How many times have you been told you need to increase your network . . . just meet more people?
Yes, grow your network of professionals and key contacts in your field; I understand the importance of networking properly (We’ve all heard the cliche, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.”) I’ve never quite liked that phrase. Of course, what you know is important. Everyone needs to have skills, abilities, experiences, training, and so on. I realize the above phrase emphasizes knowing people, which will help even more sometimes than having the right skills and experiences. Certainly, we’ve all heard of people who didn’t seem to “know” as much as they should but landed a job and/or promotion because they knew the right person. That is going to happen at times, unfortunately. Rather, the last part of that phrase should be “but who knows you.”
In turn, you may benefit in areas you need help with (e.g. meeting more people, improving your public speaking, learning how to negotiate a salary increase, earning a promotion, or finding a job that’s a better fit). Be other-centered in 2024 and make a difference in the lives of your networking contacts. Experience this year as one of your best yet! Darren L. Noble, M.A. darrenlnoble@gmail.com www.darrenlnoble.com
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"Networking" . . . we've all heard he cliché "it's who you know."
--Have you heard the question "who knows you?" Networking should be looked at as relationship-building. Business people know they need to network (or work on their relationship building), but some neglect this important business practice due to various reasons (e.g. time and/or effort required, negative assumptions, unrealistic expectations, and so on). Earlier in my career I was a marketing coordinator, and many sales reps solicited business. I had a very limited advertising budget; unfortunately, many of those reps never tried to understand my needs, limitations, and marketing plan. One rep though, was patient and didn't push for a sale; he got to know me and my company role. I enjoyed getting to know him, and when my marketing budget increased (big surprise) I purchased advertising slots with his company. Relationships. Trust. Value. So, go and network . . . increase your business relationships! Darren L. Noble, M.A. darrenlnoble@gmail.com www.darrenlnoble.com I’m a huge baseball fan, and here is an article I originally published in 2014 (after one of my childhood baseball idols passed away). I believe this message—especially because of COVID, social media, PPE/masks, and working remotely—is particularly relevant for our businesses and organizations in 2021 (and going forward):
Accomplishments. Results. Production. Achievements. Profits. These are the words that tend to monopolize many workplace-legacy conversations. Most of us would like to make an impact in our workplace. We’d like to contribute within our industry--make a difference—whether it’s finance, healthcare, higher education, construction, manufacturing, sports, etc. We’d like to leave a workplace legacy of sorts. Today the sports world remembers one of its very best result-oriented producers; Tony Gwynn, who excelled in his workplace for decades, died at age 54 (much too soon). Perhaps you’re wondering “Who was Tony Gwynn?” Tony Gwynn was a Hall of Fame professional baseball player and one of the greatest hitters in the history of the game. A few highlights from his 20 years with the San Diego Padres (yes, only one team during his playing career) include:
After he retired from professional baseball he transitioned to college baseball and became a successful coach at his alma mater, San Diego State University. Yet, while Tony Gwynn absolutely accomplished A LOT during his playing and coaching career, it’s his character that has been touted by former teammates, coaches, baseball writers, college players, and countless other individuals. His personality, friendliness, smile, and laughter truly affected people. I’m not surprised. We are relational beings. We value enjoyable interactions and moments with people. Doing one’s best in the workplace certainly matters, but being one’s best matters even more. It is SO important that we engage with others. We shouldn't be afraid to smile and laugh. People, who make up our workplaces, are impacted. Lives are changed for the better. Tony Gwynn’s workplace legacy reminds us that in our daily work environment we are capable of making a lasting impact in ways that have nothing to do with the bottom line or the final score. Darren L. Noble, M.A. darrenlnoble@gmail.com www.darrenlnoble.com |
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