I get asked all the time how I landed a job with @patriots
years ago.

It's an incredible story of luck and the power of putting yourself out there.

Here's a thread with the turn of events.

Back in 2006, I worked at a startup in NYC called Massive, an ad network for video games. Microsoft acquired it for $250M.

I wasn't satisfied with my role and didn't believe in the company for a variety of reasons.

I wondered, "Should I apply to b-school or look for a new gig."

On a perfect April evening, my girlfriend (and now wife) were enjoying dinner in Soho.

I explained to her that I was unhappy at work and that I needed a change.

She then asked me a question I'll never forget, "What is your dream job?"

I immediately answered, "I'm not exactly sure. But I've always loved technology, media, and sports. I guess finding a role at the NFL would be amazing."

She asked me if I knew anyone at the NFL or any of the teams. I was stumped. I didn't.

Later that night, I went to http://NFL.com  and discovered an open Sr. Analyst role on the Corp Dev team.

It was perfect. It not only matched my level of experience but also played well to my interests and strengths.

I wondered, "How can I get my foot in the door?"

The next morning while in the office, I pulled aside @eluft, and asked him if he knew anyone who worked at the NFL.

He said he didn't personally know anyone but heard that @mannyanekal's brother did. He insisted that I ask Manny.

Later that day, I asked Manny for coffee. I told him I found my dream job at the NFL and heard his brother worked there.

"Would you be open to connecting me?"

Manny said that he couldn't promise anything, but to email him my resume and job description later that night.

As soon as I got home, I updated my resume and fired off an email to Manny.

Not even an hour later, I got a call from Manny. He was in disbelief.

He said, "Are you sitting down? You're never going to believe this. The job you found is on my brother's team. He's going to help."

Not even 24 hours later, I was introduced to Manny's brother and managed to get my foot in the door.

Three days later, I was at the NFL HQ interviewing for my dream job.

I was on cloud nine. The stars aligned for me. I thought the universe had my back.

After four rounds of energizing interviews, I received a call from the Head of Recruiting.

He said that I was one of 3 finalists but they went with someone else. He also said they would keep me in mind if any other roles opened up.

My dreams were crushed. I was devastated.

Two months later, I got a call from an unknown number. Something compelled me to answer.

"Hello, is this Steven Schlafman? My name is Robin Boudreau and I'm the Sr. Vice President of HR at The Kraft Group. We got your name from the NFL. Do you have a few minutes?"

I was floored. The Kraft Group. The New England Patriots.

The role was for a Sr. Analyst to work on special projects related to investments, strategic partnerships, incubations, acquisitions, digital media, and more.

THIS WAS MY DREAM JOB!

After two months of interviews, Robert and Jonathan Kraft offered me the role in their office at Gillette Stadium. I accepted on the spot and started just in time for the 18-1 season.

It was a moment I'll never forget.

I landed my dream job with an incredible organization.

So why did I decide to share this story with you all?

Go after your dream job. Put yourself out there. Tap into your network. Ask for help. Set intentions.

You might not land where you expect, but new doors will open that will create new opportunities and transformations.