Comments on: The Truth About Networking (Do you Build or do you Bet?)

By: Relationship Balance — OwlSparks | Carlos Miceli

Relationship Balance — OwlSparks | Carlos Miceli — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:37:28 +0000

[...] is why I recommend to focus on people in your same level of popularity, and why reaching out to the famous and successful ones is much less [...]

By: Ted

Ted — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:07:35 +0000

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.

By: Joe Stampone

Joe Stampone — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:24:57 +0000

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

By: thomasmcmillanjr

thomasmcmillanjr — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:18:29 +0000

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.

By: Cody McKibben

Cody McKibben — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 12:03:44 +0000

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!

By: Carlos Miceli

Carlos Miceli — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:25:35 +0000

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."

By: Carlos Miceli

Carlos Miceli — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:21:44 +0000

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.

By: Carlos Miceli

Carlos Miceli — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:17:31 +0000

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!

By: jackieadkins3

jackieadkins3 — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:04:22 +0000

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.

By: Carlos Miceli

Carlos Miceli — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:45:18 +0000

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!