TIN #084 - Skip the Line: How to Get Past the Velvet Rope in Your Career
From Backstage Passes to Job Offers: Networking Tips That Work
Hey there, fellow introverts and networking enthusiasts!
It's Greg, your guide on this journey to become more connected, more confident, and yes—more capable of "skipping the line" in life's many queues.
This issue takes about 4 minutes to read…
Before We Get Started:
My online course, “5 Steps To Grow Your Professional Network,” is FREE for all my newsletter subscribers. Learn the process I use everyday to grow my professional network.
Each week, I post a new podcast with tips you’ll find in the weekly newsletter and bonus stories, wisdom, and motivation. The Introverted Networker podcast is like the weekly newsletter but with additional narration and thoughts from me. Be sure to listen to this week’s podcast and check out the previous episodes of the podcast as well.
The video version of the podcast is available on my YouTube channel.
What Does "Skipping the Line" Mean?
Imagine this: You're standing outside a buzzing club or a popular restaurant, staring down a snaking line of eager patrons.
Yet, you see someone breeze past the line, exchange a few words with the person at the door, and waltz right in.
Annoying?
Maybe.
But what if I told you that, in the world of networking, you could be that person?
A Tale of Two Lines: Red Rocks Concert
Last summer, my wife and I experienced this firsthand.
Except we were the ones who got to skip the line.
I shared the whole story in TIN #045 - Why I Ignore CEOs and Celebrities. Here’s the short version:
Thanks to a long-held connection with a sound man at a concert at Denver's famed Red Rocks, we didn't just skip the line—we were backstage.
This wasn't about privilege; it was about maintaining relationships.
My wife had stayed in touch with this guy over the years. For no reason other than to stay connected.
That connection from years ago was our "skip the line" pass, a vivid reminder of the power of networking.
Why Waiting in Line Isn't Always Virtuous
For most things in life, we're taught to wait our turn.
It's considered fair.
But when it comes to your career, waiting in line—especially in the applicant tracking system (ATS) black hole—rarely serves you.
Instead, standing out through connections, through people, can elevate your resume from the bottom of the stack to the top of the pile.
From personal experience, I can assure you:
If you are referred, you are preferred.
In my case, I applied to job at a health-care company. I thought of all the people in my network who were in the health-care industry and asked them if they knew anyone at this particular company.
One man, a family acquaintance, knew the chief medical officer (CMO). I wasn’t applying for a medical-related position, but I knew anyone with “Chief” in his job title was a good person to know.
My acquaintance sent an email telling the CMO I had applied for this job and asked who he could put me in touch with.
Within a couple of days, I was contacted by a recruiter for an interview. The CMO had passed my name and contact information to the recruiting team.
When an executive sends your resume to recruiting, they call you for an interview.
It’s a professional courtesy.
It’s your ticket to the club.
It gets you past the velvet rope, but once you get on the floor, it’s up to you to dance.
I had my shot at an interview, and it was time to shine!
It's not about nepotism; it's about getting the chance to prove your worth.
How to Get Past the Velvet Rope
Your network is your VIP pass. But to use it, you need to keep your network vibrant.
We've discussed the steps in networking before:
Start with who you know
Connect online, but get to know people in real life
Give first
Be specific
Make it a habit
If you want to learn more about this process, my online course, “5 Steps To Grow Your Professional Network,” is FREE for all my newsletter subscribers.
Skipping the line through networking isn't a loophole; it's a testament to the relationships you've built.
So, next time you leverage a connection to get ahead, don't feel guilty.
Feel proud.
You've earned it.
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Let's Connect!
Try applying these insights in your networking efforts and share your stories with me.
Remember, I'm here to support you in your networking journey.
Don't hesitate to reach out with your struggles or questions.
Let's go out there and meet some interesting people this week.
Always be connecting,
Greg