Stage 2 - Connect to the Community

Think of this Stage as a way to step outside your current world and build new relationships with new playmates in new playgrounds.

Tips

• Personal Positioning
• Lunch Toward Your Goal

Success Stories

• Cathy Connects with Communications Captains

Resources

• Rotary International
• Business.com
• Civic Venture

This Stage may seem daunting at first, but it can become quite exciting as you uncover a new understanding of what your market offers.

It will help you construct a new work path by gathering both anecdotal and statistical information on what else is possible for you. It's also a chance to give back to your community.

You can also build long-term relationships with people who can assist you by providing insight, introductions, and their ideas on molding your future. And, don't forget that it will be important for you to offer to assist them in some way. Experts refer to this as "the bank-balance approach"—making deposits before you make withdrawals.

You can achieve this on two fronts:

• Personally
You might decide to volunteer with your favorite nonprofit, or join your neighborhood association, or get involved with your religious or school board.

• Professionally
Consider getting active in your alumni association, a service organization (Rotary, Kiwanis, etc.), or a professional business organization or trade association.

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