Devin Bull on "It isn't what you know, it's who you know"

It isn't what you know, it's who you know. That's mostly how much of the
third world operates. People get ahead in their social status, their careers
and their economic development based on who they know, who their friends
know, etc. In Western developed economies, although externally shunned
because of its political incorrectness, this concept largely thrives behind
a facade of smiles and obedience to the system. Sure, some people who
follow the system according to society's norms get a break and "achieve
something for themselves," but for many of today's achievers it's still not
what you know, it's all about who you know.

The best advice for those of you pursuing business goals is to initiate,
build and maintain positive relationships with others, not artificially, but
sincerely. The sincerity is important because everyone needs friends they
can trust in business. Don't just look at your contacts as lumps of meat to
exploit for your own purposes. Look upon them and behave as a real friend.
Real friends help real friends.