The old adage ‘it’s not what you know but who you know’ is one which can prove frustrating if you’re someone who religiously puts in the hard yards at work.
But according to Australian entrepreneur Janine Garner, taking time to build your network with the right people is a key ingredient for career success – and you should take time to choose wisely.
The CEO and author of It’s Who You Know said that sitting on your hands and waiting for the world to help you achieve your dreams will get you nowhere.
So who exactly do you need on your team and why?
“Building a network for personal growth in the 21st century hinges on connecting and collaborating with the right people, openly sharing knowledge and insights with individuals, who understand at a deeper level our goals and aspirations, and who nurture a collective interest in our growth,” Janine said.
According to Janine, there are four core people that you need in your life to achieve growth and success.
THE PROMOTER
“Your own personal cheerleading squad is key to your success. They are with you through thick or thin, never giving up on you, always dreaming big with you,” Janine said.
“Promoters pull you toward your future dreams, make noise about potential possibilities, spend time with you to explore how you’re going to achieve your goals and inspire you to become more.
“They put fire in your belly and belief in your mind. According to research from the Centre For Talent Innovation, people with promoters (also known as sponsors) are 23 per cent more likely to move up in their career than those without sponsors.”
THE PIT CREW
“Climbing the ladder of success can be a lonely task, requiring grit, determination and perseverance” Janine said.
“We all experience days of frustration and disappointment, days when we have to face our fears, make tough decisions or calls, push past failures, recalibrate our reality and keep focused on opportunities that lie outside our comfort zone.
“Having the right crew to help you overcome these difficulties, keeping you mentally tough and balanced, is crucial. Like a Formula One pit stop, your pit crew can make or break a race.
“They add stamina to run the marathon of your dreams; to navigate complexities and recover from setbacks. They help you learn from mistakes and keep pushing you on anyway.”
THE TEACHER
“Seek out teachers who will continue to help develop your mastery and knowledge, pushing you to know more,” Janine said.
“They may have already achieved what you want to achieve and will willingly open doors, make introductions and pave the way to your success.
“The right teachers teach you mastery, guide and stretch your thinking and encourage you to push, because they know that this constant curiosity creates real opportunity for growth, achievement and success.”
THE BUTT-KICKER
“Love them or hate them, we all need butt-kickers. Butt-kickers are the masters of delivery,” Janine said.
“They listen to your dreams and accelerate your goals, pushing you to do more and holding you accountable for all your actions — and then some.
“Choose your tribe carefully. Take control because strategically aligning yourself with the right people will fast track your goals and ambitions and influence the person you eventually become.”