How many of you hear the word “networking”, and automatically think of a coordinated event like a luncheon or happy hour? C’mon, raise your hand. No one is looking. If you raised your hand (and 99% of you should have), don’t worry. It’s perfectly natural. You see, we’re conditioned to think THAT is the kind of setting where we are supposed to do our networking. But, it’s not the only place.
The truth of the matter is that true networkers and successful professionals are capable of turning any situation into a networking opportunity. Now that doesn’t mean you need to make every occasion into an event (e.g. grocery shopping, time with family, men’s room, etc.), but keep your eyes open.
Case in point. This past weekend, I attended the 13th Annual Mobtown Greaseball classic car show (complete with pin-up contest) in Dundalk, Md. Phenomenal array of pre-’69 cars, trucks, and even some bikes…and oh yeah, the pin-up models. My wife, the ever-lovely Grl Nxt Door, is part of a new group called Rosie’s Riveters, and I was playing the part of the supportive spouse and enjoying all the great views (automotive and otherwise). While I try my darndest to play the behind-the-scenes role, it’s hard not to act upon certain opportunities as they’re presented.
For instance, my Top-10 Networking Tips post states to engage the host of an event. It’s not only polite, but it opens up opportunities to be introduced to dozens of others you wouldn’t (or couldn’t) ordinarily meet. I found myself coaching the girls here and there as I saw individuals they should interact with (promoters, photographers, owners of multiple vehicles), and proudly watched as they received several paid photo opps and interest in other events.
Some of you may contend you should be paid for the work that you do, and choosing to offer counsel gratis as I did is poor business. Well, if I did it ALL the time, I’d absolutely agree. But, true networking is about building relationships and making yourself invaluable, in some sense, to others. To accomplish this task and make others feel as though you provide some worth to them, you have to be willing to give rather than receive. Imagine that, I’ve written about the notion of giving before, haven’t I?
At the end of the day, I had several very happy pin-up girls who saw the value in the coaching I’d provided and who realized the potential that awaited them as a result of their appearance at the car show. Their Facebook page is abuzz with new photos and plans for upcoming events, all because I chose to offer my assistance…just as others have done to me years ago. What’s more, it made my day even more enjoyable by knowing my contribution made their day more successful. It’s called empowering yourself by empowering others. But wait, that’s another blog post (and book?) for another time.
I chose to choose. What will YOU choose to do?
Great post, Keith. I have to agree with you. Sometimes only doing work for pay is not the way to go. While you want to make money, you should also be getting your name out there. Also, this is a great way for you to ‘advertise’ your services. People you help will do the same for you in return. Good business.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Gabriela Lessa, Melissa Breau. Melissa Breau said: Networking… Everywhere you go: http://ow.ly/314F8 (by @keithdaw) <– networking isn't just for networking events. [...]