A New Name for Networking

Last February I had the privilege to attend Wisdom 2.0 in San Francisco where mindfulness and spirituality meet business and technology. Ariana Huffington, Tony Shieh, and Alanis Morrisette presented, to name a few. I met a woman from Montreal who introduced me to her friend David. After a 2 minute exchange, David gave me his card. When I looked him up on LinkedIn, I saw pictures of him and Richard Branson, videos of his incredible speeches, and many awards. I messaged David and he immediately responded with presentation tips and resources to help me with sales and speaking skills.

The day before yesterday I was sitting on a Southwest flight when I read the horrible news about Robin Williams.  I had to tell someone and it was the woman next to me.  We start talking and as it turns out, she is moving to my hometown of St. Louis.  She is looking for a new house and my family is in the real estate business so she asks for my card.

There is this wacky misconception out there that networking happens mostly at a formal networking events when that is not the case at all!  It happens at the club, in a restaurant, on a plane – you name it.  Don’t have access to networking events?  Uncomfortable with the awkwardness of exchanging business cards and shaking hands in a cold hotel ballroom?  Me too!  It’s not natural.  I think the word “network” needs to go.  CONNECT is more like it.

Connections occur easily when they are organic.
The only thing you have to do is crank up your awareness factor!  It’s easy to meet people and connect when you realize every engagement with a human is an opportunity for connection.  Be mindful of opportunities to connect- in the gym, on the train, at Starbucks, in line, at the grocery store.  Everywhere!

Don’t Be Scared
Say hello!  Introduce yourself!  Think of a time someone started a conversation with YOU and how cool that was.  Be that person!  Give a compliment, make a joke, engage with others.  It feels much better than staring at Instagram or checking Facebook.

Connect With All Types!
The second misconception is that just because this individuals background doesn’t directly pertain to yours, it isn’t worth connecting or getting to know that individual.  Major false.  I did that.  My clients are all in Houston so for a while I didn’t see the value of networking in Chicago.  Once I started connecting in Chicago I realized how everyone is really tied together and have no problem introducing you to their own network.  Be kind to all.  After all, it’s KARMA in motion.

Follow Up
Once you make that new, cool connection, send your information and keep in touch.  You really never know when your paths may cross in the future and what the universe holds in store.

Share your new connections with me in the comments below!

Peace, Love, Sales, and Connecting!
Nadene