It’s What You Know AND Who You Know
Most people are familiar with the saying “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”.
Now that can be interpreted in several different ways but the interpretations are either positive and empowering or negative and disempowering.
For example, I have most often heard this phrase being used by people complaining about their lot in life.
You know the kind of thing – “I was perfect for that job but the company owner gave it to his best mate’s nephew, who is as thick as mince. It’s not what you know… etc etc.”
Another instance would be “I spent 10 years at university and I am so clever that I should be absolutely minted but you have to know the ‘right’ people to get rich and successful.”
Worse still, some seriously unmotivated types use it as an excuse to not learn anything ever.
The kind – and I’m sure you’ve met them – who brag about never having read a book as “there’s no point and it’s boring”. The sort of personalities who refuse to improve their minds because there’s no work out there anyway. “What time’s Jeremy Kyle on at?”
You can see how some people would find comfort in “It’s not what you know” because it means they don’t have to take responsibility for their own actions. They convince themselves that they have failed purely because of the devious machinations of third parties.
It’s the same reason people hate the rich. The hatred is invariably based on envy but they disguise it with “He’s so rich he must be a crook” or “He’d sell his Granny for a few quid” or, again “It’s not what you know….”
But we can leave those negative, self-pitying types to keep playing the blame game and not cottoning on to the fact that they, and they alone, are responsible for their own success, or lack of, in life.
Another way of approaching “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” is to take it as a challenge.
In other words, you should be going out of your way to GET TO KNOW the right people.
As well as continuing to improve your level of knowledge, you should be making it a priority to grow your list of contacts.And the good news is that, in the entire history of the world, it has never been easier to do this than it is now.
Networking is everywhere you look these days. Whereas everyone use to go to the pub to do business, seal deals, share jokes and gossip, they mostly do it online now.
But Facebooking on your iphone is only a starting point. To get to meet the people who can help make your life better, you really have to meet them in person.
So make a point of starting to go to networking events related to the business you are involved in – or would like to be involved in.
If it’s property you’re interested in, there are some excellent networking opportunities out there, such as the monthly Scottish Property Meet and the Berkshire Property Meet.
But, no matter your business, there’s never been a better time to get yourself connected.
So to recap, the formula for success is:1. Always look to continue to improve your knowledge
2. Make a commitment to meeting and getting to know as many people as possible
3. This will ensure you will become wealthy enough to have a positive impact on the worldIt’s what you know AND who you know.
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