I met an old friend for a coffee today. Someone who had helped me out a couple of years ago as I was kick starting a new project and who had just recently given notice at his current job. He’d decided it was time for a change and was chewing over the idea of whether to try his hand at freelancing, look for another full time job, or try and find a new project to get his teeth into.
He’s got an exciting time ahead and has certainly chosen an interesting time economically to make a change. Still, from what I can see he’s done a fantastic job in his role and in previous jobs too so I’m confident he’ll land on his feet. I’m certainly hoping to pick his brains a few more times for a new venture I’m working on.
Anyway, most of our conversation centered around what he is doing next and my new project. It became fairly obvious we would be able to help each other out simply by making a few introductions within our networks. Something I’ll be getting onto this afternoon.
It struck me as to how simple this was, to open a door that may lead to possible work opportunities. There must be half a dozen or so people I could connect him with who may be able to offer employment, advice or possibly other connections.
My thought for Friday afternoon then is, what if everyone connects two people in their network each week who might benefit from that connection?
If each week I go out of my way to introduce two people via a quick email, or a tweet, or a phone call, would this create opportunities for business? Would people start to introduce me to their networks and start putting my name forward for work, new clients, RFPs?
If you believe in the expression “what goes around, comes around” then surely it must. But how often do people make connections like this? Should I wait to be asked to make a connection, or should I just start making connections within my network?
I know what your thinking, this is just networking right and you’d be right. But how many people actually network well. I know Andy Lopata does, a networking supremo I’ve met a few times and who has an excellent newsletter (subscribe here) and who we could all learn a trick or two from.
Well let’s see. I’m going to make it my mission to connect at least two people per week from now on and see what happens. Why don’t you give it a go? Refer a friend, make a connection, pass on a business card, go on, give it a try and see what happens. At the very least, your network should start to grow as you make and hopefully receive introductions and make connections.
Image courtesy of Richard G‘s photstream.
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Great post. Networking is job of the future
well, it is right, we are social animal and networking is what we do intentionally or otherwise. good post.