2024 has been a difficult year for many people.

So many companies faced the decision to let go of a large portion of their employees. Entire industries shifted and their workers have been impacted leaving many people looking for new opportunities of employment, or supplemental income.

When I look back over both my own professional career and my entrepreneurial journey most of my opportunities have come directly from my own network, not from a job board, an agency, or a platform.

My direct network.

New jobs, new gigs, connecting with new groups, even opportunities to learn a new skill, technique, or method have come from the people I already associate with in some form.

We live in an age, more now than ever, your best opportunities are most likely to come directly from the people who already know, like, and trust you. The friends and family who know your personality, the former coworkers and colleagues who know your work ethic and areas of expertise.

One of the things I have noticed recently is the reluctance to share exactly what you are looking for. Yes, I see posts immediately after being let go from a position, the adding of the “Open To Network” badge or and sharing the previous position. Those happen when the shock of losing a job comes suddenly.

I am speaking to the reluctance to share one's hopes and ambitions because we do not want to look foolish in front of others, or because (one I hear more often) we "do not want people in our business".

Ok, but how do you plan to ever grow or transition to something new?

Gary Vaynerchuck often talks of how one post can change the entire trajectory of someone's career. I am reminded of the viral video post on LinkedIn from Marta Puerto which currently sits at over 147k reactions, 7k comments, and 5k reposts.

That one post landed Marta a new position within a month after being unemployed for some time. One post was all it took.

Because Marta took action, was not worried about looking silly or sharing she was out of work, and hit publish, her network went to work promoting the video which made it go viral which landed her a new job.

I would challenge you to think about digging the well before you are thirsty, building the bridge before you need it, plant the seeds before you are hungry. You get the analogies.

Do not wait for a job loss to institute a change in employment, but if that is where you find yourself now what do you have to lose?

You need to [authentically] tap into your network that already exists and let them know you are searching and what you are searching for, whether you have employment right now or not.

Here are 2 methods I would encourage you to try moving into the new year.

The first is to write a public post.

Publish a post letting your network know what you are looking for. If you are looking for a new full time position say that. If you are an entrepreneur, state your services and your ideal clients. If you want part-time, extra work just for a small period of time write that out.

“Hello LinkedIn [or whatever platform you are posting on]! I am looking to expand my photography services this month with 3-4 new personal trainers, fitness enthusiasts, and local gyms. If you know someone who is excited about helping others reach their fitness goals please tag them in the comments, or send me a DM with their info so I can reach out directly. Excited to connect and talk further on any opportunities! Thanks!”

“Hi people, I am looking to make a move and work in X field/industry/company. Does anyone on my list have a connection and can make an introduction? I would also love to sit down over coffee and get advice on how I might best transition into this new field/industry/company!”

Be clear on what you want so your network knows what they can recommend.

The second is a more direct approach.

Think of a past colleague who works in the industry you would like to work in, or who may have a connection in the industry you would like to work in, and reach out to them. Send a direct message letting them know you are looking and ask if they have any advice, or know of a company who may be looking for what you have to offer.

Even better ask if they have a recommendation for you to talk to, a hiring manager or HR representative you can get connected with.

“Hi Tim, I see a job listing on [XYZ]’s company page. I am interested in applying for this position and I know you work there, so I was hoping you might have a contact I can send a note and my resume to directly? Or if you could put me in contact with the hiring manager I would love to reach out to get around the automated system! Thanks Tim!”

Take the initiative to ask for what you want. Put in effort to create the outcome you want.

Applying online to 25 listed positions every day doesn’t work. Sending your resume out to 100 various companies in hopes of hearing back from one or two of them is the way of the past.

These techniques may have worked 5-10 years ago but not in today’s market.

On the other side of the coin I see posts where people are frustrated with the job search process and how much it has changed post-Covid. Being ghosted by agencies, having a first interview and not hearing anything back, sending their resumes and cover letters out into the never ending either on a hope and a prayer it will reach a decision maker.

Signing up with recruitment agencies and waiting or applying online to 25 companies every day are the ways of the past. To move forward you must utilize your network to get in front of new opportunities.

Growing up I heard the phrase “A closed mouth doesn’t get fed” and it applies more to today’s job search than ever before. I also heard “No man is an island”, and “You network is your network”.

In the book The Proximity Principle author Ken Coleman outlines a very simple concept that when implemented can be the difference between remaining where you are and finding work you love and enjoy.

In order to do what you want to do you must be around people who are already doing it or in places it is happening.

Connection is the new normal. In fact it is paramount to success in both our personal lives and our professional careers. It is pivotal for continued growth.

Connection is required now more than ever before and if you are looking to make a change the search should begin with those you already know.

Do not let fear of how you will be perceived stop you from taking action.

Your next opportunity will most likely come from someone you are already connected to right now, they just need to know you are ready.