How I’ve Found Community in Street Clean-ups

When I talk about networking with all of my clients, I always say, "Focus on community."

Let me tell you what I mean... 👇🏽

• Read the video transcript

  It started with a simple thought: "I sure do love my city, but I really hate people crapping on it, both literally and figuratively."

   Let me back up. Last fall, I decided I wanted to get more involved in my community. If you know anything about me, you know I am always on the go and always traveling.

  But I am now in my San Francisco era, and I wanted to make sure that I was actually being about it, not talking about it when it came to making my city better.

  So I joined local street cleanups and I tried all over the city to find my place, and I sure did with a motley crew of neighbors who get together every Saturday morning to clean up Lower Nob Hill and Polk Gulch, right by where I live.

  At first, I thought I was just helping out, but it turned into so much more. I have met dear friends, I have collaborated with my neighbors I've developed a close working relationship with my supervisor's office, and met the mayor. I even landed a new client all from volunteering.

  None of that was the goal. It just happened. When I talk about networking with all of my clients, I always say, "Focus on community."

  You don't need a name tag. You don't need a pantsuit. You just need to find some things you love and show up.

  For me, that's cleaning the streets of San Francisco. And for you, it could be totally different.

  So if you're in a job search and you're trying in various ways to expand your network, don't sleep on volunteering. It's not just good for your résumé. It is actually really good for your soul. You'll meet people, you'll make real connections. And if you're like me, you might just fall in love with your city even more than you were before.

  So tell me down in the comments, what have you been up to lately that's building your community network?