From DC to NYC, From Politics to Private: This Is How It's Done

From a friend of mine:

One of the best observations on life that I've learned from Keith is his credo regarding one's network of relationships, or "build it before you need it."  After leaving my last political job, I was amazed at how many folks whom I'd gotten to know over the past few years were willing to help me land my next gig.  But, when I first met many of these people two, three or four years ago, they were not in a position to help me.  I was not far enough along professionally and they were/are still the titans of their prospective businesses or fields.  While there was no immediate payoff for me, I carefully tended to these relationships and many of these folks became close friends and mentors.  When the time came for me to take a look at the professional world outside of politics, they invited me to interview at their firms and (sometimes without prompting) wrote letters of recommendation on my behalf.  Keith's motto also applies to moving to a new city/place to live.

I've since decided to move to New York, and any trepidation I had about moving to a new city has receeded.  I now realize that with my constant pinging and cultivation of loose ties, I've (inadvertantly) created a network in NYC before I needed it.  From job contacts to joining clubs and organizations and just making new friends here, it's been much easier with this help from others.  More often than not, the network you've nurtured for years (and you have to start early) should work seamlessly once you need it.