Why More Knowledge Isn't The Answer

This may sound counter intuitive coming from someone who trains people, but hear me out.

We live in an age where knowledge is infinite, but not all of it is equal.

You’ve heard the term, “it’s not what you know, but who you know.”

Well, I’m here to tell you it’s true.

The workplace is a political scene.

But before you get discouraged, let me shine a bright light your way.

If your career was only about how much knowledge you acquired, you’d always be beat out by someone who knows more (kinda depressing huh?)

Yet you reside in a networked world where connections can open doors that information cannot.

Let me explain.

Say there’s two candidates for a managerial role:

1. One has a flawless resume, but is an external candidate with no context in the company.

2. The second meets the minimum requirements, lacks some skills, but has favor from executives within the organization.

Candidate #2 get the job 90 - 95% of the time.

Fair or unfair that’s how the working world works.

But instead of telling you something you may already know, let’s break down the practical application in your situation.

Candidate #2 has the advantage because of who they know.

In your career, internal and external networking will always be an advantage worth having.

Face it, return customers provide more lifetime value than new ones.

For the simple fact there’s familiarity. You can vouch for them.

That is exactly why connections assist you.

I’ve known too many leaders who have all the qualifications on paper, but lack buy-in from the ones making decisions to hire/promote.

It’s the reasons why recommendations and word of mouth will always rule.

• If you’re extroverted, you’re probably already doing this.

• If you’re more introverted just the thought may give you anxiety.

So let me tackle the latter scenario.

As someone who is more introverted, I’ve learned to be a situational extrovert.

When the role calls on me to “turn it on” I do. No excuses.

Building your network is no longer attending conferences/events, passing out business cards and mastering your elevator pitch.

It happens daily on LinkedIn, through email and in personal/professional conversations.

1. Simplify the process by focusing on finding one thing in common.

2. Start the conversation by asking questions, curiously (without an agenda to sell).

3. Form genuine connections that strengthen over time.

Before you know it, your network will grow without putting pressure on yourself.

As a leader, your network will be your net worth.

If you don’t believe me, just think about who you will turn to when you’re unemployed.

Don’t make the mistake of building it when you need it.

Your network needs to be built before a time of need.

No matter the industry you’re in this theory is true.

So if your network isn’t where you want it to be, get on it.

And if you need help getting started, contact me here.

God Bless,

Scott

If you found this helpful and you’re looking to improve your soft skills as a leader, here are ways to work with me directly:

• 🗣 Hire me to speak at your company or next event (watch my speaking reel here)

• 🎤 Invite me to lead an interactive training workshop, remotely or in-person (depending on location)

• 🤝 Start 1:1 coaching with me as a new manager, current leader or executive (I once managed 30 people 1:1 weekly❗️)

Also, you can help me out by forwarding this to friends whom would benefit from it! Thank you!