Oh snap! the next Seth Godin, eh? I'm rooting for you Carlos!
I think most people understand the benefits of networking. I feel the thing that most people can't get over is the fear of meeting someone new. Even I get nervous when I first approach someone because I don't want to get shut down or turned away.
It's kind of like when you see a girl who you want to talk to, but are scared because she might turn you down. If you approach her and aren't a creeper, chances are she'll be flattered either way. And when she does turn you down, you'll actually feel better about yourself because you had the guts to go talk to her.
So the simple answer is “Just Do It”. It may be scary at first, but once you do it, you'll be glad you did.
I love this post. I agree with both methods and here's a little why I think you need a balance of both.
The big guys (and gals) are trusted in their respective fields. In order to stay relevant they need to continually set the bar. Getting in with them in not only a boost for you but a boost for them as well. The key is to make the approach just as, if not more, valuable to them as it is for you. If you provide them value, be it an idea, a product or post and it works well they are going to keep working with you to make the project smaller.
As for part 2, I think a number of the young blogging set is already seeing the power of reaching out to smaller bloggers. You can see the potential in the writing, in their tone and how they engage with people and with business. It's not so much a risk at this point, but something that helps them grow along with you. We all need that little boost and together we can get there faster.
Carlos – I think you are a super smart dude and I hope you can jump into shoes similar to Seth G – but in your own unique way. We don't need the next MJ – we need the first Lebron. Keep running for it.
You've shed some light on a very interesting concept here.
I would say, up until a month or so ago I was still mostly “betting”. This wasn't by choice, though, but rather because I was just networking with everyone that was in the same shoes as I was. I think this will pay huge benefits down the road as some of our smaller group become stars! (at least I hope).
More recently, I've been focusing my efforts on building, growing, and reaching our to even more “builders.” However, I think it's important to keep a good mix, here.
Thanks for writing this. It's made me rethink how I approach this!
I agree with you, but I'd put it the opposite way. It's not that they're afraid of approaching someone new, rather than not approaching the already known. It's hard to let go the safe choices.
Why do we always end up talking about girls, bro? Not that I see anything wrong with that!
Carlos, this may be the most I've ever read that you've written in a single post before! I saw it and was like wow, this must be really important
What you said in the 2nd point is so counter intuitive, yet so true. If you're climbing a mountain and looking to someone who is already at the top for instructions, that's going to be pretty difficult for them to help you. However, if you have someone level with you, who has the same goal as you do (to reach the top), you can help each other out along the way and make that journey together.
I think the main “flaw” in my idea is the fact that I'm dividing people into just two groups, which obviously helps for the analysis, but is unrealistic. There are many people between a nobody and Chris Brogan. I do believe in balance, but always considering how much higher you're aiming.
If I want to connect with someone more influential than me, then I should aim to connect with you before aiming to Chris, and go from there, slowly connecting in a personal way with people a little more influential, giving value in return.
Thank you Greg for the compliment, seriously. I may share a writing style but other than that, I'm going for my own style. Hopefully I'll beat him in a 1-on-1 someday!
Adam, thank you for sharing your thoughts, and also for making me realize that I'm on the same path.
Like I told Greg above, I think that the mix is important, as always as we focus on people in a similar “position.” It's ok to connect with other builders once you left the first stage, otherwise you're getting stuck. I realize now that my post is most useful for as “Networking 101″ rather than advice to people like you, Greg, Jun and Monica.
Yeah I really dig your point about making bets on people, Carlos. Jun has a point about just going for it, even with the big boys, because you just never know (I scored an interview with Gary V for early October!). But it's easier to make good buddies with others who are near the same level as you and help each other out, and actually I don't think it's hard to see who is a hard-working, ass-kicking, rockstar-in-training.
Very interesting Carlos! Betting has worked well for me both in networking online as well as offline. I think its far easier to provide value to those who are “in the same boat” as you. Over time, some of those people you've built strong relationships with are sure to be successfull.
Hi Monica – I just discovered your awesome blog, I can't believe it's taken me so long. Better late than never, I guess I have a lot of catching up to do.
I couldn't agree with you more. Especially at a time where the economy is struggling, there are some many young people to connect with who are starting blogs and taking a unique path to land their dream jobs or start their own company. People like yourself, Matt Wilson and Jared O'Toole, Jun Loayza, and Matt Cheuvont to name a few are providing such great content that I'd be remiss not to connect with you before it's too late.
Great point about catching the next wave, made me think. The more I think about it, the more I like it as a long term strategy. But, nothing trumps exactly what you said – “build something remarkable” and things will work themselves out. Cool post.
Monica O'Brien is the Director of Digital at Fizz and author of the book Social Pollination, which helps businesses leverage social media for crazy growth!
Monica O'Brien is the Director of Digital at Fizz and author of the book Social Pollination, which helps businesses leverage social media for crazy growth!
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Oh snap! the next Seth Godin, eh? I'm rooting for you Carlos!
