Our Networking Pride & Prejudice
J.T. O'Donnell
Founder & CEO, Work It DAILY | Board of Directors, McCoy | Career & Professional Development | Job Search | HR & Recruiting | Employer Branding | Recruitment Marketing | Talent Management | Executive Coaching
Last night, one of my all-time favorite books that got turned into a film was on: "Pride & Prejudice." The book was first published in 1813 - exactly 200 years ago.
Your Pride & Prejudice Affects Your Networking
I love watching it because it reminds me people were just as judgmental of others back then as they are today. We all let our pride and prejudice impact our network.
Here's how...
First, in a time when we are asked to connect via social channels like this one on a daily basis, we find ourselves needing to set criteria as to what type of person we'll allow in our network. Each of us is guilty of dismissing an invite because the person didn't meet our requirements.
Second, we are regularly told it is the "power" of our network that will determine our success. This urges us to want to fill our network with only the highest quality of connections, and subsequently, evaluating people on what we think they could bring to the relationship. (See where the P&P kicks in?)
Too Many Requests, Not Enough Bandwidth
I realize a large part of the problem lies in the frequency and volume of which we now get these requests. I know I struggle with this. I get well over two dozen request to connect each day on Linkedin alone. I've been forced to impose some criteria as a way to try to control the overflow. I wrote about it here.>>
However, in doing this, I'm acutely aware I'm missing out on some potentially powerful professional relationships. So, what if...
Challenge: Let 5 Strangers/Week in Your Network & See What Happens
I'm throwing down a challenge. What if we all agree to connect with five strangers each week? One per day. Especially, ones that don't seem to have any real reason to connect with us. Let's see what happens. Being slightly more open to discussions with strangers could lead to some fabulous opportunities, couldn't it?
Are you up for it? Let me know your thoughts below.
Plus, I'd love to hear any of your stories of success from accepting a stranger's request to connect.
If you want to read more of what I've written, check out my articles on Inc.com.
P.S. - First time reading my posts? Thanks for taking the time to stop by! Not only do I write for Linkedin, but I'm also founder of a popular career advice site,CAREEREALISM,and currently run the career coaching program,CareerHMO. I hope you'll check them both out!
If you enjoyed reading this article, you may also like:
CAREEREALISM’s Founder, J.T. O’Donnell is a nationally syndicated career expert and workplace consultant who helps American workers of all ages find greater professional satisfaction. Her book, CAREEREALISM: The Smart Approach to a Satisfying Career, outlines her highly successful career-coaching methodology. Purchase her e-book of CAREEREALISM for only $9.95 by clicking here !
Image credit: From the 2005 film, "Pride & Prejudice"
Web Coating Engineer | Electrode Prod & Dev | Veteran | Solving Problems
9 年I like the challenge.
TI Europa | Six Sigma Green Belt
9 年Really interesting thought, many times we are unaware of what we are really doing when building our network, things that in a different scale we should classify as immoral or prejudice. This article really make my think about this subjects and analyse the way I build my network.
Product & UX Strategy for B2B Digital Healthcare Solutions, Clinical Strategist at Optum Insight
10 年As someone who is working hard to create a strong network years in advance of actually launching my own business and working for myself, I am someone who would benefit greatly from this kind of system. I would also like to think that in a few years when my prep work has paid off and I start hiring and expanding, I will be an asset of a connection for many people who welcomed me into the tech and design community when I was just starting out. Thanks issuing for this challenge!
Diretor de Controladoria e Finan?as
10 年Birds of a feather flock together.
Credit Risk Management and Business Development; Fluent in French
10 年I almost always connect with whomever may ask. I have indicated myself as an open networker. There has to be something really offensive to make me say "no." I do however disconnect quickly if I find myself being spammed or otherwise abused. I often peruse the contacts of new connections to see who they know that might be of value or interest to me.