True story . . . While standing in line at a local coffee cafe, two people exchange answers to the "how's it going?" question with each other. One says, "Things are awful, my business is in the toilet." The other says, "I just got laid off from my job, I don't know what I'm going to do."

What's the upside to outcomes like these?

Fourth in a series. Each month, we'll present "real world etiquette" advice for people just starting their career (as well as those needing a bit of polish and finesse).

Networking doesn't have to be difficult or feel like pulling teeth. It doesn't have to be complicated or feel like work at all. It can come from the things you do in your normal day to day life . . .

Inspired by Susan Morem, author of 101 Tips for Graduates

You've been taught to do this since you were a little kid. So, why in the world would you suddenly stop saying "please" and/or "thank you"?

Plain good manners aside, as a career strategy, sending a thank you note may give you an edge over other candidates. According to Robert Half Technology, "80% of the executives polled said sending a thank you note following an interview can boost a job seeker's chances of landing the position."

Even with this huge support for thank you notes, hiring managers still report that almost half (49%) of applicants fait to send them.

I would like to introduce you to my "cool friends", Karen Arnold and Kevin Williams, and encourage you to visit their website:

www.futuredeci sions.com

Karen Arnold and Kevin Williams (co- Founders of Future Decisions) assist organizations in developing strategic plans designed to manage their changing workforce and thrive while experiencing significant employee losses due to retirements. Visit their website to sign up for their newsletter which covers topics such as workforce trends and multi-generational work groups - - you won't be disappointed!

"Uncle Sam wants you". (1917) "Join the people who've joined the Army". (1973) "Be all that you can be". (1981) "The power of one". (2001) "You made them strong, we'll make them Army strong". (2007)

The recruiting slogans of the U.S. Army have historically been targeted to the individual. Today, the U. S. Armed Services knows that in order to recruit Millennials, a successful value proposition must also speak to their parents as well. This is the first time in history that the message has been targeted at the parents of a generation.

Then - The key to success was to plan alternative paths so that there would be "no surprises".

Now - Traveling lightly and living a life of perpetual surprise.

The road I took to get me where I am today has been a long and winding one. Every day I wake up to something new, something unknown, its all been something of a surprise . . .and then . . .