I think most people understand the benefits of networking. I feel the thing that most people can't get over is the fear of meeting someone new. Even I get nervous when I first approach someone because I don't want to get shut down or turned away.
It's kind of like when you see a girl who you want to talk to, but are scared because she might turn you down. If you approach her and aren't a creeper, chances are she'll be flattered either way. And when she does turn you down, you'll actually feel better about yourself because you had the guts to go talk to her.
So the simple answer is “Just Do It”. It may be scary at first, but once you do it, you'll be glad you did.
- Jun Loayza
I love this post. I agree with both methods and here's a little why I think you need a balance of both.
The big guys (and gals) are trusted in their respective fields. In order to stay relevant they need to continually set the bar. Getting in with them in not only a boost for you but a boost for them as well. The key is to make the approach just as, if not more, valuable to them as it is for you. If you provide them value, be it an idea, a product or post and it works well they are going to keep working with you to make the project smaller.
As for part 2, I think a number of the young blogging set is already seeing the power of reaching out to smaller bloggers. You can see the potential in the writing, in their tone and how they engage with people and with business. It's not so much a risk at this point, but something that helps them grow along with you. We all need that little boost and together we can get there faster.
Carlos – I think you are a super smart dude and I hope you can jump into shoes similar to Seth G – but in your own unique way. We don't need the next MJ – we need the first Lebron. Keep running for it.
You've shed some light on a very interesting concept here.
I would say, up until a month or so ago I was still mostly “betting”. This wasn't by choice, though, but rather because I was just networking with everyone that was in the same shoes as I was. I think this will pay huge benefits down the road as some of our smaller group become stars!
(at least I hope).
More recently, I've been focusing my efforts on building, growing, and reaching our to even more “builders.” However, I think it's important to keep a good mix, here.
Thanks for writing this. It's made me rethink how I approach this!
The next Seth Godin! No pressure at all
I agree with you, but I'd put it the opposite way. It's not that they're afraid of approaching someone new, rather than not approaching the already known. It's hard to let go the safe choices.
Why do we always end up talking about girls, bro? Not that I see anything wrong with that!
Carlos, this may be the most I've ever read that you've written in a single post before! I saw it and was like wow, this must be really important
What you said in the 2nd point is so counter intuitive, yet so true. If you're climbing a mountain and looking to someone who is already at the top for instructions, that's going to be pretty difficult for them to help you. However, if you have someone level with you, who has the same goal as you do (to reach the top), you can help each other out along the way and make that journey together.
Great comment here Greg.
I think the main “flaw” in my idea is the fact that I'm dividing people into just two groups, which obviously helps for the analysis, but is unrealistic. There are many people between a nobody and Chris Brogan. I do believe in balance, but always considering how much higher you're aiming.
If I want to connect with someone more influential than me, then I should aim to connect with you before aiming to Chris, and go from there, slowly connecting in a personal way with people a little more influential, giving value in return.
Thank you Greg for the compliment, seriously. I may share a writing style but other than that, I'm going for my own style. Hopefully I'll beat him in a 1-on-1 someday!
Adam, thank you for sharing your thoughts, and also for making me realize that I'm on the same path.
Like I told Greg above, I think that the mix is important, as always as we focus on people in a similar “position.” It's ok to connect with other builders once you left the first stage, otherwise you're getting stuck. I realize now that my post is most useful for as “Networking 101″ rather than advice to people like you, Greg, Jun and Monica.
Ha! True, I did try to fit into Monica's style a little bit here.
Fantastic analogy Jackie.
And yeah, I do think is really important, there's too much time being wasted on “impossible networking.”
Yeah I really dig your point about making bets on people, Carlos. Jun has a point about just going for it, even with the big boys, because you just never know (I scored an interview with Gary V for early October!). But it's easier to make good buddies with others who are near the same level as you and help each other out, and actually I don't think it's hard to see who is a hard-working, ass-kicking, rockstar-in-training.
Good stuff man!
Very interesting Carlos! Betting has worked well for me both in networking online as well as offline. I think its far easier to provide value to those who are “in the same boat” as you. Over time, some of those people you've built strong relationships with are sure to be successfull.
Hi Monica – I just discovered your awesome blog, I can't believe it's taken me so long. Better late than never, I guess I have a lot of catching up to do.
I couldn't agree with you more. Especially at a time where the economy is struggling, there are some many young people to connect with who are starting blogs and taking a unique path to land their dream jobs or start their own company. People like yourself, Matt Wilson and Jared O'Toole, Jun Loayza, and Matt Cheuvont to name a few are providing such great content that I'd be remiss not to connect with you before it's too late.
I'm looking forward to exploring your past posts.
@joestampone1
Great point about catching the next wave, made me think. The more I think about it, the more I like it as a long term strategy. But, nothing trumps exactly what you said – “build something remarkable” and things will work themselves out. Cool post.
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