Hypothesis

AG: We sometimes forget to see the whole person behind our professional interactions. We're all more than our job titles, and we'd like to make a genuine impact when we can, not just dole out cheap introductions. That's why the best networking happens when people connect for a purpose other than networking -- to learn from one another, help one another or accomplish something together. In life, it certainly helps to know the right people. But how hard they go to bat for you, how far they stick their necks out for you, depends on the strength of your connection. You want them to say:

Helping others is important because it fosters positive relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders, leading to increased job satisfaction, improved teamwork, higher productivity, and a more positive company culture, ultimately benefiting the overall success of the business; it can also boost employee morale, attracts talent, and enhance a company's reputation within the community.

Sometimes we forget to see the whole person behind our professional interactions.

I love Maya Angelou's quote " People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel"

I am a true believer in this. It's the little things in life that people will remember. When you are kind to someone, they will remember that forever. When you pay it forward to a stranger, they may not know your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel in that moment.

I live my life by this quote. I want to be remembered by how I made others feel. I want to uplift others, I want people to see what I see when I look at them. Even when they can't see it themselves or are still listening to others' voices in their heads.

I am that person who tells a stranger they look beautiful or a friend that I am so proud of them. I want all the people in my life to know how much I love them and how grateful I am for them for being in my life. I know how much a kind word means to each and every one of us.

In this world, especially lately, when so many people are just about themselves, we need to do more of this. We need to help others with our kindness. I hope one day when I am called home that the people who knew me say this. That I made them laugh, that I cared about what they were going through, that somehow, someway, I made them feel a little bit better.

So today, my friends remember this is your legacy, your life, and what you did is what you will be leaving behind. So live every day as if it was your last and make everyone you meet remember how you made them feel.

"Be the change you want to see."

It's not what you know, it's who you know. Like most clichés, it's popular because it highlights an important truth. But it's partially false. Look, there's no doubt that who you know matters. We have decades of evidence that the right connection can get your foot in the door for jobs, promotions and board seats. But the mere thought of networking can stop us in our tracks. This was true in one experiment where some people were asked to think about making friends at a cocktail party, while others imagined trying to make professional connections. Afterward, the ones who'd envisioned networking felt dirty, to the point that they actually rated soap and toothpaste more positively. And research shows that no one really mixes at mixers, anyway. We might plan to meet new people, but we usually end up hanging out with our old friends. So how should you think about developing your network? You don't have to start by building your contact list. You can start by building your skills, because having expertise to share sets you up to connect with interesting people. Just ask Pejman.

"The right connection gets your foot in the door" means that having a personal connection with someone who has influence or access to a desired opportunity can give you an initial advantage or entry point, allowing you to begin pursuing that opportunity, even if it seems difficult to access otherwise.

Hiring friends and family only is called Nepotism. It isn't always advised and can have its challenges. Although it's usually the right choice in some circumstances. For example: If someone refers a candidate to work at an organization, who is not fully qualified for the role, yet they get offered the position due to a personal relationship with staff, this serves as an example of nepotism.

The worst part is when it's dealing with promotions and raises. Sometimes someone in power or influence at a company can favor individuals due to personal relationships and ensure that they are gifted special promotions and raises. It is unfair to other employees within the organization who do not benefit from the privilege.

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