bloga ir nuotraukos puikios! Kur vaziuosi su dviraciu,gal iki Milano :-)? Rasa
Hello Giedrius
being involved in several projects, I definately agree on the importance of networking. I wouldn't say it is a true "key factor", but it is rather a result of being a good communicator/coach/director/negotiator/...
It sure boosts the drive within yourself and can open a lot of new opportunities. But let us not forget it is more than just this. Good communication often results in networking (if not I think you should reconsider the impact of your communication skills). Not only does it create opportunities, things or people that might be able to help you, but moreover, it stimulates your own skills, perspectives, horizont,...which is essential in communication.
There is a rule saying "know your target audience", which is of course one of Thé key factors, but what if you , as a communicator, lack the understanding of your true self.
(social) networking can stimulate all this, and will come as a result of good communication, and become the start of new networking. So the circle never stops, on the condition you know how to maintain your network.
To my belief, seeing it as an outcome to take "advantage" is not the right way of networking.
So far my humble opinion.
I am looking forward to meeting you in Februari!
Best wishes
Philippe (Belgium)
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