ExecTec Nothing Personal

How can you get something of value out of networking?

Sure there is always the off chance that you will meet the perfect connection who will:

• See how worthy you are.

• Know how they can further your stated or unstated need.

• Will act immediately to be of aid closing the deal of a lifetime in a handshake deal just like Andreas von Bechtolsheim investing the first $100k in Google.

Your mileage might vary but investing in Power Ball tickets each week might work just as well.

Now I know a vast majority of you are here to participate in the over/under betting on how many grammatical errors are in each weeks topic however for those who joined with a thought toward networking I share these ideas on the subject.

Networking is not about getting into as many situations which take you in ever closer proximity to key influencers and deal makers.

Most of these people are easily found and reached with a little intelligence and persistence. The likelihood they will do anything to further your particular agenda is slim and if any are too quick to want to be of aid, you can be sure they are getting the better end of the deal and you will be one of the last to realize it.

Bottom line, if this is your approach you are treating whoever you are targeting as a means to an end and they will more then happily do the same to you. Nothing personal it is just business.

This is the critical aspect of this all, by making it "not personal," you have stripped away any real relationship. They are friendly but not friends at best.

Just ask a key executive who lost a big job how quickly the friendlies disappear and how few friends are left.

So now that I have ruined your concept of professional networking let's explore what does provide value.

Getting exposed to and meeting new people with the goal of nothing more than forming a connection based on real interest.

No matter how big or small the event your focus should be getting beyond card exchanges and small talk and peeling back the onion that is the other person inside and outside of business.

Listen and actively engaging a person to get to know them.

If you focus only on your needs and immediate gain, few will be interested in you and only those who might see benefit for themselves in your effort.

However, that person who seemingly has nothing even remotely to do with your need might be the brother of or best friends with the right contact. However only through trust and relationship will you every discover or benefit from that circumstance.

In essence, you don't want just to feed yourself today but develop relationships that will feed you for a lifetime.

Heresy I know however is what you are doing presently working all that well for you or are you just pulling off the minimum needed?

If you lost your position or were starting up a new venture and not rolling in opportunity would those who have been your trusted network be there for you or do you have a network of convenience?

So join us as we explore how one can make a different by getting personal and focusing on the people more than the goal.

As always, there is no better way to meet and connect with other executives then over dinner and conversation. $21 in advance via PayPal or $25 at the event gets you a full dinner, drink and the best networking around.