Career Clues

Over the past few weeks we watched the John Adams mini series. I admit history was not my favorite subject in school though I enjoyed this very long series.

A few years ago I would have balked at hours watching this historic tale. My husband’s love of history and our travels over the past few years have changed my perspective. We both enjoyed our tours of Boston, New York City and recently Philadelphia.

This spring we visited Philadelphia, our country’s first capital, touring Independence Hall where the Second Continental Congress debated the Declaration of Independence. We saw the Liberty Bell which once hung from the Independence Hall bell tower and called the citizens to hear the reading of the new Declaration.

In Boston, we followed the Freedom Trail, touring the Old North Church where Paul Revere’s “one if by land, two if by sea” message was sent. We walked the deck of “Old Ironsides” and climbed up the Bunker Hill Monument commemorating the initial Revolutionary War battle between the Patriots and British armies.

In New York, we took the kids to the Statue of Liberty overlooking Ellis Island where their great grandparents entered the country from Europe. We sat in the pews of Trinity Church, a hub for the American Revolution just blocks away from the devastation of Ground Zero.

Watching the John Adams series pulled these experiences together for me. Seeing the historic places we visited woven through the tale brought the story to life. How different from my initial thoughts that these visits to historic places would be dry and boring. I would have missed out on learning interesting stories and lessons from our countries first leaders.

People comment regularly on the interesting people I talk to in person at home, when I travel, on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn. I reach out to others who post interesting comments and always follow up when someone recommends a new connection. I have yet to be disappointed. I have an eclectic network and would not have it any other way.

Have you ever felt uninterested in talking to a new contact thinking you might not have anything in common? Do you focus on the differences between you? Building a network is about finding common ground. Get to know the whole person to see where you have shared history, interests or goals. Be open to learning and give people a chance. You may be pleasantly surprised.

I look forward to visiting our nation’s capital, Washington D.C. to continue our own trail of history.