Do you know this woman?
Three times this week dear people in my life have shared how they got lost in a pile somewhere. These are highly accomplished professionals in their fields who chose NOT to “use” someone who might have helped them get to the top of the pile. They wanted their resume, application or phone call (fill in the blank for yourself) to stand on its own to get the attention of the party they were seeking. In no case was that the outcome.
That’s because it doesn’t happen that way. Even though we think it should and are totally qualified. there’s too much other stuff competing for everyone’s attention.
Case in point: I was reading the Times review this morning about Spy, the new Melissa McCarthy comedy and came to a paragraph praising Miranda Hart. The name sounded a bit familiar, but I think I was confusing her with Miranda July, and when it didn’t match up with my memory, I stopped reading.
It wasn’t until the critic wrote:
and the marvelous Miranda Hart (Chummy to all you “Call the Midwife” fans out there)
that I began to pay attention and definitely want to go. That’s how much I love the Chummy character. But, if he hadn’t mentioned a reference about Miranda Hart, I’d have tossed the review aside–as those reading your resumes, applications and appointments might without someone’s endorsement or say-so.
Bottom line: If you have people who are willing to put your name at the top of someone’s list, let them. Plus, it makes them feel good when you get the job, into the program, or book the specialist you want to see.
Oh, what a terrific reminder this is. As a natural networker, one of the greatest pleasures in life for me is putting people in touch with each other when it results in a win-win. Sometimes we confuse effective networking with glad-handing, and it’s not the same thing at all. Your post should be part of every graduating senior’s required reading!