This content originally appeared on HackerNoon and was authored by Scott D. Clary
Hi All!
\ Here is my weekly letter discussing mental models, performance, business, and entrepreneurship.
\ If you love this content (please share it), but also…
\ Connect with me on YouTube/Twitter, or subscribe to my daily business newsletter here.
What’s in today’s newsletter?
\
- Networking is a skill. But it's not one they teach you in school. They don't give you lessons on how to build genuine connections, how to give before you ask, or how to curate a personal board of directors.
\
- So, here's the playbook I developed to network better: (1) Become a Talent Scout, (2) Curate Your Personal Board of Directors, and (3) Become a "Reverse Mentor."
\
- Your entire career can change the moment you stop seeing networking as a chore and start seeing it as a strategic advantage.
Your Network, Your Net Worth
Ever heard the saying, "Don't call me unless you need something?"
\ That's the exact opposite of how to build a powerful network.
\ Here's a thought:
\ The strongest relationships are forged in the fires of mutual support, not the desperation of last-minute asks.
\ Let me share a story.
\ Back when I was first starting out, hustling to get my podcast off the ground, I had this mentor, Sarah.
\ She was a powerhouse in the industry, someone I deeply admired.
\ But here's the thing: I didn't just reach out to Sarah when I needed funding advice or a warm intro.
\ I grabbed coffee with her when I didn’t need anything at all.
\ We’d catch up, I'd share my small wins and setbacks, just to get her perspective.
\ Over time, a real friendship blossomed.
\ It turns out, I didn’t need anything at all for about 3 years.
\ And guess what?
\ When the time came that I did need something – a crucial connection, a sounding board for a tough decision – Sarah was there in a heartbeat.
\ Not out of obligation, but because we had built a genuine bond.
\ Think about it.
\ When you reach out to someone only when you're in need, it's like waving a giant flag that says, "I'm using you!"
\ It feels transactional, desperate even.
\ Nobody likes to feel used.
\ But when you reach out genuinely, to offer support, share insights, or just say hello, you're building something far more valuable: trust.
\ You're signaling that you value the relationship for its own sake, not just for what you can get out of it.
\ Trust is worth its weight in gold.
\ It's the currency of a powerful network; one that will have your back when you need it most.
\ Don't be that person who only shows up when they want something.
\ Be the person who invests in relationships before they need them.
The Networking Blindside:
Think about it.
\ Have you ever been caught off guard by a professional setback?
\ Maybe a dream job fell through, a project got derailed, or a client suddenly went dark.
\ In those moments, it's easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed.
\ That’s when you NEED people.
\ That’s also when you CAN’T reach out to people.
\ It’s happened to the best of us.
\ We wish we had a network of people we could turn to for support, advice, or even a new lead.
\ That's the power of strategic networking.
\ You have to build that network of people who can support you before you need it.
\ So, how do you do that?
\ Here’s the system I developed to network better - build relationships before you need them, so you're never starting from scratch when the unexpected happens.
The Networking System: 3 Strategies To Built True Ties
1. Become a Talent Scout:
\ The saying goes, "Bet on the jockey, not the horse."
\ The same goes for your network.
\ Don't just collect business cards – invest in people.
\ Scout out the rising stars; the ones with that fire in their eyes.
\ They're the future CEOs, the disruptors, the game-changers.
\ Spot the talent, the drive, the vision.
\ Be their champion.
\ Mentor them.
\ Share your hard-won wisdom.
\ Open doors they didn't even know existed.
\ As they rise, so do you.
\ Building a network isn't about quantity, it's about quality.
\ Bet on the jockey, and you'll win the race.
\ 2. Become a "Reverse Mentor":
\ You just scouted new talent; now, it’s time to tap into wisdom and experience.
\ Mentorship isn't a one-way street; it's a two-way exchange of knowledge and perspective.
\ Flip the script and become a "reverse mentor."
\ Don't just seek wisdom; offer yours in return (before you need it).
\ Your fresh perspective on emerging tech, digital trends, or innovative solutions is GOLD to those in power.
\
- Pinpoint Your Power: What unique skills or insights do you have that a senior leader could benefit from?
- Target the Right Players: Look for open-minded leaders who value diverse perspectives.
- Make Your Pitch: Show them how your knowledge can solve their problems or drive their goals.
- Start the Conversation: Don't be afraid to reach out and offer your expertise.
\ Become a trusted advisor, build cross-generational bridges, and accelerate your own career.
\ Remember: The student can become the teacher.
\ 3. Build Your "Personal Board of Directors":
\ Jim Rohn famously said, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with."
\ Elevate your average.
\ Hand-pick your board of directors.
\ Not just mentors or colleagues, but your trusted advisors.
\ Seek diversity – experience, skills, perspectives.
\ Surround yourself with those who've "been there, done that" and those who challenge you to think differently.
\ Invest in these relationships.
\ Be present.
\ Be supportive.
\ Be the kind of friend you wish you had.
\ When failure strikes, this is your A-team.
\ They'll offer guidance, diverse perspectives, and unwavering support.
\ Your board of directors isn't just a network; it's your lifeline.
Your Network, Your Net Worth:
Stop chasing connections; start cultivating relationships.
\ Ditch the transactional mindset and embrace genuine connection.
\ Invest in people, not just business cards.
\ Remember, the strongest networks aren't built on desperation; they're built on mutual support, trust, and shared ambition.
\ This isn't just about climbing the ladder faster; it's about building a community that will catch you if you fall, push you when you hesitate, and celebrate with you when you win.
\ Your network isn't just a safety net; it's your launchpad.
\ This is how you network, properly.
\ Scott
Subscribe to get this newsletter in your inbox, every week.
My Links
- Success Story (Top 10 Business Podcast)
- Newsletter (321k Subs)
- 10 Minute MBA (Daily Podcast)
- 10 Minute MBA (Daily Newsletter)
- Social Media
\
This content originally appeared on HackerNoon and was authored by Scott D. Clary
Scott D. Clary | Sciencx (2024-07-10T20:04:24+00:00) Your Network, Your Net Worth: 3 Tips to Network Better. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2024/07/10/your-network-your-net-worth-3-tips-to-network-better/
Please log in to upload a file.
There are no updates yet.
Click the Upload button above to add an update.