Success via Networking - Possess Your Success

During much of my time as an undergraduate (and as an INROADS intern) I was practically assaulted with the phrase, “It’s not what you know, but who you know,” which basically means that in order to truly move up and achieve success, you’re going to have to know people in high places. I figured it would be simple for me to develop networking contacts in Atlanta. However, this was not the case, much to my dismay. If you don’t know people here already or were previously part of a social group or clique, then Atlanta seems to be a tough place to branch out in terms of networking.

Obviously, networking is very important to success in a career. This isn’t to say that you absolutely need to network to become successful. In fact, I believe you can eventually become successful without networking. However (and this is a BIG however), I think you would be severely limiting your potential for success. I liken forgoing a professional network to walking the opposite way on a down escalator. You can eventually, with a significantly larger amount of effort, make it to the top, but you’re way more likely to quit. Why not just make it easier on yourself and take an up escalator?

Case in point: A couple of weeks ago, I received a Facebook message from one of my previous professors inviting me to an alumni reception that Thursday. Ehhh, why not? I thought. I do have a prior engagement, but this could be a good networking opportunity, since my previous efforts at networking here in Atlanta were all but thwarted (If nothing else, free food!).

So I went, and got the chance to network with a couple CEO’s, young professionals, and the deans from some of the colleges. From there, I was invited to a dinner at the Capital Grille, one of the finer restaurants I’ve been to in Atlanta. I ended up having dinner with the Dean of Libraries, the Dean of Information & Communication, and other well-respected faculty at my alma mater, at no cost to me (awesome!). I finally feel that I have begun developing a professional network. Had I not been focused on networking, I totally would have missed this great opportunity. Who knows where this may lead?

Like I said, you don’t need networking, but it’s REALLY nice to have…