About Network
Post 28:
There might be two types of people. While I’m reticent to make overarching generalizations, it’s possible that sometimes speaking in generalities is just the ticket. Let’s give it a go, see where it gets us, if anywhere.
Type one. This is the person that is looking to make connections, i.e., always looking for an angle. I mean not to besmirch the character of type one, because connecting and formulating useful relationships is a good idea, in general. I’ll break it down further. I’m referring to the type of person that meets and greets, shakes hands, remembers names, not because they’re looking to form lasting personal bonds—they’re interested in building two-way streets, quid pro quo’s and the like. I shake your hand, you shake mine, we talk about this and that, when really, in the back of our thoughts, we’re simply looking to get what we can out of the relationship. It’s why the post is referred to about networking, or whatever the hell I called it a minute ago. These are the practical relationships, born out of the interactions of two or more practical people. A host of wonderful things can come out of these types of situations; let’s be honest, it’s pretty much what makes the world go round.
Type two. I’m hesitant, but I’ll give it a go nonetheless. Type two’s are those that just want a conversation, someone to relate to, another who might share an opinion or a thought with somebody else. The primary motivation here is not to build anything more than a emotional connection. Of course, this is oversimplified, but as the frequency of my travels increases, I find that more or less, people can be put into one of these categories.
Let’s talk tradeoffs. Type one is more likely to advance along the supposed plotline of their life, more likely to ingratiate themselves into a cadre or clique that will push them to the next plane of whatever existence they may be going for. This is good for the practicalities of life, but it might leave some folks wanting in the realm of real human connection. So there’s that.
Type two is out there wearing their heart on their sleeve. They may end a night of steady revelry hugging it out with their newfound compatriot, but most of the time it ends there. The I love you man’s and the we’ll make this happen’s rarely evolve into something more after the to and fro has been bolstered by whatever quixotic notion has been nurtured for whatever the length of the encounter. But…
Sometimes the quid pro quo turns into something deeper. Scratching a back for a scratch of your own is not deleterious to the human spirit by definition; it’s just a tendency, and one that I hope you and I can avoid.
Sometimes the feeling-based birth of one person connecting with another can be more than just emotionally efficacious. Huge things have been erected by the coming together of two like minds, like in spirit and endeavor.
So while I say there’s two types, we’re all capable of falling into each category, given the situation, the folks in our midst, the lay of the land. I’ll posit that it’s important not to get too caught up in what others can do for you—at the same time, don’t be an idiot—others can totally do things for you. Don’t be a schmuck.
Fine lines. They’re the ones that matter. Life isn’t always but can be about walking those lines, figuring out the nuances of how to play the game. Be whatever you are. Guessing that your method is the one that best suits you, and the way to maximize your potential is to do what you do best. Anyway, there’s some thoughts on how to get on. Whatever they’re worth. Y’all are better at deciding than I am.
Cheers. See you after.
