I realized early college that getting a job somewhere is really not about what you know but who you know. A degree is good and all but if you're networked in the right places - that's what matters.
My senior year in college, I participated in an event called "Lets Network" and let me tell you, I'm so glad I did. We had to apply to be apart of it. Essentially what it was, was a reverse job fair. For the entire semester - the profs in charge groomed us. Gave us insight to what people are looking for, critiqued are resumes, what to wear and what not to, we made business cards. Then the finale. We had a table set up advertising...us. Businesses from the Jackson area and beyond came and we sold ourselves and we networked. It was good and I needed it. I'm horrible at "selling myself" and my skills. It's not a gift and I'm thankful it isn't...in most instances.
I have recently been trying to get a piece of my "art" into a major art show in Grand Rapids. ArtPrize. I don't have many connections of my own. Some. But I'm a Wynalda and they have many. My great aunt worked for Devos for years. There it is. My connection. My In. My sure thing. I tried to use the connection. My mom and Grandma did. Nothing. She refused to help. I had another connection I was working at the same time (just in case). An acquaintance from college works at one of the venues. It's a long shot but I tried. Nothing.
All the while, I'm praying. God I know I think this is the right timing for this piece and I'm ready to share my story but You need to open the doors.
I don't believe my networking was done aside from Him or was in vain in any way.Standing idly by saying Jesus take the wheel is not always what we're called to do. Doors were shut.
I kept praying Lord if you open these doors, if you give me this inch - I will go a mile. Not for me. Not for these women but for You alone. To give You glory for Your work. If you choose to use me as Your vessel, I'm humbled and undeserving but I'm willing to be used. I'll rise to the occasion but it'll be Your doing, not mine. Yours.
I began feeling as if I let these women down. My family - extended and all. Oh great idea but it crashed and burned because the only supporters were relatives. In each discussion I had, ArtPrize was my goal - what I was reaching towards. Why? Honestly, I couldn't tell you why I'd dream that big. Well, it's big for me because I wouldn't consider myself an Artist in the slightest. Truly. I tend to negate the things I do as things anyone can do. Deep down, I know that isn't true but there is always that but.
I remember the first time I finally told some people at BSF that weren't family or participating about the ArtPrize idea and it was in that moment, It was a vulnerable moment for me. I'm not a sharer but it was necessary amongst the conversation and the Lord used it to reassure me. Again in conversation, I filled my boss in on it and she has me tell anyone were around because it gives her chills. People like ...Rick DeHaan the President of RBC who we had lunch with the other day.
It all happened rather quickly, in hindsight. Slowly and nervously for me. A week. The Lord opened the doors very clearly. No other networking was necessary except the networking done horizontally. It really isn't about what I know but WHO I know. The Networker. He is good and I'm ridiculously excited to see how He uses it, me, these women - all of it, for His glory.
More on this later.
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