There’s a classic saying: “You are the average of the people you are with.”
Whether you believe this to be true or not, we all possess some qualities, traits, and skills that were influenced upon us by those we spend significant time with.
This statement often rings true and is a big predictor of who we are, what we do, our income status, and the person we strive to become. However, this also means that we might be overly fixated on income status and earnings potential instead of meeting people from all sorts of backgrounds that can truly propel us to our own version of success in numerous unexpected ways.
As an MBA student, networking and meeting people from across industries has been a priority since I began this January. Getting to know people from various socioeconomic backgrounds is crucial. In fact, it’s more worthwhile in the long run for yourself and others to not just surround yourself with wealthy individuals. Instead, it’s beneficial to empower those at all different stages since the best gift is giving, especially when growing a network.
When it comes to personal or professional acquaintances, friend groups, or people you spend the most time with at work or at home, exposing yourself to different ideas and backgrounds will be much more worthwhile than only associating with people based on their net worth or income level.
It’s natural to gravitate towards those with common interests, and many times, those with a certain status or power similar to us. We find common threads, whether we work in the same industry or know the same people and are part of their circle. However, aligning with people based solely on earnings and wealth can be limiting.
Foot in the Door
From a financial standpoint, it’s strategic to get to know people who can open doors for you, introduce you to new contacts, or become potential clients, partners, or mentors down the line. Many times it’s not what you know but who you know. However, this mindset can become toxic and obsessive. In an MBA program, it’s natural to want to meet people from an investment standpoint and continue fostering those connections throughout life. Yet, knowing who you spend your time with is crucial. Just like choosing a spouse, time is our most precious asset.
A network or connection isn’t a transaction; it’s an investment from both sides. No matter who you meet, you will always learn something new because someone always knows something you don’t.
Spending time with people from different backgrounds and not all at the same ‘level’ as you or your friends is beneficial for both sides. The world is small, and we never know how we can help each other out in the long run.
It’s essential to be open to knowing that your circle doesn’t need to be identical and only include people you look up to and aspire to become. It can include people who are younger or working on their long-term goals. This is what helps break the invisible barriers to accessing networks and tapping into groups of people you wouldn’t normally meet.
Limited Access
When I look to meet new people from a certain industry or background, I sometimes find it difficult to tap into that network at first. However, realizing that many times, people you least expect to help you will be your best guides.
In high school, I yearned for more exposure to the banking world and was fascinated by the trading desk. Learning about global transactions and derivatives in class excited me, but I didn’t have a clue who I could reach out to for a job at 17.
Many of my classmates’ parents were MDs and above at prestigious firms, but I didn’t know them directly and was never invited to their house parties. I felt lost and wanted to break into the industry without seeming desperate.
One day, I mentioned my interest in finding an internship to my friends who were heavily into the fine arts and sciences. They didn’t care for the markets but offered to help in unexpected ways. They mentioned that their siblings had just graduated and knew teams that were recruiting summer interns. They understood the pressure of being in HS and finding a first job, and offered to support me.
As you can see, it wasn’t finance students or those who I expected as the best guides. Instead, it was those with an arts background who got my resume through the door even faster. In sum, it’s important to never discount or assume things, especially regarding one’s interests or experience, because someone you least expect can help you the most.
Business is Personal
Tapping into a select network or attending prestigious events often requires knowing the right people to vouch for you. If someone can remember your name when you’re not in the room, that’s golden.
Through my experience hunting for jobs and leveraging my network, I’ve learned that people you aren’t usually super close to and know too well can help the most.
Keeping an open-minded perspective and getting to know everyone on some level, regardless of their background or income level, is crucial. This openness brings more luck and opportunities in the places you and the person you meet are aiming to reach.