“It’s not what you know but who you know,” runs the cliche. Like you, I have evidence that this often holds to be true. I am grateful that pre-existing relationships have opened many doors for me. I like to think that I have similarly fostered opportunities for others.

What you know is also important. Who you know won’t usually cut it if you are uneducated about some matters or unskilled in some areas. You can be steeply connected to “very important” people – they may even be family – but these relationships will not help when certain skills and qualifications are required for certain roles or privileges.

There is a somewhat related thought that I believe trumps who and what you know. How you relate to others is crucial to your success.

You are the one common factor in all of your relationships. Who you know and what you know can be derailed by how you behave. Kindness, humility, openness to others, willingness to learn, demonstration of mutual respect are sure-fire door openers. Brashness, arrogance, and an attitude of entitlement can have a door shut in your face no matter who you are or what you know.

Posted on February 15, 2022 at 9:08 am in Difficult Relationships   |  RSS feed |   Reply   |   Trackback URL