Are You Swinging or Standing?

Ever since I played baseball from the age of 3, it was instilled in me that it's better to go down swinging on strike 3. Never let an opportunity pass you by without giving it a swing, even if it is a curve ball. Maybe you are unsure if it is a strike or not, but no matter the circumstance, don't strikeout without swinging!

         Many of the lessons we learn from a young age can instill a value in us for the rest of our lives. For me, that lesson came from the sport of baseball. For others, it may have been playwriting or music or other various art forms. Ultimately, there is a value that can be drawn from the simplest things in life.

         Networking is much like a batter at the plate. The batter stands in the box with great potential in the form of a bat that rests upon the batters shoulders. All the batter must do is swing at the opportunity that is provided by the pitcher. If the batter strikes out swinging, the batter can say that was his/her best and there’s always next time. If the batter gets called out and doesn’t swing, well then, we will never know the true potential of the batter in that given circumstance.

         Baseball is the picture that comes to mind when I think of networking. Batters are considered highly successful for putting the ball in play 30% of the time. If you network and don’t make a lasting connection, you swung and there will be other opportunities. If you never swing, then I guess you never realized your full potential.

         Sometimes the worst batter on the team gets a hit. Everyone has potential, you must wait for the right moment. There’s always a time for capitalization for everyone. Some more than others, but there’s something about everyone that attracts someone.

         Ultimately, I can lay down a personal story. But who cares, go be a go-getter and network and swing at everything you can. The worst someone can say is ‘no’, and they still walk away respecting you for asking. Put your feelings aside, and put your career and future in the batter’s box. For your sake, swing the bat!

Pictured is myself and the most proud Buckeye that I know. Bill Houston bleeds scarlet everyday with his outfits. I could not be more honored to work with a character such as himself. I am interning at Alion Science & Technology in Foreign Military Sales, and he has given me great advice and mentorship along the way. I cannot enforce the power of networking enough. Swing away!

Best wishes,