'Networking' Sucks - How it actually works...

If you're out trying to "network" to get good opportunities, chances are you won't have much luck. You might. But we have the whole networking idea backwards in the Western Corporate culture. How should you actually use networking?

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NOTE: I'm just a man with an opinion. You might agree or disagree with me. All viewpoints are welcome. Please add your comments below and give evidence for things you disagree with. Thanks!

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[MatheusCarvalho-evhw]

"Build your network when you don't need to network". Golden advice.

[BeMa]

Just been told I'm at risk of redundancy and this channel has very articulatly helped me to realise everywhere I've been going wrong and how I will protect myself in my next corporate job. Some of your observations actually make me laugh out loud at how true they are 😄

[albertorodrigues]

Well said! That's what I hate about LinkedIn. Everyone wants to "connect" and then their first interaction will be straight telling you they are looking for a job or to make business

[Justsomeone]

I worked at Facebook for many years and got to know literally hundreds of people that I can now reach out to for help, like I did after I got laid off. I prioritize being a good coworker over being a good employee because companies come and go but the friendships and connections you make persist.

[ccmetalhead]

I've found that if I just work on being the best man I can be, and not being a prick, the networking and opportunities come naturally.

[joedoe]

This is the mistake I made, more focused on fixing things for the organization than helping individuals for future benefits. Guess that's the problem when you see the big picture. Thanks to your other videos I've completely dropped swimming against the organization and now I just do my thing and help the fellow traveller when there's a low cost Investment around the corner just like everyone else. These videos are gold, thank you.

[BuildingMakingDoing]

Networking: how to insure the most social person gets the job instead of the most qualified.

[Airsoftshowoffs]

I am so happy to find this channel. You truly keep it real for especially us the common salary earner.

[JoyL]

As an introvert, I suck at "networking", not interested in it at all. I am tired of the networking thing in China, and glad to be in US. At least I can get by without much networking here. I think networking takes unnecessary amount of time and money, although I got my first job through attending a seminar. I am thankful for that.

[markomak]

Those that gave me the most aid, I was never able to repay them because they never asked.

Those that I have helped the most have never returned the favour, nor do i expect them to.

[kvni]

Your content is great, I totally agree. I remember a networking reception during college where different alums were speaking with prospective business major students. Everyone was crowding around the bankers and the consultants but I happened to speak to a pastor. The "gunners" came and left immediately but we spoke for a decent amount of time and he actually referred me to a banker from his church. Funny how stuff like that works out.

[jaygunns]

Excellent video. This will save people from wasting precious time and explains why most LinkedIn “networking” is meaningless. Thanks for sharing!

[CountryTesla]

Summary: it used to be, it's not what you know it's Who you know.

Later, It's not who you know, it's who you blow.

Which has evolved to: "It's How you blow, who you know."

[allimimi]

The “Bob” impersonation 😂 cracks me up. Thank you sir, I needed that.

[joel]

I personally don’t have a lot of sensitivity, with one of those exceptions in repeatedly giving and never wanting something in return, until 6+ years later asking for something and the person has every excuse not to give or even try…the one time you ever asked. It cuts deep, to where now if I find myself giving 2 or 3 in a row, I will find something to ask for, just to see. Not that I ever am helpful seeking return, but what a red flag when you ask and the person on the other end doesn’t factor in all that you’ve already done. I've lost past friends and even stopped attending church just based on this thing. All that to say, just be aware also of those unilateral networks. In todays age, you almost have to test your network to be sure its truly bilateral.

[kpkx]

I am a later career director. Maybe one more promotion before retirement. Not leaving my current organization. I never got any value in networking, I just kept applying until it paid off. It took over 60 applications twice, no network helped me. I don't do conferences because its 99% socializing and things I have already heard and done. I am willing to mentor younger workers, but I don't do the social thing. Unnecessary.

[catbomber]

Fantastic. I've been waiting for you to make a video on this because my firm always pushes networking events and never explains what the point is

[saschadibbern]

As freelancer IT-consultant of over 30 yrs in the market I fully agree. Once I went to a very important new client interview where the agency warned me that the client's contract manager will be bitchy and trying to trying to trap me ... chances for success were low. At the meeting I discovered that the contract manager knows me from another client 3yrs earlier, where I was leading the IT firefighters and helped her also in certain situations.... Conclusion: It was an interview with a cheerleader on the other side of the table. She later told me, that she also had moved my job application into the candidate stack for this job from another application stack because she thought, I was the best fit.

[qd]

This was very insightful, thank you for sharing and 'giving' to your YouTube network. It would be great to listen to more about the theories and methods you mentioned in the second half of your video.

[adibasdas]

I am really glad to have discovered your channel. Each one of your videos is pure gold. Thank you.