Don't Keep Score

"If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score."

Vince Lombardi

Everyone wants to know the secrets to success. How do you make it big? What is the inside scoop? There is no quick answer. What is most important to understand, is that you must go out and ask for it. 

Until you become as willing to ask for help as you are to give it,  you are only working half the equation. It is a constant process of giving and receiving- of asking for and offering help. By putting people in contact with one another, by giving your time and expertise and sharing them freely, the pie gets bigger for everyone.

For example, I enjoy giving presentations, doing volunteer work, running stretch sessions for the elderly and in corporate settings, and meeting one-on-one with anyone who made need nutritional or fitness advice or who are looking for a career change. I didn't go from being a retail buyer/ product development designer to a personal trainer/grad school student overnight, I can easily talk about the path I took and offer my experiences along the journey. It's almost a hobby. I get enormous satisfaction from hearing their progress and seeing the results of my help. There are times I can make a difference in someones life. 

A network functions because there's recognition of mutual need. There is an understanding that investing time and energy in building personal relationships with the right people will pay off. 

But to do so, first you have to stop keeping score. You can't build a network of connections without introducing such connections to others with equal intensity. In other words, the currency of real networking is not greed, but generosity.

Fundamental Insights:

1. Job security? Experience will not save you in hard times, nor will hard work or talent. If you need a job, money, advice, help, etc. there is only one safe place to find them- within your extended circle of friends and associates.

2. There is no point in keeping track of favors done and owed. Who cares? It is better to give before you receive. If you do things with generosity, your rewards will follow suit.

3. Contribute. Give your time, money, and expertise to your growing community of friends.

STAY FIT. STAY CLASSY. STAY TRUE

Jenna

References: Ferrazzi, K. (2005). Never Eat Alone. DoubleDay