Do You Know Your Stuff or Just Know Someone?

Geeks, Sportos, Wastoids, Whatever!

Remember that? Remember them?

Back in high school, everyone was put into a group. While it only lasted for four years, the need to fit in was surely present the entire time. Of course, everyone wanted to be part of the "In" crowd to hang out with the "Cool" kids. For some strange reason, it was the "cool" kids that you wanted to know.

Good thing was high school and you left all that behind you many years ago. You did leave it behind you? I hope you left it behind. Geez, I hope you left it way behind.

Well, about 99.9998% of us let all that childish nonsense, teenage ego, and false bravado go. When we left high school (and college) we had to start over.

Every time we took a new job or started a new career had to start over.

For the most part, you, others and I now rely on our acquired skills, knowledge, ethics and work performance to move us up the corporate ladder.

Unfortunately, for some it is not all about that. That's where people have gone wrong. They feel that by being part of a group or just by knowing someone is all they need to move up. Unfortunately, some truly believe that their behavior in high school is the only way they are going to succeed. They believe that in the business world it is ALL about who you know and NOT what you know. Oh my, someone is in for a rude awakening.

The cold hard reality is who you know is but a small percentage of moving up.

No one worth their salt is going to give you a glowing recommendation or promotion solely because they know you.You must have something a bit more tangible to bring with that glowing recommendation

Think about this: Why would anyone put their professional reputation on the line based on the mere fact that they know you and NOT know what you know or are capable of delivering or bringing to the company? NO ONE!

That's why knowing your stuff is important.

What do you think?

Thank you,
David Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

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