The Virtues of (Personal) Networking

I’ve taken a bit of hiatus from blogging as I’ve settled-into my new gig at WSO2. But I’m back with a career and social observation that applies to everyone. 

This past week – partly by chance, partly by design – I’ve had lunch/coffee with

• A CEO / Serial entrepreneur looking for marketing guidance on his latest venture
• A college alum reaching-out for an informational interview
• A product marketing leader wanting to share professional experiences

It’s been an interesting set of wide-ranging conversations. But taken as a whole, it dawned on me that everyone, no matter what their level or level of discussion, should go out of their way to expand their network and “pay it forward” by sharing experiences, knowledge, and connections.  Never turn down an opportunity to exchange ideas or to meet someone new. 

The LinkedIn era

This is a new career era where potential employment is as much about using your network and knowing someone, as it is about being discovered via blogs, LinkedIn, etc.   

As a hiring manager, rarely does a good resume come in because of a passive job posting. Rather, almost always good candidates are found in the blogosphere, on LinkedIn, or through a referral by a friend / colleague / Tweep.

So as the saying goes, one’s professional value is as much “what you know” as “who you know”. Per the Network Effect, every new contact you make exponentially expands your marketability, source of knowledge, and overall professional value. So the act of expanding your network makes you more discoverable and valuable.

A nod toward WSO2 Principles

The other aspect of my (new-ish) philosophy is reflected in two of WSO2’s six new principles (we will announce them soon) that all of our employees embody. I try to take-them-to-heart every day in the office.... and outside. You should too:  

[Life is a] Journey of Experiences

• Each person is on a journey of constant growth.
• We provide everyone opportunity for their best journey.
• We are humble in accepting feedback and act with integrity.

[We are a product of] Community Contribution

• We are part of a wider community.
• We stand on the shoulders of other giants.  
• Everyone contributes; therefore, everyone can influence.
• We want to contribute to communities, facilitate external contributions and encourage community participation.  

These two principles speak to me professionally – to see that my career is a journey, and it is my (and our) individual responsibility to make the most of opportunities to learn from anyone and everyone. And the broader tech/business community is valuable to us when we constantly share our experiences amongst friends and colleagues.

As corporate principles, they also speak to me – to appreciate every employee and colleague’s experience, perspective and approach to their job. And to take all feedback (the good and the bad) as a contribution. As part of the open source community, we also have to be humble, but also realize it’s our responsibility to contribute back to the community-at-large.  

Networking is holographic - Our network of experiences, and our contribution to/from our community, is true at work as it is in life.  So meet new people. Struggle against being insular; share information, don’t hide it.

Propel others. In doing so, you’ll propel yourself.