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.
Good post. One of the things I was reminded of this week was the value of face-to-face networking. Due to one thing and another I’ve done less of it of late and when you do it again you realise that an online relationship is easier to build on once you’ve actually met someone.
Totally agree with the value of meeting people face to face. Now Mr Red Rocket, I challenge you to make that extra connection before the week is out. Who within your network can you introduce for no other reason than the fact they might benefit from the connection?
Its really nice to meet people whom you haven’t seen for a long time. Some people do appear like this and make a whole lot of difference in your life.
Meeting new people in real can be really enriching!
I am totally agree with your opinions. Networking is really important. make a connection is great idea to promote our product (if we businessman). And it can influence to increasing revenue..
Nice idea. social media is a huge way to communicate with the people having same interests. Social media sites allows us to make our own linked URL which can be used as business card for online.
i also agree with your thoughts. To connect with a old friend is a great idea.
If you are businessman then networking is very important to you. So give it a try. I will also try to make new connections.
Thanks for sharing this nice article.
Same here, for sure. In any business that you’re looking to get into, networking is one of the greatest ways to establish connections with people all over various industries and can not only increase the revenue for all of those in the networking system.
This is really just the old fashioned way of networking but making an effort to introduce people regularly via email/tweeter/linkedin etc…should work all the time. Word of mouth and referal system…good post.
That illustration is a great example of speed networking. I also agree with Gordon that by introducing or even suggestion people thorough word-of-mouth or “through the grapevine” is another good way to expand your horizons.
It would be cool if you followed through on your mission to introduce two people per week. I’d be interested in reading about the results.
That’s a really good point — if we just made that little effort to connect people we know, and they did the same for us, then we could all profit from it. It’s a win win situation.
Nice one. Yeah networking is very essential in this era.
It would be quite good to meet still once a week behind a coffee cup)
You idea is great,maybe i should connet with my friend right now.
I like this article.If you are businessman then networking is very important to you. So give it a try. I will also try to make new connections.Thanks for sharing this article.
I have to admit that I rarely see my friends. I suppose that it’s more comfortable to chat over the phone or on the IM, and Facebook. Anyway, technology is good, as long as it is used wisely.
Yes, communication is very important and peer-to-peer networking is probably the best means to connect to someone. Constant communication makes the world smaller. Nice post.
Awesome idea! I’m sure this would be very successful
perfect connection.. I will try to do the same in my life.
Very cool! Nothing better than a little networking.
Awesome idea! I’m sure this would be very successful
That’s a critical thinking post. The expression “what goes around, comes around” is indeed a truth. Keep connecting with someone who can help you out or who may give you a hand in the future. The people who you connect will definitely feel that they are of importance, when you regularly socialize with people in your networks.
i am also trying to make some connections because networking is one of the best way to promote our product…i hope it will successful..
thanks
best regards…
Sarah..
Keep in mind that if you are a businessman then networking is a big part of it…Networking is basically self promotion to those people that can best promote your business to others..If you help others, they will want to help you,so make connections for our better business..i am also trying..
best regards..
jiya..
there are lots of networking sites like facebook,twitter etc,networking is the best part of our business so if we want to increase our business then we need some connections..they will help to promote our business..so keep it up
thanks
jenny
That’s a really good point — if we just made that little effort to connect people we know, and they did the same for us, then we could all profit from it. It’s a win win situation.