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[Networking: Step-by-Step Guide to Embarrassment and Mitigation Strategies]
Utkarsh Amitabh
CEO, Network Capital | University of Oxford PhD (DPhil) Scholar | Ex-Microsoft | Unicorn CMO | MBA, INSEAD |Author: 4 books, 9 Harvard Business Review Essays | Global Shaper, WEF (Davos 50) | Angel Investor
Insights from Network Capital https://networkcapital.co/
Networking is an over-abused, misunderstood and under-appreciated concept. Some people think that exchanging visiting cards and asking for quick-fix solutions will advance their career goals. There are three reasons why this approach fails consistently.
1. It is boring and impersonal
2. It is often annoying
3. It reeks of lethargy and arrogance – a deadly combination
Sometimes I wonder how people expect to be taken seriously if they haven’t invested time to do basic due diligence, contextualize their request and offer what they have – time, hunger to learn, feedback/suggestion for another person’s challenge.
Meaningful professional relationships are forged over shared values, complementary goals and aspirations, and willingness to co-create a vision.
On Network Capital, there are over 2000 posts that will never be approved. Why? They are selfish. They lack empathy and sensitivity towards other’s time and energy. Once a while, someone shares something that reads like..”Looking for XYZ” As I decline such requests to post, I wonder what this person was thinking. Maybe this person thinks she/he is a queen/king from medieval times and a global network of around 12000 busy and reasonably successful people will jump at the mere chance of attending to her/his whims.
Networked, by definition, means well connected. A truly networked person listens to others, cross-pollinates ideas and is valued by others because she/he is helpful. The most successful people in the world are givers. They invest their time in helping others and in the process, learn, grow and inspire.
As we inch towards 12000 members, there are three very specific things I wish to request.
1. Grow the community: Add 1 inspiring person a day to Network Capital
2. Help the community: Share your skills with other Network Capital members. Some of us have done a phenomenal job at that
3. Inspire the community: Democratize inspiration every single day. Tell stories of success and failure. They are often sprinkled with insights.
Innovation | Data & Digital | AI Policy
7 年Can I also add that most people that can provide help are experienced in doing so (not only in your topic, but giving help). Many people employ a "use and throw" methodology for requesting help. That's one of the main reasons for network connections not panning out. They know there is a lot of taking and less giving. To turn it around, nurture the relationships... Even the most mundane and irrelevant. Stats show: 1) caring and giving rewards you more 2) caring for the moment vs caring over time (general check-ins and social chatter) create stronger bonds and better leverage 3) weak connections (distant, not poor) generally yield more returns than your close circle of friends Bringing an attitude of nurturing yours and other people's network will ALWAYS work. Bravo Utkarsh Amitabh!