At Ingenuity, we talk a lot about success and the P.I.E. Formula.* This formula was developed by Harvey Coleman as he worked his way up the ladder at IBM. Surprisingly simple, it points out the peril of thinking that "quality work" alone will bring you success. His P.I.E. formula suggests that:
Success is 10% performance.
Success is 30% image.
Success is 60% exposure.
Too many people think that good work is the key factor of success, but it means nothing if no one knows you. Your "exposure" means much more. The more you network, the more people you meet. The people who you meet now will one day be in a position of decision-making (if they aren't already) that will benefit you greatly IF you continue to develop the relationships.
Professional and personal relationships have many advantages, but two of my favorites are:
1. Managers with larger personal networks get higher paying positions than managers with small networks.
2. Managers with large, well-diversified networks get promoted faster and at younger ages compared to their peers with underdeveloped networks.
Now is the time to get involved and stay involved. Not only attend networking functions but get involved in an industry or practice area association that you are interested in. Volunteering at something for which you have a passion can also be very beneficial. Join a committee and take a leadership position. Keep at it and one day YOU will be the "manager with the large network" - and all the benefits it entails.
* The P.I.E. Formula is from "The Organizational Game Revealed" by Harvey Coleman.
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