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I agree that priorities are important. But these things aren’t mutually exclusive, right? I was equal parts networker and learner in my early career and it defi

I agree that priorities are important. But these things aren’t mutually exclusive, right? I was equal parts networker and learner in my early career and it definitely paid off. I remember being accused of being “too social” at times. And I’m sure I overdid it now and then (as we do in our youth). But my personal network has been very valuable over time, especially in the tough times. And I’ve come through for them too. I’m not saying “it’s not what you know, but who.” I am saying it’s what you know AND who.

marcinzm 6y ago
That's the distinction between being good for you and being good for your co-workers/company. When I'm hiring someone I care about them being good for co-workers and the company.
- zigzaggy 6y ago
  I guess we can agree to disagree, because in my opinion people who are connected to a group, and participate in the "give and take" that goes with it, bring additional value to the job. I don't see how that wouldn't be good for co-workers and the company. Maybe I should clarify that these aren't things I would do on the job. I engaged with co-workers through volunteer work, at those goofy socials at the Chamber (which I refuse to do now), going out for lunch or drinks with folks I met in the halls, etc. Either way, to me work isn't just going in, punching a clock, and cranking out canooter valves and cagibilt rings. As a program manager, I've always had an appreciation for the relationships and motivations of others. I do the canooter valve thing too, but I always enjoyed the brainstorming sessions and mind maps, and solving problems and making deals happen. I dunno, networking is part of the job if you ask me.
  - marcinzm 6y ago
    I'd say it depends on the types of social networking, the author of the article talked about very shallow networking (people you met at a meetup, stack overflow, etc.). That's different than building deeper relationships with co-workers. I've found that the two are not necessarily correlated and people who go for numbers will often sacrifice depth. I've seen this on LinkedIn with juniors who I'd never met that randomly connect with me (often bootcampers) and I can see that they've done the same with hundreds of others in the field (they never message me if I accept).
    - zigzaggy 6y ago
      Good point, those are definitely different types of relationships. I agree completely that the shallow networking is a waste of time for everyone involved.

marcinzm 6y ago

That's the distinction between being good for you and being good for your co-workers/company. When I'm hiring someone I care about them being good for co-workers and the company.

zigzaggy 6y ago
I guess we can agree to disagree, because in my opinion people who are connected to a group, and participate in the "give and take" that goes with it, bring additional value to the job. I don't see how that wouldn't be good for co-workers and the company. Maybe I should clarify that these aren't things I would do on the job. I engaged with co-workers through volunteer work, at those goofy socials at the Chamber (which I refuse to do now), going out for lunch or drinks with folks I met in the halls, etc. Either way, to me work isn't just going in, punching a clock, and cranking out canooter valves and cagibilt rings. As a program manager, I've always had an appreciation for the relationships and motivations of others. I do the canooter valve thing too, but I always enjoyed the brainstorming sessions and mind maps, and solving problems and making deals happen. I dunno, networking is part of the job if you ask me.
- marcinzm 6y ago
  I'd say it depends on the types of social networking, the author of the article talked about very shallow networking (people you met at a meetup, stack overflow, etc.). That's different than building deeper relationships with co-workers. I've found that the two are not necessarily correlated and people who go for numbers will often sacrifice depth. I've seen this on LinkedIn with juniors who I'd never met that randomly connect with me (often bootcampers) and I can see that they've done the same with hundreds of others in the field (they never message me if I accept).
  - zigzaggy 6y ago
    Good point, those are definitely different types of relationships. I agree completely that the shallow networking is a waste of time for everyone involved.