Networking has always been a cringe word for me. Whenever I hear people talk about networking or meeting people for the sake of an opportunity, I feel weird about it. Working in Los Angeles, I feel like the practice of networking is ever-present. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked, “Hey man, what do you do?” before even being asked my name. No matter where I live, where I work, or what I aspire to do, I’ll never be a “networkey-type-of-guy” here’s why.
I’m Friendly
No matter who you are or what you do, I will always find it in my heart to be warm and friendly; that’s how my Dad raised me to be. Throughout my day, I’m always looking for ways to blast people with love and warmth. Each moment I set a goal of trying to see who I can make laugh, inspire, or make feel better about their day. Just being friendly and kind to people has proven itself to work out for me. Some of my best friendships began with me telling a funny joke or sheer kindness.
I’m Socially Awkward
Contrary to popular belief, I can be extremely socially awkward. I’m a very authentic person, which is excellent in its place, but sometimes I can be overly honest. I’ve had moments where I’ve frankly said, “I feel like you’re cool, can I be your friend?” I have a hard time playing it cool, which can make things rather odd.
I’m a Creator
One of the coolest experiences that I’ve had in my career was interning at the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon while I was a junior at Morehouse. I was given that opportunity because I created a viral video about resume tips that caught the attention of an HR recruiter at NBC. I’ve met so many people by writing these blogs, creating content online, and telling my story. Connections made through “Hey Chris, I read your blog and was wondering if you would be interested in…” have found themselves to be extremely helpful on my journey.
I’m a Hard Worker
My most significant accomplishments, such as publishing books, working coveted internships, and graduating from college, have come from me merely doing the work. When I decided that I wanted to write a book I didn’t meet someone at a bar and converse about how I aspire to become a published author. I started writing my manuscript and made a Facebook status about it. That Facebook status allowed me to connect with a man who happened to live in my neighborhood who had a book publishing company. I did the work and was bold about it, and the opportunity manifested.
I’m a Believer
The secret to any success I’ve experienced is due to my spiritual life. I pray a lot and have faith that my prayers are answered. I always pray that I cross paths with who I’m supposed to and that God orders my steps. I move through the world with confidence that I’m meeting the people I’m supposed to, doing the kinds of work that God would have me do, and I’m the man that He would have me be. I have no desire to make effort into networking because I have confidence in my soul that the right people will fall into my life.
I also believe in the Law of Attraction. The Law of Attraction is the ability to attract into our lives whatever we are focusing on. So often in conversations of networking, it is expected to discuss what we want to work on, who we want to become, and what we want to do. I don’t want to have conversations like that.
Oprah once said, “in life, you don’t get what you want, because so much about getting what you want means you’re living out of the space of what you don’t already have.”
I don’t want to have conversations about what I want to do, or who I want to become. I desire to focus on who I know that I already am in my soul and allow that person to manifest himself more and more each day.
Conclusion
I can only write about what I know. Networking hasn’t worked for me. I think that if I’m just kind to people, work hard and pray; I’ll be fine. Of course, I work in the entertainment industry, so I’m expected to network on some level, but I don’t know. I’m open to getting better at it, but networking in the superficial-LA-sense that I’ve been experiencing isn’t something that I want to prioritize. I’ll never be that guy and that’s okay.