brip blap - Latest Comments in networking is never about YOU

Re: networking is never about YOU

Patrick — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:30:12 -0000

Fantastic advice. I never thought of it this way before.

Re: networking is never about YOU

fathersez — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:06:54 -0000

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.

Re: networking is never about YOU

TStrump — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 20:31:37 -0000

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.

Re: networking is never about YOU

Steven — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:20:54 -0000

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!

Re: networking is never about YOU

craig — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:42:26 -0000

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.

Re: networking is never about YOU

LS — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:48:43 -0000

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.

Re: networking is never about YOU

Barry Wright, III — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 07:07:27 -0000

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.