Jose Velazquez Jr.’s Post

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✍🏻Epic Storyteller✍🏻 | 🎤Award-Winning Radio Personality 🎤 | Corporate Trainer | Executive Coach | Keynote Speaker

A #socialsaturday tip for my transitioning service members. Your connections shouldn't all be veterans. I get it. There's a comfort in connecting with people who've chewed on the same dirt as you. But don't let it be a limitation. Here's what "civilian" civilians have taught me: - We service members or veterans don't "own" patriotism, leadership, teamwork, or the flag of our nation. - Civilians weren't institutionalized in the system that created us. They filter the world through different lenses leading them to innovative ideas we might not come to if the only people we engage with are fellow veterans. - This is going to sound crazy but as good as you are at whatever it is you want to do, many of them are as good or better. Keep an open mind and learn a thing or two. - They are part of your future. If you live the average American lifespan, you will spend more time as a civilian than you did as a service member. It would be incredibly sad for you to live a life of distrust with the vast majority of Americans. - Last one and this is going to sound counterproductive. They're not going to understand or care about your rank or position. Many will feel great appreciation for your service. But your relationships with them won't be built solely on who you were. They'll be built on who you are and who you become. So be someone worthy of building relationships with. My challenge to you this weekend? Send 10 connection requests to civilians who have no tie to the military. Search for 2nd connections who share your interests or industry and reach out. Start building relationships organically before you need them professionally. I'm making an exception for me this weekend so if you're sending a connection request to a fellow veteran, I'm #opentoconnect. 🙋♂️ If you don't have LinkedIn Premium, don't worry about sending me a note. I know you only get five connection requests a month. Just hit "connect." If you do have LI Premium, I'd love a note from you. Let's be of value to each other. #veteranshelpingveterans #militarytransition #relationshipsmatter #jvknows

Marc Mills

Logistics Manager | Life Cycle Logistics (LCL) | Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) | Cybersecurity - SCRM (C-SCRM) | Veteran

8mo

What's your advice for introverts? I, for one, am not equipped for social conversations outside of work-related business. That, and I have zero time during the work week to even think about trying to research potential connections. Have a great weekend.

Don Herrmann, MBA, CPC, SHRM-SCP

Seeking a Vice President, Human Resources position | Strategically Focused Data Driven Leader of People |Helping Businesses Improve Performance, Productivity, Profitability, and Shareholder Value.

8mo

Great Words!!

Tyrone Hewitt

What’s my WHY⁉️ I ran into a former shipmate at a homeless outreach event - they weren't volunteering. That's why I keep showing up every day to share critical info about transition and Veteran benefits.

8mo

Great advice!

Andrew Stephenson

Senior Tactical Systems Analyst

8mo

Good thoughts Jose Velazquez Jr.! I made a similar comment to this on a different post yesterday, that I think LinkedIn networking can expand your life knowledge in a professional way. There is absolutely value in connecting with 'civilians' in your career field or perspective career field, to learn more about how that field operates from the non-military perspective. I think in addition to that, using the 'Follow' button can help diversify your perspectives as you move from the familiarity of the military out into the relative unknown. Want to know more about leadership? Follow those that talk about how they lead and challenges they face. Want to know more about starting a business? Follow entrepreneurs, both successful and unsuccessful as they talk about lessons that they have learned. Want to expand your perspectives? Follow a diverse group with opinions different from your established viewpoints. If there is an area of interest, likely there are others here that share that interest! These won't all be connections, simply following and reading, then engaging with comments. But through that you will find connections that can help you grow as a person, not just in a career.

Gregory Spiller "The Digital Diogenes"

2X #1 Best Selling Featured Author | Technology Swiss Army Knife | BizOps Alchemist | Just-A-Guy-as-a-Service |

8mo

👈🏻 civilian here. The best coworkers I've had have been former military. Many of my connections on LinkedIn are currently exiting or formerly served. Many of my students and mentees served. I am #opentoconnect !!! Thank you for your service 🙏🏻

Anthony Wagner, RBLP-C, LSSGB

Employment connections for the Military Community@RecruitMilitary | Event Director | Business Development | Military Transition Mentor | Family Man | Navy Veteran | Fairly Poor Gamer

8mo

Great tips as usual Jose! It's fine to start along Veteran lines to begin the network building, but you definitely need to branch out and gain valuable insight from folks who did not spend time in the uniform. They have unique perspectives within their industries that you do not want to miss out on!

Jennifer Bocanegra, MPS, APR(M)

U.S. Army Relationship Manager and Team Builder

8mo

Thank you for the wise guidance as always Jose!

Jenni Dobbs Ph.D.

Learning and Development Professional | Higher Education, Instructional Design, and Adult Learning Specialist | Military Spouse Advocate

8mo

Great challenge Jose Velazquez Jr.

Kathi Ghannam

Cleared Strategic Communication Specialist

8mo

Jose, your insights continue to amaze and inspire!

Jose Velazquez Jr. Very interesting. Thank you for sharing

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