Is it What You Know or Who you Know?

Who Knows What About Whom?

Resolution

So...let’s determine this once and for all.  Is it what you know or who you know that matters?  I think there can be a valid case for both. 

• First, if you don’t know anything about the task, project, or job you’re doing - you’ll not last long - no matter who you have backing you.
• Second, if you don’t make the effort to get to know anybody, you’ll never have a support system.

Reality

But, neither answer is actually correct, because what really matters is who knows you.  The more people that know you, knows of you, knows someone that knows you, hopes to know you, or just knows you by lore - the less effort you will have to make, the less time you will have to spend, and the more you will be sought after.

Two Scenarios

Imagine walking onto a room and knowing every person, but not a single person knows you (e.g. they are all celebrities).  Now, imagine that you’re Brad Pitt and walk into just about any room in the world.  You might not know a single person, but chances are everybody will know you and with no effort whatsoever, people fall over themselves to talk to you.  I think I like the second scenario much better.

How to Get There

So, in the world of non-superstar celebrity status, of which I am quite familiar, how do you get people to know you?  The first step to take is to not just be a member, but instead be a participant.  Instead of being the one listening to the speech, seminar, or lecture - be the one giving it. 

Illustration: The first thing that just came to my mind is that I had the great fortune of being a best man at two amazing weddings and was humbly allowed to give best man speeches at both.  Many people did not know me when I walked in - everybody knew me before dinner.  I wasn't selling anything, but people were buying.

For this reason, if you are in the PTO, the local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, in a class, or are attending any organized event - get in front of the people and talk.

The caveat - as always - is you better prepare and be prepared! 

Enthusiastically scribbled by, 

Jason Riemens