Gratitude and Generosity – As the holiday season approaches, we are reminded of the transformative power and the importance of receiving with grace, and the sheer joy of giving back. These values resonate deeply in our personal lives and extend to professional platforms like LinkedIn, where collaboration, learning, and mutual support are the cornerstones of our networks.
The Ripple Effect of Gratitude on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is more than just a professional networking tool—it’s a thriving community where individuals share knowledge, provide mentorship, and offer services that foster growth and success. Expressing gratitude for these contributions not only strengthens relationships but also amplifies the impact of these interactions.
Here are some tangible ways to show appreciation:
- Write Recommendations: A well-written LinkedIn recommendation can profoundly influence someone’s career trajectory. By sharing how their expertise or services positively impacted you, you boost their credibility, offer meaningful social proof, and show genuine appreciation.
- Engage Authentically: Support others by commenting on posts, endorsing skills, and sharing valuable content. These small yet meaningful actions can leave a lasting impression.
Support for Nonprofits and Small Businesses
Nonprofits and small businesses are the backbone of communities, driving change and creating opportunities. Many have benefitted from nonprofit services, including career coaching, professional development, or networking opportunities. This season, let’s give back and show gratitude:
Black Friday
Consider purchasing products or services from small business owners who have contributed to your professional journey. By doing so, you express appreciation and support their continued success.
From November 25th to December 6th, you can use coupon code BLACKFRI24 to save $10 on an annual professional membership (reduced from $59 to $49) at our 501(c)3 nonprofit, Great Careers Network. This small investment—equivalent to a cup of coffee per month—can boost your career or someone else’s. That’s one cuppa coffee for 18-25 monthly events for less than $.25 an event.
Giving Tuesday
Nonprofits empower individuals and uplift communities. A tax-deductible donation to a 501(c)3 nonprofit that has positively impacted you is not just an act of gratitude—it’s an investment in their mission to continue serving others. It’s paying it forward if you are blessed with an income to help those who don’t have one. Exercise generosity if you are able.
Between now and December 31, 2024, if you’ve found value in my articles or the professional development offered by the Great Careers Network, you can support our work by making a tax-deductible donation. Visit https://givebutter.com/GCN2024 or text GCN2024 to 53-555 to donate. You’ll receive an auto-reply with a tax receipt for your records.
How to Give Back Mindfully & Exercise Generosity
Reflect on Your Network: Think about those who have shared insights, mentorship, or services that have helped you grow.
Take Action:
- Write a LinkedIn recommendation or endorse someone’s skills.
- Share a thoughtful post about a nonprofit or small business that has impacted you.
- Make a purchase or donation and share your experience to inspire others.
- Exercise generosity if you are able!
Encourage Others: Use your LinkedIn presence to inspire your network to embrace gratitude and giving. Posts about Giving Tuesday or supporting small businesses can create a ripple effect of generosity.
Gratitude as a Catalyst for Growth & Generosity a Blessing
Gratitude is not just an emotion; it’s a catalyst for stronger connections and positive change. Whether through a heartfelt LinkedIn recommendation, a thoughtful purchase on Black Friday, or a Giving Tuesday donation, your actions can create a ripple effect of kindness and collaboration.
Let’s embrace gratitude, receive graciously, and give generously this holiday season. Your generosity is a blessing to nonprofits. Together, we can strengthen our communities, amplify our professional connections, and support those who uplift us daily.
NEXT STEPS
- Subscribe to my newsletter on LinkedIn™ for bright ideas on how to manage your career.
- If you need a resume or LinkedIn™ profile to get you to your next step, book a call to chat! Can’t beat a free discovery call!
- Join as a member at https://greatcareers.org/membership of the #1 business networking association on the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Book of Lists four years in a row!
- To support our charity at KeepOnSharing.com and use the referral code Career
- Follow #GreatCareersPHL
BIO
Lynne M. Williams is the Executive Director of the Great Careers Network, a volunteer-run 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides career development and networking connections for 1) job seekers in career transition, including veterans, and 2) employed and self-employed for career management.
Aside from writing keyword-focused content for ATS resumes and LinkedIn profiles, Lynne is writing her doctoral dissertation on LinkedIn for Job Seekers. She is a contributing author on “Applying to Positions” in Find Your Fit: A Practical Guide to Landing the Job You Love, along with the late Dick Bolles, the author of What Color is Your Parachute?, and is also a speaker on career topics.
