Is it all about who you know? Or is it about what you know?

Summary: <p>We've all heard the saying it's not about what you know, it's about who you know. Is that true? </p> <p>Does our career success rest solely on who we know?</p> <p>What if we don't know anyone?</p> <p>What do you do?</p> <p>How do you break into these amazing opportunities? </p> <p>How do we thrive in our careers when we don't have inside connections?</p> <p><br> Let's explore! </p> <p><br> Over time you are going to build your reputation with great work. You'll build relationships when you: </p> <ul> <li>Perform</li> <li>Exceed expectations</li> <li>People can count on your to get the job done </li> <li>Help others </li> <li>Be someone people feel comfortable talking to  <ul> <li>Confidentially</li> <li>Being a human </li> </ul> </li> <li>Start with your first job: </li> <li>Perform</li> <li>Exceed goals</li> <li>Ask your manager what their goals are <ul> <li>Help get them there </li> </ul> </li> <li>Volunteer for extra projects </li> <li>Solve business problems </li> <li>Help your team reach their goals </li> </ul> <p>When you're ready to leave: </p> <ul> <li>Leave on great terms:  <ul> <li>Longer than normal notice </li> <li>Offer to help train your replacement </li> <li>Ask what you can do to make the transition as seamless as possible </li> <li>Want to keep in touch</li> <li>Ask if needed, can you use your manager as a reference</li> <li>If your leader was super awesome leave them a recommendation on LinkedIn <ul> <li>Side note: do this for your great colleagues as well </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Starting your new job: </li> <li>Find out what the vision is </li> <li>Why were you hired? <ul> <li>Problem?</li> <li>Growth?</li> <li>= Insights on how you can contribute </li> </ul> </li> <li>What are your personal goals?</li> <li>What expectations does your manager have of you?</li> <li>Schedule / request regular check ins or 1:1 with your manager  <ul> <li>What are you doing well</li> <li>What do you need to work on</li> <li>General feedback </li> <li>Day to day updates / questions / etc. </li> </ul> </li> <li>Rinse and repeat