Blog Post: “It’s not who you know, It’s who knows you”

 Southwest Central 2008 Regional SHRM Student HRGames & Conference

Although all of the sessions were very informative at the Southwest Central 2008 Regional SHRM Student HRGames & Conference, I think I learned the most from Virginia Moody’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”. I was impressed with the many obstacles that she had to overcome to become a successful female business owner. She spoke in great detail about the great importance of having priorities in life, and how important it is to have a good work/family balance.

This message of balance is very insightful for me because so often I see managers and peers at my current position, and at my past positions, have given up that balance. Whether that was a conscience choice for them or not, Virginia showed how very important it is for anyone in today’s workplace.

Another great speaker was Clint Swindall, speaking about how to motivate disengaged employees. Clint was very passionate and knowledgeable about this topic, therefore he made the entire room excited about it too! Out of the many things that Clint spoke about, the one quote that stuck out the most was “It’s not who you know, It’s who knows you”.

There is much truth in this quote, especially today with all of the many online communities that everyone is using, and that HR Professionals are beginning to tap into. The generation that is now entering the workforce (Generation Y) is not really aware that employers (both potential and present) are “checking out” applicants using these portals.

Clint’s tips, along with Virginia ’s encouragement, will be forever useful to me both professionally as well as personally. It’s amazing how so often things you learn can be applied in more than one aspect of your life. I am thankful that they chose to share their knowledge with us, as students, and I can’t wait to share this information with my fellow students and peers at work.

All in all this trip, conference and competition were all absolutely amazing! Thank you to UTSA, SHRM and Monika Masciangelo for giving us this wonderful opportunity! I can’t wait for next year!