3 “Mind” Games for Networking “Up the Ladder”

So, you DO realize that “it’s not what you know…it’s _____ you know”.

Pretty stinking true words no matter what circumstance you are in, or what you are trying to accomplish…even if it’s trying to cajole somebody else into joining the church choir.  You could be the best vocalist in the world, but if you stink at relationships, you might not be able to get others on stage with you.  “She’s so rude”. 

Here are 3 Mind Games to help you out in developing relationships.

1) Ring Around the Rosie – Don’t always think about THE person you want to connect with.  Think of who is in their inner circle, and try to strike up conversations with them instead.  Sure, you might be able to get “in” with that person right away, but…if they see you conversing with their friends, or see their friends replying back to you on social media…you’re half way there.  Besides, if you wait for “the rosies”….it may be too late.  (Ok, you might have the check out the unoffical plague interpretation to get my humor…scroll down…you’ll see it)

2) Red Rover, Red Rover...Let Brandon Come Over – I always hated that game….now I know why.  If you are going to sit there, waiting to be invited in, for doors of opportunity to open up, while you are sitting there stairing at closed doors…it’s probably not going to happen.  I say…forget about Red Rover….get up and go.  Don’t Wait for the Invitation….Make-It-Happen.

3) Spin the Bottle  – Ok, this will be a good one.  Perhaps you spun the bottle…as it’s spinning….you know it’s going to land on somebody you don’t really want to pucker up and plant.  And BAM…sure enough…it happens.  You are kissing Wynona. (Sorry if I just offended anyone).  However, you decide to stay in the game long enough until you get your real opportunity to smooch the one you’ve been waiting for.  And just as it’s nearing your turn to spin the bottle, Annie, your dream babe decides she’s going to head home.  However, because Wynona is her best friend, she convinces her to stay one more round so that they can go home together.

Your turn arrives….the bottle spins…and BAM…sweet victory.  Annie is there waiting for that smooch.

Just like in Spin the Bottle…never underestimate what folks who you may not be directly wanting to network with can bring to the table.  You may be surprised the relationships and networks that people have.  Sometimes…you just have to Give, Before You can Get. 

Take care InfoPreneurs,

Brandon Yeager