I believe that who you know is 75% of success. It takes a village to do anything big. Hard work and skill play a part too, but getting in the door, finding the prospects, or having the word spread about your business all comes down to who you know and who you’ve served. It’s all about networking.
After I lost my full-time job a few weeks ago I sat in fear about what was next. Applying for jobs on Craigslist and LinkedIn no longer worked for me. Those places are great for entry-level jobs but as you go up the ladder it’s almost impossible to land the job you’ve got your eye on. However, with a network, things start to fall in place. Within 24-hours of losing my job, a competitor approached me to help with their marketing. They were given my name by a tech company I had been supporting and grown a close relationship with. That tech company also reached out for some extra help with their marketing.
By simply building relationships and serving people to my best ability I was able to create a safety net when things fell apart.
By building relationships and serving people to my best ability I was able to create a safety net when things fell apart. I already had prospects of a new career path without ever having to start marketing myself.
Networking groups, church, meetups, current jobs, even talking to a stranger can build relationships that will serve you in the future. Don’t think that just by showing up you’ll find people who will hand you over whatever you’re in need of. The trick with networking is the same with all relationships, it’s a two-way street. Start the relationships by getting to know people. Be of service to them in whatever way you can. Not in hopes of them paying you back, but simply to be a good neighbor. Then 6 months after making a new friend at a networking event, you might reach out to them after losing your job and they happen to need a contract photographer for the summer. (true story).
The people you know, care for, and serve with an open heart are the people that will want to help you when shit hits the fan. These people are the one’s that you want in your corner just like you are in their corner when they need something.
It takes a village. Find your community. Build your network with confidence.
Networking is 75% of success because it’s based on community. When you have a network of people that you know are high quality you recommend them to people you know. When you are serving your network and adding value, they can’t help but want to recommend you.
As you build your brand, remember that your network is the greatest tool to build with. Your network will be the cheerleaders you need when the days get hard, and they’ll be the die-hard fans when you need them most. Even your customers can be the best network you have when you serve them well. Give them a reason to share your name and build your business.
That my friends is the secret weapon you’re missing. It takes a village. Find your community. Build your network with confidence.
