There’s a big misconception that success and opportunities lie greatly on the idea of “who you know”. It’s just not true. I know a lot of people. I know a lot of names and in some cases I probably know a heck of a lot more about them than they know about me… if they even know my name.
No one is going to call me up and offer an opportunity of any kind when they don’t even know me.
I’m not saying “know” as in be best buds or add the title of Godparent to their relationship duties. No. I’m saying really know them; who is this person beyond their name or title, what do they do, how do they handle business, how do they treat people. But again, it’s not about what you know about them…
It’s about what they know about you.
Who are you penguin by Jen Goode
People like to work with and be around like minded individuals. They like to feel a connection on some level, even in business. You could plan this by meeting people and playing it off like you fit in. However, down the road the truth will come through, so save everyone the time and the hassle and just be who you are and be a darn great you.
What it all comes down to is this: the best opportunities will come to you because you are a great person and others know it. Key, let me repeat this because it’s a two part comment…
Opportunities will come your way because:
- You are a great person
- Others know it
These keys are interchangeable and required of each other. Both parts to that equation have to be in place for it to make a difference. You have to be consistent about it as well. You can’t be great toward one group of people and not another or let one group know you and not another. Word does travel. This is the chatterbox age and what you do or say or act like at breakfast will come out somewhere by lunchtime, if not before the breakfast dishes are washed.
I guess this is where the “it just fell into my lap” comes in. Opportunities don’t really “just happen”. Nothing realistically “just lands” anywhere.
Opportunities happen because of who you are and who knows it.
So be a great you, strive for your goals regardless of what others do or say or believe and good things will indeed come. Just a side note, your view of a “good thing” might not be what you get, so make sure your expectations include acceptance of surprises.
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Hi, I'm Jen Goode. I'm a work-at-home mom of 3, an artist, internet geek and business owner. I am a multi-tasking idea girl with a seemingly big lack of focus. Reality is, I play in many different directions, constantly. Thank you for joining me on this journey.
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But how do you let more people know who you are, and how do you make them stick around long enough to know you are indeed great?
You don’t afraid to talk with people… share what you do, share who you are by being good to others.. and reaching out whether people ask you to or not. There are boundaries, but don’t let yourself hold you back. Online we have it easy with facebook, twitter, linkedin, etc. Offline.. there’s tons of networking and other opportunities to jump in and become a part of something outside our own little worlds – they’ll stick around when they like what they see. How’s it going since Surtex?
I’d never thought it quite this way before but I can agree 100% – I have always known that my *shyness* for lack of a better word is what holds me back the most in my art career. I need to work on letting others know it about me instead of hiding my light behind nervous chatter and stammering. I cannot expect others to believe in me if I do not believe in me
Great article full of insight and wisdom – thanks for helping me think outside my own insecurities again!
You nailed it right that.. you have to believe in you first. I can completely relate. It’s so hard to stand up and say “hey, look at what I do”. I don’t want to come off as bragging or over confident… but in reality when we say nothing about what we do, we’re not showing confidence in our ability at all… so how can we expect anyone else to be confident in us? You’re a fabulous woman.. let people know how much you love what you do. You don’t have to sales pitch, just show your talent and your passion for it.
As per usual Jen, I couldn’t agree more!