Call Me Mr. Know-It-All

I have found many people have a firm opinion about everything. And, if they don’t have an opinion about something, they figure one out. It only takes a few facts and then they multiply by two! The problem is their opinions create obstacles for getting advice from others, which is an essential part of the networking process. Believe it or not, APPEARING to be open to new ideas is a lot harder than it sounds.

During many networking conversations, I have heard people be very adamant about relocation. Wearing my Mr. Know-It-All hat, I will say: “What if I could offer you a job that pays a $1,000,000 base salary in Tampa. Will you move then?” Well, of course they will. They are now open to relocation even before I add “there are no measurable responsibilities, a 50% bonus and a company car.”

Perhaps our closely held belief in what is true and certain about ourselves really isn’t so true after all. A normal part of the job search process is the need to change industries or build on only one aspect of a long and sterling career. Yet, when networking, many people tend to “cop an attitude” if presented with ideas and suggestions, which might take them in a new or different direction. 

Over the years, I’ve let others play out their ideas; watch from the sidelines and see if they worked. My trick was to ask for suggestions, while keeping all negative expressions from my face. Merely listening to their ideas, while thinking they won’t be any better than what I have already figured out. Only, funny thing, it didn’t always work out that way.

More often than not, I’d hear a new perspective on old situations and find myself saying “I wish I had thought of that.” I don’t know, perhaps it’s old age and I’m not as bright as I used to be or could it be, I’ve learned how to ask good questions and I’m smart enough to wait for the answers?

It has been said we have two ears and one mouth, so we can listen twice as much as we speak. Pretty sage advice, don’t you think? So, when seeking out others for their advice, which is why we network, use your common sense and hear people out. Let them play out their thinking; pretend to take notes. Or perhaps you really need to take notes because you just might learn something that will change your whole life.

Regards, Matt