Don’t you think networking is the most important part of success?

[LaFemmeFatale_1]

I just got a call from Shanghai that made me feel a bit shocked.

I am all by myself here in China, I hate asking for help and I am always the one trying to help other people, however in the past 2 weeks I came across some problems at work that I couldn’t solve alone, I was feeling so helpless and I messaged some friends who I thought could help.

Today I got a call from Shanghai, the person said that she got a call from government that I need help with the job and she’s willing to help me find the best deal. When I asked her who called her, she said a friend of her friend called her and now it was her responsibility to help me find something I will like.

I was really shocked. I have some friends, but I didn’t know any of them had ties with Chinese government, or that any of them could help me, I thought I was all alone.

I don’t even know which friend of mine did that. But now I know there are people willing to help me deal with any problems I meet and I feel so happy about it, regardless of how things end.

I also have another acquaintance, who had a very nice opinion on me and helped me contact people who offer me the best job I could think about at 26, to teach law in university. I feel so happy about that as well. I realize how important it is that people have good opinions on you and that you have the contacts that can help you get in the right place, even when you felt totally lost and vulnerable.

I had a very hard period, it’s still not over, but having all these possibilities make me feel hopeful and appreciative of all the contacts I’ve made throughout the years. Regardless of what comes out of it, I feel very grateful.

[dynamicyandere]

I’d say networking is very important, only second to personal development (becoming the kind of person one would want to network with).


Personal development stabilizes your success. Like if you get hired for a position, how well you perform is going to determine whether or not you will keep that position.


But, networking, and having the right kind of connections, can drastically increase the speed of your success by giving you access to prime opportunities you otherwise would not have (or have taken much longer to acquire).


Personal development that results in high performance will get you noticed. It will open the door for networking with higher caliber people.


Networking with higher caliber people will open opportunities to develop yourself even further and get noticed by even more high caliber people.


Personal development has helped me pass job interviews with ease. However, networking has helped me get access to better and better interviews.


So, they really work synergistically. 🙂

[richardcory]

Networking is very important for providing opportunities, but people need to then be able to take advantage of those opportunities - thought ability and hard work.

Networking isn't just knowing people, its knowing which people do good work

[msmissydc]

I can't speak about your specific situation but I agree with it yes. Networking is the most important part today for success. I could name a few people in my close environment, including myself, who wouldn't be where they are now, without people connections.

Half of my job is based around knowing the right people to ask, not even thinking about how I got my job in the first place which wouldn't be possible at all otherwise.

[LaFemmeFatale_1]

I made the mistake, I was a lone wolf and always did things on my own, never asked anyone for anything. However, I now realize I could have used these connections earlier and I would probably be further in life now.

So, I think I can use this experience in future.

[msmissydc]

I have to add: its also a bit of a self-reinforcing concept. Knowing people get you to places where you meet new people for the future. Also its a two way street so to say, sometimes you get to be the person people know, thats how a network works.

[LaFemmeFatale_1]

I’ve been that person to some other people.

I helped some people get great jobs and settle here.

[LaFemmeFatale_1]

I agree, it’s a two way street.

[Bklynbadboy12]

Networking is very important you're definitely right

[LaFemmeFatale_1]

Yep. I am still shocked about Chinese govt thing.

[BoopBoopBeep]

I'd say it depends on the field. I've never been one to network more than the bare minimum and I've been very successful. That probably wouldn't play out as well for someone in say, public relations or marketing.

[Anonymous]

I say its among the most important things in today's world.

[LaFemmeFatale_1]

Yep, I agree. Having the right people next to you can be very helpful.

[Opinion Owner]

Awesome.

[NathanDavis]

not the most important, no...

but definitely is a game changer, when it comes to help and make the difference at the right time

[Sparkie460]

The most important thing for success is perseverance and drive. You have to have the determination to want to succeed. Networking is an important tool to help you succeed.

[Friendlybro79]

Networking can at times be more important than your actual skill level and work ethic. Sometimes. Depends on how your organization looks to promote.