In my previous blog post, we discussed the 3 lessons that Ruth gives us about networking horizontally
Or, in the words of Issa Rae, “networking across” with your peers. Click here if you missed that, sis!
But here’s why I stated that networking up also has it’s place:
Whereas networking across allows you to kick start and actualise your dreams without the affirmation or approval of the powers that be within your industry, there are some seats at the table that you have to be invited to rather than create yourself.
For example, Ruth could not have gone from working in Boaz’ fields to owning them with him as his wife without him accepting her proposal (yes, you read that right! See Ruth 3 and 4). Likewise-
There are life and business goals that don’t happen without other people’s say so
For example, my godsister recently applied to start university this September. Without them accepting her, though, she couldn’t just show up to class and demand a degree! A friend of mine wants to start a charity but she has to go through the proper channels and authorities to get it registered. Likewise, when it comes to PR, you can’t get featured unless someone accepts your proposal or pitch- just as Boaz did for Ruth all those years ago.
So, how do we go about getting in front of these gatekeepers?
Well, to summarise what has already been alluded to, you must: