BUSINE$$ MINDS Season 2 WEEK 24 - DON'T NETWORK: Build RELATIONSHIPS

Relationship > Connection > Networking

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Networking: Meeting other professionals of higher corporate status who are then utilized to bolster another’s career

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Connection: Bring together or into contact so that a real or notional link is established

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Relationship: The way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are brought together for supportive purposes

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Many young professionals strive to achieve success in their corporate lives, starting with their first job. To garner this first position, and the sequential positions, young professionals are taught to utilize their resources and build their resource pool if possible. Often times, this is done through meeting individuals in the corporate world in the desired area of expertise. College students and young professionals do so because of the cliché they are told which is the phrase, “Your network is your net worth”.

????????????????? However, I for one challenge this notion. A network, as defined above, is solely used to build a career and a resumé. This kind of interaction is transactionally supporting a single party. Many experienced professionals enjoy giving to the younger generations for one reason or another, but this transactional type of acquaintanceship can only smolder for so long. To prevent this kindling from burring out, the young professional should attempt to form a connection. A connection is different from networking as there is a commonality or mutual understanding of those involved. This type of interaction allows for a handful of dialogues to solve a problem or initiate a project. However, once the surface-level problem fades, so does the connection. This is due to a lack of communication and genuine interest in fostering kinship. When a connection matures, that is when it becomes a relationship. A relationship is the most powerful kind of kinship as either party will not hesitate to utilize their own resources for the other. Not to mention, there is an open line of communication that is constantly pinging back and forth. These action-focused interactions allow for rapport-building on both sides. Therefore, fostering a long-lasting bond that can be called upon at a moment’s notice. These are the bonds that can be called upon for letters of recommendation, or referrals to desired organizations and positions. Further, these recommendations aren’t half-hearted; due to the bond formed the trusted colleague will take the initiative to invest in the young professional’s future.

????????????????? Even though relationships are the most robust of the group, they are the hardest to form. Therefore, to build a relationship the giving has to go both ways. A young professional cannot simply ask to build a relationship let alone for 30-minutes even. To initiate the conversation, the young professional needs to offer something in return. For example, I write this article series, Business Minds, to interview industry professionals to learn about their elaborate careers and insights, and in return, an article is shared about their insights. This agreement is the foundation for the relationships that I have built throughout the past year. I have traversed multiple fields and have engaged with individuals spanning organizations such as J.P. 摩根 , 摩根士丹利 , 谷歌 , Bain Capital , wRatings , 麦肯锡 , Gartner , Liberty Mutual Insurance , Putnam Investments , and many others. Then, once the initial conversation ensues, ask for actionable steps such as what book to read, and what course to take, then report the findings. Through this model, young professionals will start building relationships instead of networking.

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