👣 Step 39: Who Knows You?

At last week's social, I asked some new 705ers why they joined. Both mentioned gaining new business (they work in sales-type positions), but they also mentioned expanding their general network.

My first piece of advice pertained to value: what value can you bring to others? That others-focused mentality. Give more than you take (I could talk about that endlessly).

My second piece of advice (and the focus of today's newsletter) was reframing networking to this: "It's not who you know. It's who knows you."

While they'll overlap, these are two completely different circles of influence, and it's important to note the difference.

"Who you know" consists of everyone you've met through whatever means - networking events, community organizations, work projects, school, online connections, etc.

"Who knows you" can be much, much larger than that:

• The people who've heard of the great things you're doing at your job.
• The person who heard your name at an event you weren't at.
• The community leader who saw your LinkedIn post about your recent project.

I could list many more examples.

The difference between "who you know" and "who knows you" can be negative. You could meet a ton of people and remember their names, but they don't remember you (hence those multiple "nice to meet you" interactions we've all experienced. How to solve this? Provide them value).

But more importantly, the difference could be massively positive. A lot more people could know you than you've even met.

Also, as it pertains to your circle of influence, it doesn't matter if you know someone if they don't know you.

So, how do you increase "who knows you?"

Simple: increase how visible you are.

Whether that's building a personal brand, attending events, doing projects or hobbies that bring a lot of attention and value, or setting up 1:1 coffee chats, there are many ways you can increase how visible you are in the world.

Personally, run club has been a unique way I've increased my personal visibility (who knows me) while building a genuine community, bettering my body, and having fun.

Of course, this is all assuming you want to expand your circle of influence as a leader and person. If you don't, do your own thing!

But if you do, I suggest putting consistent time and energy into those things I mentioned, as well as find other unique ways you can show up in the world - whether that's personal or professional.

Be visible. Provide value. Do it a lot.

Build a circle of influence that expands past you.

Who knows you?

See you next Thursday, Steppers.

We will succeed,

Grayson

​graysonstepanek.com​

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Song of the Week:

People Hatin's instrumentation and melodies immediately stuck with me. Head nodding, easy to sing to - just a great musical experience. Plus it calls for unity, and we could use more of that right now. If you're into country, bluegrass, and/or soft rock, you'll love their new album Grateful.