Dear Poll: Do You Use Connections to Get Ahead?

January 10, 2008

A recent post on SavvySugar got me thinking. Readers were asked if they thought we live in a who-you-know world and over 79 percent feel it's all about who we know, and I have to agree on some level.

I asked you earlier this week if you used your sexuality to get ahead — 65 percent of you said no, but let me ask you this — do you use the people you know to get ahead? I think we all know it pays to know people in high places, but the real question is do you use them?

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27 Comments

jmeyer 5 years 18 weeks

I have a career in business and it is all about connections. I definitely think that it is important to develop, maintain, and use these connections. However proper connections should not mean you are getting a promotion or anything else simply handed to you. Any connection worth having and maintaining requires a certain level of trust in the other person's ability. I would never recommend an individual for a job if I didn't think he or she was capable of doing that job, because if that person does poorly it negatively reflects on my reputation. Therefore usually if you have good contacts both individuals are worthy of whatever that connection affords you.

Neekoh 5 years 18 weeks

It's hard for people who don't know you to see your strengths right away. That's why it's ok for friends/connections to pull strings for you. They know you and know that you are capable of doing the job before the interviewer ever could.

Lovely_1 5 years 18 weeks

Of course I do!I worked hard to make those conncections and I am not about to loose them!

Lovely_1 5 years 18 weeks

Of course I do! I worked hard to make those conncections and I am not about to loose them!

sparklestar 5 years 18 weeks

I use connections all the time!I'm also not beyond name-dropping.My boyfriend's parents are very well connected and I know there are some circumstances where I could name-drop for money-off/a higher place in a queue.Haven't had cause to do that yet!

sparklestar 5 years 18 weeks

I use connections all the time! I'm also not beyond name-dropping. My boyfriend's parents are very well connected and I know there are some circumstances where I could name-drop for money-off/a higher place in a queue. Haven't had cause to do that yet!

MandyJoBo 5 years 18 weeks

I've mentioned certain people in a round-about way to garner favor with others, yes. It's like the saying, "A friend of so & so is a friend of mine!"

Marci 5 years 18 weeks

Network, network, network. Who you know can definitely help you get your foot in the door. But you'd better have the goods to back it up and not make your connection look bad.

javsmav 5 years 18 weeks

If I had any connections, I'd use them.(Anyone looking to hire a litigation associate in Chicago?)

javsmav 5 years 18 weeks

If I had any connections, I'd use them. (Anyone looking to hire a litigation associate in Chicago?)

Asia84 5 years 18 weeks

In fashion, that's pretty much the ONLY way to advance in your career.It's not using them though. it's almost like some unwritten oath. You know, "i'll scratch you back, if you'll scratch mines". you HAVE to have a network of ppl in this industry or else you're gonna be waiting around for scraps.

Asia84 5 years 18 weeks

In fashion, that's pretty much the ONLY way to advance in your career. It's not using them though. it's almost like some unwritten oath. You know, "i'll scratch you back, if you'll scratch mines". you HAVE to have a network of ppl in this industry or else you're gonna be waiting around for scraps.

TASTEthiss 5 years 18 weeks

um all of my comments posted twice today. whats wrong with this thing?

TASTEthiss 5 years 18 weeks

i cant say ive used any connections to ahead.. but i would.its about who you know these days. so start networking!

TASTEthiss 5 years 18 weeks

i cant say ive used any connections to ahead.. but i would. its about who you know these days. so start networking!

TASTEthiss 5 years 18 weeks

i cant say ive used any connections to ahead.. but i would. its about who you know these days. so start networking!

bellaressa 5 years 18 weeks

I don't have connections.

bellaressa 5 years 18 weeks

I don't have connections.

Poster of a Girl 5 years 18 weeks

i would if i had any good connections!

tee0206 5 years 18 weeks

I've definitely used my connections to get job interviews. It works so much better than applying for random jobs on Craigslist and Monster. I also try to do a lot of networking by attending networking events on a regular basis.

tee0206 5 years 18 weeks

RockAndRepublic 5 years 18 weeks

I frickin wish. The only thing i've used(if you could even call it that) is my friends for references.

bingkaycoy 5 years 18 weeks

I don't think I use my connections to get ahead....I use connections to get the job done fast and of course for networking the right and influential people.