In life, it’s much better to be “well connected” than not well connected! As much as we hate depending on other people, sometimes it’s in our best interest to swallow our pride and do so for “the Opportunity”. What is “the Opportunity”?
The “Opportunity” is knowledge, wisdom, advice, or information that someone else shares with you.
It can be a recommendation of a playground to take your kids to or it could be an available position for a job. Either way, someone is always watching, observing, and looking at you, so be conscious of how you carry yourself.
There are two topics that will be discussed in this blog article and each one comes from personal experience in my own life.
Someone is always watching
Not in a creepy way, but this is so true! Let me tell you – Positivity, Respect, and Manners go a lonnnggggggg way. When that dream job is open and you’ve got your eye on it, I’m sure nothing else matters but getting in there for an interview to secure the gold!
Of course, it’s even better if you know someone personally that you can add as a referral on your job application or a friend of a friend who works there that will put in a good word for you.
As you’re reading this, I’m sure you get my drift when I say that you’re being watched even when you don’t think you are. Everything that you do as a person is a reflection of YOU and will always be a reflection of you. Why would your friend put in a good word for someone who doesn’t conduct themselves with respect and who isn’t polite? Their name is on the line!
Everything that you do as a person is a reflection of YOU and will always be a reflection of you. Share on X
Create your own network
Having that, “I don’t need anyone” mindset, won’t get you very far in life. It may get you down the road, but it definitely won’t take you to the finish line.
We all need someone personally and/or professionally. It’s best to start building relationships as early as you can! This can even stem from Middle School to High School to College and into the start of your Career.
I’m not telling you to add any and everyone on Facebook or to go to every networking event to create your network. I am simply saying to start within and build relationships that are already in your inner circle. Family and friends are a good place to start when building your connection base. And they should be the easiest to start with because these are people that you already know!
Reach out, say hello, and make small talk! When a holiday rolls around, just give them a shout. DON’T JUST REACH OUT TO PEOPLE WHEN YOU NEED OR WANT SOMETHING. People notice and don’t like it. I personally hate it when people ask for favors and we haven’t talked in years – it makes me more inclined to be disengaged or to not help if they’re asking for it. Social media presence is great, and networking events are even better! It’s all about WHO YOU KNOW.
For me personally, my network expands pretty far, but it has also taken me many years to build. Growing up I was also told, “You never know who is watching you”. I never understood what that meant until now and I have gotten many opportunities from networking, being true to myself, and carrying myself as a well-respected, professional, and polite person.
There is ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong with being yourself. BUT keep in mind that your image is important! I am not sitting here telling you to be a suck-up or someone you’re not. I’m just saying that you never know when “the Opportunity” will come or what relationship will get you there!
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Guest post by Jasmine Adams
Alice Megan says
I need to do this so much! I’m very insular and I’ve realised I need to get networking and be more sociable
Whitney Kutch says
Alice I cant wait to hear your story on how well it goes!!
Melissa says
This is such a helpful post! Definitely agree how networking is so important, and we can definitely be doing it in our day to day activities.
Whitney Kutch says
Melissa, I am so glad this is helpful!
Jasmin N says
Ah these are amazing tips! I’m not so good at these things hahah, they will definitely be so handy in the future!
Whitney Kutch says
Jasmin, you will get there!! One step at a time!!
Karoliina Kazi says
I agree with you, being social is not only fun, but also useful – fab tips!
Whitney Kutch says
Thank you Karoliina! I am glad this was helpful
Kari says
Agreed! I find new relationships help bring about new opportunities. If we close ourself off to people, we close ourselves off to potentially life-changing experiences.
Whitney Kutch says
Kari, that is so true!!
Whitney Kutch says
Kari, I agree with you 100%
kanishka says
Over the years I realized the importance of networks and I am glad I have made enough! Still, a little advice does help to be consistent with it!
Whitney Kutch says
Relationships are work for sure! So glad you see the importance of it!
