A few weeks ago, I shared a story about a young woman who was fired for sending an email to the wrong person. You might recall that she struggled significantly and was very distraught over the loss of this very important job to her, to which she had been recently promoted. I gave her the standard advice: all things happen for a reason, this type of thing happens all the time, it will be ok, you will bounce back from this. And while I was certain that each of these statements were true, she was not.

I helped her re-work her resume and set up a LinkedIn profile. I directed her to a couple job board aggregators and assured her that we would be able to find something. She was less then certain and was facing something many individuals currently face: the chance that she might not be able to pay her rent. She felt like a ticking time bomb; her nerves were shot and she was very unsure of herself.


About a week and a half ago, one of my connections contacted me through facebook after he realized what I did for a living. Several months back, due to the downturn, he had laid off his Executive Assistant. Time had improved his company's situation and was ready to hire some help. His previous assistant had left with very hurt feelings but was able to gain other employment. He was certain she would not return to work for him. He needed assistance finding a new assistant, could I help?

Of course I could help and my thoughts turned instantly to my young friend and her recent experience. I messaged him back through facebook and told him I had someone in mind and I would forward her resume to him. He was very excited to review her experience and called her immediately for a phone interview which resulted in an on-site meeting the next day. She was hired by the time her interview had been completed and was asked if she could start the next day. In total, she was out of work barely two weeks.

I didn't receive a fee for this one. My facebook connection offered to pay me but I refused. My payment was something far greater and more personal than any fee could come close to satisfying. I had connected two people that would have never known each other were it not for me, and it had been accomplished through the use of social media and what I like to call in-depth networking.
In a day and a half.

My friend just started her second week at her new job. She called me and asked if she could send someone my way that is looking for a job. Her trust and self-assurance had been regained. That is the greatest payment of all. Sometimes, you just have to do it because you can.


by rayannethorn