Griffin Speaks

IT’S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW

We have all heard the old adage, “It’s not what you know, but who you know,” my son, Greg Jr., learned this fact at the age of seven. One night, Greg Jr. came home and informed me that an adult at his school approached him and asked if his dad could help her husband find a good job. I was somewhat amused and gave him my business card to pass on to the adult. I specifically asked him to tell the adult to give me a call. The adult called and I invited her husband to lunch at Montgomery’s most prestigious dining facility, the Capital City Club. 

While dining at the Club, a Bank president passed by our table on his way to the delicious buffet. When he returned, he stopped to say hello. I introduced him to my guest and informed him that my guest was searching for a good job. The bank president told my guest to give him a call. He called him, obtained an interview and was hired. When I informed Greg Jr. that the adult was able to obtain a good job, Greg Jr. was delighted. I took that opportunity to explain to Greg Jr. the power of networking. 

I have been blessed to have one of the most impressive networks in America. People frequently tell me that I know everyone. I don’t know everyone, but its pretty close.

For the last twenty-five years I have been an intimate  friend with several people that could pick up the phone and call the President of the United States of America. I can recall being in Chicago and  meeting President Clinton. I quickly informed the president of my connection to C. Howie Hodges II, he responded, “Howie is doing a fine job at Commerce.” He said that without me saying anything but Howie’s name. I was totally impressed! Many people have questioned me on how I have been able to sustain such a massive network. 

First of all, I love people. When my mother-in-law asked my wife, Debra, how things were going early in our marriage, my wife responded, “All he wants to do is eat and meet people.”It seems as though I have met a new person every day for the last thirty years. This has been possible in part because I am always the first to speak. I say hello to everyone, the man on the street looking down and out, as well as the man in the Corporate board room. I often engage people in meaningful conversation about themselves. Soon after meeting me they conclude that I am someone that they would like to know. I surmise this is true simply because of my keen interest in them. 

Most people have little concern about what they can do for you. They are intrinsically concerned with what you can do for them. I am quick to help people. I don’t expect anything in return for myself; however, I do ask that the person help someone else when they are able to. 

Through networking I have introduced many people to their future spouses. I have been called the “MONTGOMERY YENTEL,” a name given to me by my good friend, Lycurgus Hatcher. “Has anyone seen my friend Hatcher?” 

The key to networking is moving outside your box. If you only associate with people you know, or feel comfortable with, your network will be limited. You must move outside the box and meet people. You inherit the network of the new people that you meet.

Everyone admires a person that genuinely admires something in them. I look for something to admire about everyone that I meet. I almost always find something that I can truly admire. Everyone can bring something to the table. 

Have you ever noticed an unattractive man with a beautiful woman? I once knew a student at Morehouse College that was so unattractive  he had to sneak up on a glass of water; however, he dated the prettiest women at Spelman College. I asked him how he accomplished this. He responded, “I am not afraid of rejection, so I just go up to pretty women and ask them out. Most of them don’t have a date, because most guys are afraid that they will say no.” 

The key points of this article are you must overcome fear of rejection and meet as many people as possible. In order to build a successful network you must keep in mind that  people are mostly concerned with what you can do for them. Don’t be afraid to let someone know that you admire them and watch your network blossom. 

Greg Griffin is a columnist for the historic Montgomery-Tuskegee Times. He can be reached at www.greggriffin.com