Who You Know and How Much They Owe You.

We’ve often heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Well this phrase is still valid today. Whether you’re looking for a job, a great deal, good service, or even an opportunity to redeem yourself, knowing the right person in the right position has always opened doors and given someone the competitive edge. However, today’s society has gotten a little more complicated with its uncertain economy, advanced technology, and exploding populations. Just knowing someone isn’t everything anymore. Look at social media as an example. People today have the opportunity to be in touch with thousands of distant relatives, childhood friends, old acquaintances, etc. Reconnecting has put many people back in good standings with old relationships, or has created a second chance, introducing individuals who previously passed over one another when they could have met. Networking is bigger today than ever on a global scale. People are becoming connected with one another in larger numbers and in shorter time periods. This has caused individuals to be a little more conservative on who they’re willing to do a favor for. We refer to much of it as prioritizing. Often we have to decide on who’s baby shower are we going to attend or who’s wedding reception when so many events are all scheduled at about the same time. Who are we willing to offend so not to offend someone else. Then there’s that friend who use to comp me tickets for concerts, or sports events. “How come that person doesn’t return my phone calls or emails anymore, especially when it gets closer to the big game?” The competition between us is getting greater and greater. Maintaining relationships and not burning bridges has never been more crucial. Finally, don’t get confused and think that just because you did someone a favor, that they’re going to be able to return that favor when you really need it. We have learned to calculate the risks involved when turning from one association to provide for another. Again we learn to prioritize and determine which is the lesser of two evils. The bottom line is, how is it going best benefit me in the big scheme of things? My advice to anyone as I’m learning this myself from my own experiences is, keep a positive attitude, be genuinely kind to everyone. Don’t do any favors expecting anything in return and finally, no one owes you anything. If you are fortunate enough to have anyone render you a personal favor, be humble, express sincere gratitude and take that as an opportunity to position yourself not to need that kind of intervention again from someone you know, if at all possible. Remember the Golden Rule, “Do unto others far better than anyone has ever done unto you.”