|
Articles ...
|
|
Museum Openings and Nature Hikes
by Jennifer Ross
Before I jump in with unique and innovative ways to network, I’d like to start out with a "feel good"
networking story that demonstrates the power of talking to people – in any situation. It makes me
"feel good" to hear these stories, so don’t hesitate to send some my way!
Jessica Porter, owner of Raandesk Gallery of Art,
was attending the re-opening of the Smithsonian Museum in DC. Expecting to see former co-workers
and catching up with them was the primary thing on her agenda that day…besides seeing George and
Martha Washington, who were also attending the gala event. While she was chatting with a friend,
Jessica spotted a woman standing near them who was sporting a very attractive piece of jewelry.
Taking the time to compliment the woman on the jewelry led to an extensive and very telling
conversation. The woman, who showed great taste in jewelry, was a Public Relations professional.
This chance encounter resulted in Jessica being introduced to countless business contacts by her
new "PR" friend. She is currently utilizing her public relations services to promote Raandesk
Gallery. A simple, random compliment during a museum opening led to a professional, entrepreneurial
relationship…networking at its best.
So what is "networking" anyway? The dictionary definition is ‘to communicate with and within a
group’. I view networking as having conversations with new people, getting to know someone, finding
common ground, having a laugh or two to calm the nerves….making a connection with someone. And that
connection does not have to be about business or potential business – it can be about anything…like
an unusual piece of jewelry. Connecting is the foundation of building relationships and trust.
And once that is built, we feel great about referring people. So how can you inspire those connections?
I attended a networking event last month sponsored by a group called The Long Island Way - a unique
business system that matches non-profits and established businesses to form mutually beneficial
relationships. It is an innovative concept and a growing network in Long Island, NY -
The Long Island Way.
The event itself was a traditional breakfast event but one of the table exercises had a profound
impact on me. One of the speakers asked us to turn to one person at our table and to discover
something that they needed (whether personal or professional) – and to make it our mission to help
fulfill that need as best as possible for the next 2 days. I loved this exercise because it forced
people to focus on another person and to truly listen and hear that person’s needs—something we
sometimes forget to do especially while networking.
I paired up with a woman who was a grandparent babysitting full time for her daughter’s children.
She was desperate to identify a support group that helps grandparents who are helping to raise their
grandchildren—so I made it my mission to find a local support group. It took me a few days but I
finally located the right person in LI. I was so excited and felt so good about calling her and
providing her with the information. Although it merely felt good to help another person and
fulfill on something that they specifically needed, this woman was very appreciative of all of my
efforts and stated that she wouldn’t forget what I did for her. Just think about the business impact
you could have and the relationships you could build by simply taking the time to listen and hear the
people you are networking with.
I was so moved by this exercise that I put it into practice during our ActivEntrepreneur ‘Walk & Talks’.
At our last hike, I asked people to pair up with someone that they did not know. Their task was to
chat about something they needed help with in their business or something they needed a creative
solution for – and to brainstorm with that person. The feedback from that hike was amazing. Our
entrepreneurs were so energized by the conversation, the creative energy and solutions, the new
connections that were made, and helping each other to overcome challenges.
It sounds so simple and obvious, but it is not always easy to focus, listen and hear. When we network
there are several distractions and interruptions. But the next time you are networking, think about
how you can more actively focus, listen and hear the person you are connecting with – it may have a
profound impact on your business.
##
Jennifer Ross Jennifer Ross is the co-founder of ActivEntrepreneur and a strategic marketing
professional with more than 16 years experience. During her career, Jennifer has held senior
strategic marketing roles at JPMorgan Chase and has consulted for startups, solo entrepreneurs
and large corporations. Jennifer has also served as a certified speaker with a division of
Monster.com called “Making It Count,” volunteers at the Stonybrook University Career Development
Center and the Sachem Student Business Alliance, and is a certified Global Career Development
Facilitator. Jennifer is focused on creating a flexible and successful work life, strives to be
active and healthy and will continue to inspire others to do the same.
|
|
|
"Each ActivEntrepreneur event is bursting with highly energetic, dynamic and fascinating people!"
|
Jane Ruggiero, Jane’s Jewels
|
|
|
