Running may seem like it’s the perfect sport: it’s competitive, requires discipline, and can be done by most healthy individuals. However, there are other perks to running that many of us sometimes forget about. With today’s economy and the uncertainty that surrounds all job seekers and holders, wouldn’t it be nice to let your running bring you a few economically minded perks?
Qualities of Running:
Running allows you to display qualities that may not make it on your resume. If you’re looking for a way to display your abilities beyond crunching numbers, then you can let running do that. When you network, your objective is to get an interview through not only skills but your individual characteristics:
Discipline: You want an employer to know that you have discipline, what better way than to run with prospective employers or others who may know a tip? By showing up, putting out, and staying on pace, you’ll be displaying discipline.
Motivation: You may want an interviewer to know that you have the motivation to take on a particular job. You’ll meet new people when you decide to run with a group, and when you put out good effort they will be able to pick up on it.
Follow Through: No one wants to hire or work with someone who’s great out of the gate but slows down during the final lap. Whether you’re running with a group every day or training with others for a marathon, your ability to finish will not be questioned.
Running as a Means of Networking
Finding Others: There are always business willing to sponsor runners for marathons or local races, so get out and start finding them, it’s a great way to get involved with a company and display your skills to others.
Running in Groups: People talk. In the gym, you have to be careful as people are usually pushing to get out, or you could even come across as a little bit on the creepy side. But if you’ve found a running or training group, you shouldn’t have any problem finding people who are willing to break the monotony of a run with a little conversation.
You’re Not Selfish: When you’re trying to network, you don’t want to come off as hard up for an opportunity (though, many of us are). But when you’re running, it’s about the run. It’s not about a mixer where the conversation is forced or where those involved feel obligated to speak.
Networking is an important quality and skill for everyone to learn. It’s always important to spread out social circles, but running allows it to be done in not only a fun or opportunistic manner, but one that requires dedication and quiet resolve. You won’t need to sell your integrity when networking, because your integrity is what is allowing and pushing you to run.
