Six Friction-Free Ways to Help Your Network Help You - Patrick Ewers

"Everyone at some point has gotten a job only because they knew the right person - and those are usually the better jobs."
This is Patrick Ewers, early LinkedIn director and relationship-building expert. Today, he makes his living teaching tech's most successful professionals how to get what they want by forging the right connections. What's different about Ewers is that the bulk of his advice can't be found in Networking for Dummies-style guides. It's designed to be simpler, more genuine and effective at the same time. Case in point: You'll never hear him say, "Fake it till you make it."
Whether they admit it or not, most people are uncomfortable with the concept of "networking." Whether you're standing alone in a sea of people at a cocktail party or sending a note to an old colleague asking for an introduction - these interactions are fraught with pressure and anxiety, even for those who have risen to the top. While Ewers' philosophy does require discipline, it's all about removing these mental blocks so you don't miss out on opportunities.

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