It’s What you Know and Who knows You

Remember the saying, “It’s not WHAT you know – it’s WHO you know”. It implies that it isn’t that important that you have specific skills and knowledge but that the world is really based on being an insider to get what you want.

If you aren’t in – you are out, no matter how good you are.

That may be true in many cases, but is that any way to live? Must one be always trying to worm his way into the right group and be “in” in order to make it? Doesn’t that leave a bit of a slime on your skin?

I feel very thankful to have read an tremendously enlightening lecture by C.S. Lewis entitled The Inner Ring. I encourage you to read it.

He explains how this desire for inner belonging eventually leads to an opportunity for corruption.

“It will be the hint of something which the public, the ignorant, romantic public, would never understand: something which even the outsiders in your own profession are apt to make a fuss about: but something, says your new friend, which “we”—and at the word “we” you try not to blush for mere pleasure—something “we always do.””

I think this can explain why decisions or votes often don’t make a lot of sense to those on the outside.

Lets look a bit further in Mr. Lewis’ lecture. He suggests that if you do practice your skill in a honoring way that you will become your own circle. A circle of sound craftsmen.

“If in your working hours you make the work your end, you will presently find yourself all unawares inside the only circle in your profession that really matters. You will be one of the sound craftsmen, and other sound craftsmen will know it. This group of craftsmen will by no means coincide with the Inner Ring or the Important People or the People in the Know.”

This combines the supposed opposing ideas into one sound principal. Practice your skills to craftsmanship level and be honest and you will enjoy the satisfaction and company of others who do the same.

I believe a high level of integrity and a desire to truly be of service to others will have it’s own rewards. Not only will you find your own healthy and honest inner ring but it is always open to others with the same values. Lewis says it in this way.

“And if in your spare time you consort simply with the people you like, you will again find that you have come unawares to a real inside: that you are indeed snug and safe at the centre of something which, seen from without, would look exactly like an Inner Ring. But the difference is that the secrecy is accidental, and its exclusiveness a by-product, and no one was led thither by the lure of the esoteric: for it is only four or five people who like one another meeting to do things that they like. This is friendship”

About the same time as I read this essay I learned a significant variation of the quote from Rhea Perry of Educating for Success. She said it is not WHAT you know, It is not WHO you know, It is WHO knows YOU.

Think of the candidate looking for a vote who never seems to make an impact and is not remembered come election day. Or the sales associate you don’t remember because he didn’t even give you his name.

You don’t have to check your integrity at the door to promote yourself. It is a matter of self confidence and assuredness that you are an honorable person looking to learn and serve others. I don’t even think you have to have to be the “sound craftsman” yet to find the crowd of craftsmen. Your willingness to learn the craft, be it sales, presentation, leadership or what ever the craft may be, coupled with your honesty will be recognized by those who value honest craft over influence, profit alone and peer pressure.

We all need other people to advance our goals. If you are asking to be remembered by a person that could influence your goals make sure you are respectful and principled.

Make your current craft one of good will and honesty and you will have a confidence born of integrity.

You will make an impression and be remembered.

Toward your work at home success!

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