Your network is your net worth

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Networking and creating connections are imperative in any industry. Everyone knows how crucial they are to being successful in business, but I would argue they’re necessary to just to survive. This is something I learned early in life that has been reinforced during my time at the Spears School of Business.

That is why, anytime I am given an opportunity to meet someone or create conversation, I do it. As a 21-year-old college student and a senior graduating early, I have made incredible connections and met people I would have never thought possible. I have had the privilege of meeting governors, senators, CFOs, CCOs, CEOs, presidents and vice presidents, and I have even worked alongside a few of them. I’ve had incredible opportunities from hosting a podcast with the dean of my school to job shadowing a Dallas Mavericks VP. How did I get these opportunities? The answer is simple. I network and build meaningful relationships.

This skill of networking is especially vital within the sports industry. Most in the sports industry (or those attempting to be employed in the sports industry, like myself) understand it is challenging to get your foot in the door, or honestly to just get an interview. From my experience working with the OSU Brand Squad with Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals to the professional experience I have gained networking with industry professionals, it’s clear that working in sports has an inevitable grind to it.

Understanding the entry barriers to the sports industry, I jump at any chance to get in front of a potential employer. That’s why I snagged a ticket to the OKC STIR event put on by the Oklahoma City Thunder. This event allowed attendees to network, seek employment, develop professional skills through workshops and much more. There were a number of sports teams represented, but there were even more non-sports organizations looking to hire.

I would encourage anyone student or professional to never miss out on an opportunity to connect and meet someone. Events like the OKC STIR are prime opportunities for this. You never know what can come from a conversation if you never have it. It could be your next big deal, your next client, your next job opportunity, or maybe even a new friend. I guarantee in both professional and personal settings there will be opportunities to grow your network and build connections.

Whether you have a long conversation and you strike up a business deal, or you have a short conversation and just learn insightful information, do not miss out on those opportunities to grow your social equity. Personally, I find that social equity is often more valuable than physical, financial equity. In fact, I would argue there is a correlation between social equity and financial equity - social equity often increases, and can create financial equity. There are many ways to create social equity, and it all starts with networking and building relationships.

Whether it is a sports career fair or a simple meet-and-greet at your school, I would encourage you to approach these situations openminded and ready to connect. Start building connections, growing your social equity and investing in your net worth through networking. 

Story By: Dalton Wolf | dalton.wolf10@okstate.edu