Do you use your contacts/connections to get what you want?

whether it's for a job that you really want, to get a good deal on something, etc...

If someone offers themselves up (whether by making a call for you, or telling you to drop their name, etc), do you take them up on it?

Message edited 3/24/2008 8:46:49 AM.

Re: Do you use your contacts?

I have taken people up on some offers but I rarely call in favors. I have an old friend who has burned a lot of bridges by asking people for way too many favors. I see the way that people cringe when his name comes up and I would never want that to be me. It does depend on the situation, though.

Re: Do you use your contacts/resource to get what you want?

I use my contacts to help me but I always make sure to pay it forward and help other people the same way.

Re: Do you use your contacts/resource to get what you want?

Yes..why not? It's called networking.

People call me, I call them.

Re: Do you use your contacts/resource to get what you want?

Absolutely. People help me, I help them, to me utilizing your network is just how to get things done.

Re: Do you use your contacts/resource to get what you want?

I do or don't on a case by case basis. it totally depends on each situation.
People call on DH & I for favors all the time, I don't mind.

Re: Do you use your contacts/resource to get what you want?

DH uses his contacts to get me everything, lol. He returns the favors whenever possible.

Re: Do you use your contacts/connections to get what you want?

Thanks for the responses!

I love helping other people in anyway i can (especially with a job hunt, etc), but for some reason i'm sooo stubborn about taking help. In this case though, pretty much everyone is telling me that i'm an idiot if i don't take it So, i just wanted to see where others stood on the topic.

Re: Do you use your contacts/connections to get what you want?

I wouldn't ask someone to be a reference for me or recommend me for a job unless I knew them well enough. Mainly because I would hate to be put in the same position.

Requesting someone make a call could backfire because you're never really sure how someone is perceived at their job. Even if they are highly regarded, depending on the relationship they have with the hiring party, it could go south.

For me, a lot of it depends on what it is I'm asking & how close the relationship is that I have with the person. If it's an introduction with a "meet her & see if you want to hire her" thing, I could see that.

Re: Do you use your contacts/connections to get what you want?

It depends on the situation. My parents both work in my field in very high-level positions, but I don't want people to hire/interview me because of them, because I want to know that my successes are my own. I never bring up that we are related. I wouldn't feel so strange if it wasn't my parents, but since it is, I feel like people would feel obliged to give me jobs even if I don't truly deserve them.

Re: Do you use your contacts/connections to get what you want?

Re: Do you use your contacts/connections to get what you want?

I have never really been good at asking people for favors, but as I am getting older and wiser, I realize more and more that most people do. In fact, many people would assume you are foolish not to take advantage of your contacts. My problem is I hate feeling beholden to people and I generally like to keep my professional and personal lives VERY separate.

ETA: use the connection - since you are starting a new career it can only help, right?

Message edited 3/24/2008 9:06:44 PM.

Re: Do you use your contacts/connections to get what you want?

sometimes DH and i use our connections. i personally sometimes don't like asking people for favors. i especially hate it when someone tells you that they have connections and then when you need them for something, nothing comes through. does this make sense?

Re: Do you use your contacts/connections to get what you want?

Neenie, if I were in your situation, and I knew I was qualified for the job, I'd take the help. As much as I hate taking help, especially for work stuff, as long as I know I'm qualified, then I'd be silly not to guarantee it for myself