Last month I flew to New York to have coffee with Gary Vaynerchuk for 30 minutes at a hotel in Manhattan. For those who do not know, Gary is a serial entrepreneur, seasoned investor, CEO and social media kingpin. It was an amazing experience that transpired from Twitter and it was yet another reminder of how important it is to get outside your comfort zone and expand your network. Some people may think it is crazy to fly across the country to meet somebody and have a half hour conversation that could potentially yield no benefit. I happen to disagree because like Malcolm Gladwell, I believe in the power of weak ties and in building a network. (And because I could not pass up an opportunity to meet one of my idols). Networking is a continuous effort, whether you are working for a large corporation or trying to change careers or launch a business.
You never know when your network will come in handy. I have kept in touch with someone at a financial services company that I interned with 6 years ago through emails and occasional phone calls. Not too long ago a friend reached out to me via LinkedIn to see if I knew anyone at the company and if could pass along a referral. I did pass along a referral, and my friend landed the job 4 years after I had left the company after only interning for a few months. I never would have been able to make that introduction had I not chosen to keep in touch. You never know when or why you will need to tap your network, so it is important to continue to build and maintain it throughout your life. There are a few things to focus on as you go about reducing your 6 degrees of separation.
Address your goals: Everyone can benefit from growing their network. A funny thing happens when you begin to meet more and more people; you realize that most people actually want to help you succeed. Yes, someone you just met will often take a vested interest in your cause. Thus, the more specific you can be in identifying what it is you are trying to accomplish 6 months, 2 years, and 10 years from now, the more able you will be to have focused and efficient interactions with people.
Be Accountable: If you tell somebody you will reach out to them to catch up, do it. If you met with someone and told them you would follow up with a note or recommendation, be sure to do so in a timely fashion. It may seem menial and immaterial, but people will remember if you are true to your word and follow up as promised.
Be Fearless: Do not be afraid to go meet someone that you do not know for a cup of coffee or a beer after work. I could have shown up at The Gansevoort Hotel in the Meatpacking District in Manhattan last month and Gary could have been unavailable or simply unwilling to meet. Was it a little intimidating walking into the lobby prior to our conversation? Of course. But all good things should come with a bit of uneasiness or you are not pushing yourself as far as you could be. Reach out to people through mutual connections, friends, colleagues and alumni. And be sure to reciprocate when you are reached out to for a cup of coffee from a friend of a friend that wants to connect.
Networking is a crucial part of being successful in life and in business. Nobody is an expert in all of the challenges that life and business present, so the more people you know makes your knowledge network greater which makes you a more powerful person. I can not wait for the next time I get to hop on a plane to meet somebody I’ve been dieing to talk to. What have your experiences been when getting outside your comfort zone and meeting new people?
Coffee & Closers 