Networking with Dead People

I don’t normally network with dead people, but there was a day in my career when I was touring the (then under construction) Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum. I was learning more about the President and his personal life. I was also learning about myself.

I was in a crisis in my job as the Illinois director of tourism. A proposed budget cut that would affect budgets all over the state was creating a tizzy. Rumors were flying that it was my fault. I took it personally. So personally, that I couldn’t sleep. I was a mess.

The exhibit that taught me one of my best life lessons is called the Whispering Gallery. It is a narrow hall filled with horrible newspaper stories about Lincoln and his wife Mary Todd—he was a monster, her dress was cut too low. There were many, many more.

I never knew he and his family were subjected to the same vitriol that is thrown at all of our leaders today. It was eye opening. I realized that my crisis was small and perhaps petty. Most importantly, I realized could power through—and I did.

You can learn a lot from those who came before us. Take some time to network in the past about the past, and focus on a biography of someone you admire. You will be inspired.

An Invitation: I want to share your networking story, good, bad and/or funny. Please reach out to me at jankostner@gmail.com to have your story featured in a future blog.

(P.s. - The money was restored to the budget, life went on, crisis adverted.)