Many smart women know how to succeed academically or do a great job in the office, but how many realize that most of their professional lives are determined by “who you know?”

Who do you know?

Who do you work with?

Is ‘who can help us’ your first question when you tackle a new project or initiative?

The “who” question is probably the most important question to pop into your mind when you start to think about your work, the task at hand, and your long term goals.

For example, if a catering company is committed to landing five new clients, all in the $7500 to $10000 range per event, here are some of the questions they might ask, and the potential followthrough (in order of what works least to what works best)

1) WHY are we doing this?
Probably not a great starting question. If you’ve committed, then start “dialing for dollars” with *who* can help you get the project rolling.

2) HOW are we going to do this?
True leaders can find others to help them do the work. If you don’t know how to do a project, find someone who *does* know how: this relates to line staff all the way up to C-level executives.

3) WHEN are we going to do this?
A timeline totally depends on the parties involved. With lackluster people on your team, expect lackluster results. With stars on your team, you are rolling immediately, and arrive at your destination more smoothly: it all depends on who you’re working with!

4) WHAT are we going to do?
Who you know determines the answer to this question. Find a connector, an early adopter, a well-connected person, or someone more experienced to give you tips and advice on tackling your project.

5) WHO will help us? (BEST QUESTION TO ASK)
The best question to start with! It’s who you know that determines your success. You can call upon other friends, associates, and coworkers to help you achieve your goal.

For example, if I’m the caterer looking for five new clients, I would call around and ask the people who make decisions about company gala dinners, product launches, and employee events. I’d call event planners and audio/visual folks. I’d call my friends who’ve invited me to company bashes in the past and have them put me in touch with the corporate events contact. I’d call larger foundations and ask for their upcoming schedule. I’d call a company with an anniversary or founder event coming up.

Ask WHO!
…………..and see your personal and professional success flourish!