Great post Steve. Especially for those of us in college (or younger), it's easy to see networking as a one-way street; a task we have to complete to get the job we want. That selfish outlook may work (at getting a job) but it's useless for building a true, value-sharing network (which has benefits far beyond landing that first job). Some people, as they gain perspective and experience, realize this, and start to give back, but it would be wonderful if we all had a give-first mindset from the start.
bubelah
· 8 months ago
To say that it is NEVER about you is quite strong. I think it is at least 50% about YOU. Take even non-professional relationships like friendships. YOU make friends because YOU enjoy their company, the way they make YOU feel about YOURSELF and how YOU spend YOUR time with them. It is true, though, that you should not expect anything in return but offer some.
craig
· 8 months ago
Agree, almost more about good karma and what you can do for someone else. If you can get them a connection, information on something, tickets, etc. you will be remembered more for that and in the long run hopefully can gain from a networking connection. It's about establishing relationships, not what you want, because the reality is no one cares what you want.
Steven@hundredgoals.com
· 8 months ago
I learned the lesson about it not always being about me when I was pushing for a position in the company that I work for which would place me overseas, something I've wanted to do for a long time. When I was talking to my manager about the position I spent most of the time talking about how the position was a perfect match for me, how I this or I that. At some point in the conversation he asked if he could stop me, and I of course obliged. He politely told me that it wasn't about me, it was about what I could offer the company. Needless to say, I didn't get the position and I learned a hard lesson.
Good post!
TStrump
· 8 months ago
Networking should always be ongoing. By the time you need it, if you haven't put any effort into it, it's usually too late.
fathersez
· 8 months ago
This is just like spreading goodwill. Ask not what you can do for me....but what I can do for you, kind of thing.
Having said that, whilst I know the so called theory, I am quite a dunderhead failure at this so important art.
Patrick
· 7 months ago
Fantastic advice. I never thought of it this way before.
All Comments
Good post!
By the time you need it, if you haven't put any effort into it, it's usually too late.
Having said that, whilst I know the so called theory, I am quite a dunderhead failure at this so important art.