Who Do You Know?
At 29 is your network tight?
I was perusing trough my Facebook Feed and saw a post from an acquaintance I went to college with-Clark Jones. He’s a comedian with a Master’s Degree in Journalism; a smart and funny cat. He’s been at this comedy thing for awhile now, and he just gets better every time I see him. He’s a true testament to raw ambition and persistence. Seeing the promotion of his upcoming show made me realize another great thing about turning thirty- you get to see the fruits of your personal decision-making skills through the manifestation of your network.
Our parents told us constantly “birds of a feather flock together.” All the while praying we would have enough sense to choose the right people to hang out with. How well you heeded that advice is very clear by the age of 30. Who is in your inner circle? Is your inner circle tight? What about the circle that surrounds your inner circle? How tight are they?
I’ve always had this rule about friends. Maybe it was conscious; maybe not. I chose to hang around good and successful people. I was never one to kick it with bums or b*%ches. It just wasn’t in my nature. I’m a bit of an over-achiever with a HUGE heart. Therefore, I sought out the same qualities in others. As a matter of fact some of the qualities that I wanted but lacked-gumption. persistence, and fortitude for example; I made sure my fellow birds possessed . I figured, if I rubbed elbows with what I admired long enough; it would rub off on me. Now as I enter my thirties I have six foundational friends that I admire, love, and oblige. They make me better, and create the foundation of my awesome network.
You see that’s where Clark Jones comes into play. I didn’t know him while I was at Spelman; he across the parking lot at Morehouse. We’re not exceptionally close. But my dear friend Carnell is a good friend of his; through Carnell my circle of great people that I get the privilege to know expands. How else would I know a very funny comedian that I’m sure will take the world by storm in the next couple of years? Better still, he is a fine member of that cadre “Good Black Men.” And because he has sense, he connects himself with other people that are successful and good. You get the idea. It Grows, it Grows, It Grows.
All this to say:
- If you are thirty and feel there are no good Black men/women left, that no one has your back or encourages you, that everyone close to you is competing for your position, or that people in general can’t be trusted because of your negative experiences; you should spit those disappointing rants towards yourself. What kinds of birds have you decided to fly with? The tighter your network-the tighter your decision-making skills. Those two things almost always correlate. Don’t claim you’re an eagle when you’re surrounded by pigeons.
- If you’re in Chicago on April 29th, go see Clark Jones and the Starting Five at Jokes and Notes. You’ll laugh- I promise
LOVE!