Wouldn’t it be nice to always be able to pick up the phone to ask for a job referral when you need one, no questions asked? Or to ask for an intro to someone? Or for support or advice on an idea?
“Networking” does indeed give me the Ick factor, Irina.
But being a genuine, helpful, interesting, outgoing person – both online and offline – has paid off a lot in my life. It’s helped me build relationships to where I really could just call some friends up and tell them I need a new opportunity – and they could do the same with me!
The difference is, we truly care about each other... we aren’t just spamming each others DMs to try to get our latest social media post to go viral.
Building social capital is hard... but it’s worth more than money. 💰
This reminds me very similar to the concept of the 7 Habits book where he mentions about each relationship you have you make deposits and withdrawals to emotional bank accounts with the people around us. Such an important concept for anyone looking to build relationships in the industry, thanks for your insights 🙏
This is an interesting approach, Irina. I built my network through work and mutual support, but not deliberately or thinking it would be an advantage at any point.
> So don’t be one of those people who barely says hi, but when they need something, they’re all over you.
I also have mixed feelings about telling people to be nice because it'll work in your favor later. IMO, people who are self-focused aren't doing it because they don't want to be nice to you but because they have something going on in their lives. Until they solve that other thing, they can try all the tips & tricks. You'll always feel something's off. And there isn't much you can do except treat them nice (this can influence them too) and hope they will sort out whatever bothers them.
Very relatable to the concept of networking in engineering. I used to struggle a lot to network with people in the start of my career, and didn't see the point of it.
But, then as you make more effort to connect with people, you find more opportunities opening up for you.
Also, the human experience is great. Because you experience support and even find friendships sometimes.
I can indeed observe this in people that "network successfully" but as someone with lots of people pleasing tendencies I definitely feel like finding and evaluating the right favors to give is not coming to me naturally at all 🥲
The truth is that social capital compounds for those who already have social capital. In the tech world especially. And works just a little for others.
“Networking” does indeed give me the Ick factor, Irina.
But being a genuine, helpful, interesting, outgoing person – both online and offline – has paid off a lot in my life. It’s helped me build relationships to where I really could just call some friends up and tell them I need a new opportunity – and they could do the same with me!
The difference is, we truly care about each other... we aren’t just spamming each others DMs to try to get our latest social media post to go viral.
Building social capital is hard... but it’s worth more than money. 💰
This reminds me very similar to the concept of the 7 Habits book where he mentions about each relationship you have you make deposits and withdrawals to emotional bank accounts with the people around us. Such an important concept for anyone looking to build relationships in the industry, thanks for your insights 🙏
This is an interesting approach, Irina. I built my network through work and mutual support, but not deliberately or thinking it would be an advantage at any point.
> So don’t be one of those people who barely says hi, but when they need something, they’re all over you.
I also have mixed feelings about telling people to be nice because it'll work in your favor later. IMO, people who are self-focused aren't doing it because they don't want to be nice to you but because they have something going on in their lives. Until they solve that other thing, they can try all the tips & tricks. You'll always feel something's off. And there isn't much you can do except treat them nice (this can influence them too) and hope they will sort out whatever bothers them.
Very relatable to the concept of networking in engineering. I used to struggle a lot to network with people in the start of my career, and didn't see the point of it.
But, then as you make more effort to connect with people, you find more opportunities opening up for you.
Also, the human experience is great. Because you experience support and even find friendships sometimes.
Thank you for writing this, Irina!
Loved this concept when I read the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
The best way to build this career capital is when we go out of our way to help others.
In a job, there are certain expectations of collaboration. But it's clear when one does the bare minimum and when one genuinely helps.
Good post, Irina!
I can indeed observe this in people that "network successfully" but as someone with lots of people pleasing tendencies I definitely feel like finding and evaluating the right favors to give is not coming to me naturally at all 🥲
The truth is that social capital compounds for those who already have social capital. In the tech world especially. And works just a little for others.