Networking is Key Offline and Online
I just walked in from a networking event called Concrete. Its founder Romana Mirza has put together several of these events. Her list has built via a link to her and the attendees. Most that attend the event know her in some fashion. Her philosophy is the idea of networking and being yourself – representing unity both inside and out. Face to face sharing your ideas, opinions and thoughts and collaborating with others.
What is always intriguing to me – is the way these events work and whether for those that attend – do they receive or perceive their attendance to provide value? How to do you get those who are not as apt in this face to face environment to engage? What makes them want to reach out? For me – I love meeting new people so moving around, seeing new faces, approaching someone new and introducing myself is fun and energizing. Learning new things and the interesting paths and journey’s that people take – is always inspiring. I tend to go with no expectations so that I get a surprise with – what may or may not occur.
The best part of networking is sourcing out that one or maybe many whose interests, thoughts and ideas may be synergistic to your own. You connect in comfortable ways and are eager to exchange information so that you might connect again. The idea on both ends – is a mutually beneficial relationship. Maybe it’s friendship, maybe it is a referral for the possibility of new business, maybe it is for ratings and reviews on products, services or experiences – with the things you both have mutual interest. Ultimately it all begins with a relationship of like minded individuals – who find delight in the discovery of one another and the opportunity to share information.
The beauty is that this wonderful offline experience has now been extended with the advent of social media. On the flip side social media communities are bringing their networks to real life – with Tweet ups for Twitter followers and new friends on Facebook, families and moms in forums and so on. The key always begins with a network and someone’s interest in sharing with someone else – for the exchange of information. Without it in some format – most of could not live on this planet – as it is how we move from one space to another, whether business or personal.
So how important is networking to you? How do you network, where do you network and what are some of the direct benefits you have received recently. Tonight I spoke to an inspiring marketer who carved a niche in the construction business and printers who are already looking to mold their business – to minimize the amount of printing product – that is not used and focusing on print on demand – so only that they only print the materials that are needed. They are also looking at online resources and offerings to supplement less printing. The really cool part is that – I will be able to access these interesting new contacts online and offline – but what is most important is the networking we shared – to launch a relationship and who can’t benefit from that!
Best Nicole
