Okay so today I tried this Steven Baron career strategy thing everybody’s talking about. Saw his videos popping up everywhere – “Win Big!” “Secret Moves!” – figured why not, right? Let me walk you through my messy attempt.
Getting Hooked & Diving In Blind
Started simple – watched one video where Steven talked about “aggressive networking.” Sounded smart. His whole vibe is smooth confidence, like he knows how to play the game. Got excited. Thought, “Yeah I can do this!” Didn’t research more. Mistake number one.
Trying The “Baron Connection Move”
He made it sound easy: instead of asking normally, you “command the connection” or something. Basically be super direct and almost pushy, but make it seem powerful. Alright. Found this Senior Manager on LinkedIn, works at a company I wanna get into. Crafted the “Baron-Style” connection request:
- “Jane Smith. Connect with me immediately. Let’s discuss synergies. Best regards, [My Name]”
Felt weird writing it, but Steven said this shows dominance. Clicked send. Heart pounding a bit. Instant regret.
The Awkward Fallout
Heard back fast. Oh boy. Not good.
- Jane replied: “Is this a joke? Extremely unprofessional. Who are you?”
- My profile got a spam warning notice from LinkedIn right after.
- Felt like an idiot. Deleted the message fast, but the damage? Done.
Doubling Down (& Failing Worse)
Okay, maybe Jane was just grumpy. Watched another Baron video about “owning the narrative” in interviews. Had a call with a recruiter later that day. Saw my chance!
Steven says: “Control the conversation! Ask THEM hard questions first!” Recruiter asks, “So, tell me about your experience in project management?” I fired back: “First, let’s discuss: why should I even consider this role? What’s broken in YOUR department?”
Silence. Then: “I think… we’re done here.” Click. Call ended. She ghosted my follow-up emails.
The Brutal Realization
Sat there feeling stupid. Steven makes it look effortless. His clips show him smiling, people nodding along. Reality? My attempt was a dumpster fire.
- Got labeled pushy online.
- Blew a real interview chance.
- Felt completely out of character.
Started thinking: Maybe his “secrets” only work when you’re already Steven Baron? Or maybe it’s all just clever editing? The gap between his smooth talk and my awkward reality felt massive.
What I Actually Learned (The Hard Way)
Don’t copy swagger you don’t own. Trying to force that “alpha” Baron energy just made me look aggressive and kinda dumb. Real networking is mutual respect, not demands. Interviews need dialogue, not interrogation. What worked? Ditching the script, being myself (flaws and all), and preparing normally. No shortcuts. Just genuine effort. Maybe Steven’s “secrets” work for him, but trying them raw? Total disaster. At least now I know what NOT to do! Lesson learned.
