I have someone coming soon to help me unlock a broken lock on my file cabinet.

I tried to pick the lock, according to internet sources. No luck, but a few four-letter words.

Drill out the lock, yes, that’s the ticket. But my last-century drill lacks the power and I lack the right drill bit. So I searched on a local “Dads” Facebook group and found a very kind fellow who is willing to do the drilling “as a good neighbor.” I then offered to compensate him with a bottle of red or white wine, but he declined.

Letting someone in your house is a risk these days, but after a few text messages and seeing whom he knows in town in common with me, the drill guy seems quite genuinely motivated to help.

Pivot…

Two and a half years ago I posted here about “letting someone in to your LinkedIn house,“ my thoughts about being cautious in connecting to those you do not know, or have not vetted via a screening zoom call or phone conversation. It bore repeating above as a PSA.

So many clients tell me they have no idea who most of their connections are. I wonder why they schlep heavy baggage with them so long for no reason, year after year.

An illustrative graphic of the power of a clean network is on the cover of my book, as you can see above, that’s how much I ascribe to this model. A great holiday gift if I may be so bold…

My advice:

  • Know the company you keep and are associated with you.
  • Shed the ones you do not.
  • Clean your LinkedIn house regularly.
  • Cultivate the best.

Your network is your net worth.