Helene says
I totally agree! We never know when the opportunity will find us, so we better be prepared. Also, we must get out there, sometimes just believing in the law of attraction is enough.
Whitney Kutch says
Helene, I agree 100%. It can be a little scary getting out there for fear of rejection sometimes but the outcome outweighs fear any day!
Kitty says
I definitely need to learn to do this I’m quite the hermit which won’t help in the long run. Ahh well I’ll learn I’m sure
Beth says
YESx1000! on that first one. My #1 networking advice is to consider EVERYONE you encounter to be professionally useful–from your barista all the way up to the person doing your dream job–and I think that goes hand in hand with the idea that someone is always watching. Not only should you consider them useful but you should make a good impression, too. Great advice!
Sondra Barker says
Networking is so huge! You are so right haha. You cannot BE more right.
Sondra Barker says
I super agree. Networking is huge, and it has always been! This is a great post
Nora says
Lovely post! Networks can really be powerful. It was cool to realize when I couple years ago moved to the US and then back. I gave up my job before leaving and when I was about to come back I started wonder where to go. It took two email and less than a day to get a new job because of my networks from previous jobs.
I wish I’d have even more time for networking also outside my own area of work. Sometimes it’s hard when you’re really busy but luckily there are things like blogs and LinkedIn that offer fast and easy ways to connect without being physically somewhere with others. 🙂
Whitney Kutch says
Nora, yes!!! What would we do without our social media or skype platforms!!!
Angela Tolsma says
I have been struggling with networking since moving to a new city and it’s been almost three years now. Being who I am though is definitely part of that networking and it’s important for me to stay who I am.
Whitney Kutch says
Its always hard in a new place but at the same time, you have a big open, untouched field to explore!!
Easter Babe says
These are some great tips. Having your own network is great for support. Sometimes it can be difficult to go open up to others but it’s a great way to build new relationships.
Whitney Kutch says
Thank you Easter Babe!!! I am glad this helped!
Anshika says
So true! In today’s world, networking is something which is really important in almost every field.
Whitney Kutch says
I could not agree more!! Skills and experience are important but who you know is more important!!
Stephanie says
It’s all about who you know! Networking is a huge part of life for sure, even when (sometimes especially when) owning our own businesses.
Whitney Kutch says
You are so right!!! Owning your own business is very key to networking!!
Marjie Mare says
I do believe that networking is very important, in my field, it is a must. I also feel like it’s good to share your knowledge and get feedback from others. Thanks for sharing.
Whitney Kutch says
So glad this helped!!
Jessica Bradshaw says
Thank you for sharing this! I am all about networking and building community. We can’t do this life thing alone. 🙂
Whitney Kutch says
I agree with you!! We all need to link arms and kick butt!!
Arielle Joy says
This is a great post and the topic is so spot on. I never really gave a lot of importance to networking but it can truly make such a difference
Whitney Kutch says
It really can! I never knew how big of a difference it made until I starting making so many helpful connections and friends!
Lois Alter Mark says
Exactly! I’ve always tried to teach my kids the importance of networking and making interpersonal connections- I truly believe relationships are the key to opportunity. Thank you for the reminder to go the extra step when reaching out. Will definitely make a point of expanding my circle this year!
Whitney Kutch says
That is such a great thing to teach your kids! I wished I had known how important it was at a young age but its never too late!
April says
You four ladies are so inspiring and empowering. Such boss babes!
April
Whitney Kutch says
Thank you so much!!
Erica Ardali says
I’ve been thinking about throwing a Boss Babe dinner party at my house to meet other women in business outside of blogging. This just reminded why i wanted to do it.
Whitney Kutch says
Oh how fun!!!! That really seems like such a great idea and so fun!!
Tonya says
“Not in a creepy way” made me laugh out loud! I know what you mean though! So true!
Whitney Kutch says
So glad I could help deliver some giggles your way!!
Angela Cardamone @marathonsandmotivation.com says
Yes! It really is key, I need to work on this more.This is so inspiring, great tips!