I lost my job exactly 72 hours ago.

If you timed the distance between the ‘news,’ (by a very unemotional boss of exactly three and a half weeks) and my first phone call to a recruiter friend, it was almost four minutes.

How had this happened? The job offer was presented to me while I basked in the glow of a coveted state position - helping job seekers find passionate ways to express their brands. I wrote the workshops, collateral and spoke to motivate and change. This job offer was one I couldn’t turn down. I cried at a happy hour thrown by coworkers and immersed myself into the new workplace, I was, (by my own admission,) blissfully unaware. I was amongst a bigger lay-off, and ironically- (though it shouldn’t have,) I felt a sense of calm, rather than anger when I heard my counterparts would also be hitting the pavement with me. In all reality: I found solace in not being alone. I was a professional at job seeking, (but aren’t we all?)

I did certain things incorrectly and for others I gave myself a gold star. Tenacity doesn’t equal quicker offers, but it will grease the wheels of my job search. The moment I heard the news, I didn’t allow myself to do anything but immediately call my network. We are only as strong as those willing to vouch for us.

Rule Number One: The moment you are satisfied is only a moment to breathe. If we are not always aware of our surroundings, or the hints that life is just waiting to show us we are only setting ourselves up to fail.

I should have seen it coming. The CEO was willing to buy us all new laptops but was unwilling to redo the terrible website. As the head of the marketing team, after I saw the collateral and online presence I knew changes had to be made. I was given something to pacify me when I should have understood what was really going on. My eyes were in love with empowering my team, creating new perspective and titanium-strength strategy. The lids were clearly closed to what might be happening internally.

Rule Number Two: In any moment of your life, within four minutes of news you should have the PERFECT person to contact.

Many job seekers do not have the luxury of my network at their disposal. Simply asking the words, “Can we have coffee,” could change that. There shouldn’t be a reason to scramble when life happens. Your network is there for you, just as you are there for them. Dual partnerships and empowerment can take you from an unpleasant situation to hopeful. Someone once said, “It’s the one you can call at 3am that truly matters.” Having someone able to pick up the phone for me has made me feel incredibly blessed for my relationships. What’s more important? Is who is calling YOU at 3am, or even 4:30 on an idle Friday afternoon. Those that are willing to share their bad news and hear your advice can be some of the most valuable connections you’ll have- call on those connections to propel yourself in the business world.

Rule Number Three: If it’s been 72 hours, a month, a year or even longer? The moment you give up on your job search or dream is the moment the world has nothing to offer you.

Tomorrow is coming up quickly. Instead of sleeping in or lounging in a much-deserved bathrobe and coffee day, I’ll be meeting people and discussing options. Certain days are made for relaxation, but Monday morning will still be business as usual. Re-ignite your drive and reach out to those around you. Success is as easy as the question, “Would you like to meet for coffee?” My mantra is: “I’ll always have something to offer.” So do you.

Kate-Madonna Hindes is a leader in the Social Marketing world who believes that the human passion behind today’s technology is the most important tool of all. Her recent credits include bookings at the Masters Forum 2010 Seres, 2010 ReBarCamp, MCAD, Social Media Breakfast in Imation Headquarters, 2010 National Cancer Conference in Chicago and recent on-air appearances with WCCO and International Radio.