I’ve been a member of LinkedIn for nearly 15 years… I just checked the date of my first testimonial.
I have used it for lead generation, taught folk how to use it, built a couple of networking groups and spent many hours posting on the platform. I even introduced LinkedIn to Williams F1 and earned me some commish 😉
But probably the most useful experience happened very recently.
My son has started his final year of a Masters in Anthropology and Innovation at the University of Bristol. First year he was in halls, 2nd year the girls sorted out the accommodation, 3rd year girls sorted it, 4th year he’s on his own so we started looking in August!
Estate agents tell me he should have been looking last October… what’s that all about?
Anyway we found something through Spareroom.co.uk, a room in a “normal” house, bills included but not ideal. South of the river, bit of a trek to college and work but it’ll do if really pushed.
Then I had a moment of inspiration… I put together a blog post “Students helping with the Cost of Living Crisis in Bristol” and then shared it with my 1st connections on LinkedIn in Bristol.
One of those connections stepped forward and said he liked the story and while he didn’t have room for a student, he would share with his network which is obviously much greater than my own in Bristol.
Step forward our hero… a flat on the Quayside that is having some work done on it but he’d be happy to offer it to Charlie for a very reasonable price… Yeehaa 😉
There were a few teething issues but resolved, Charlie moved in last week and yesterday I drove over with our old dining table and we bought a few chairs locally for him to host a dinner party for those who allowed him to sofa surf while this miracle was allowed to form.
Thank you LinkedIn for making this happen. Thank you to those in my network who have responded to my calls over the years, especially this one. Thank you to our hero, who I rewarded with copious Honest Burger vouchers for making this dream a reality for my son.
Moving into his final year at Uni, needing many hours of quiet time to focus on his studies as well as being within jogging distance of uni, work and play.
Last but not least, thank you to the universe for making this happen.
Jon – Father of a very happy boy 😉
