The Positive Side of Networking

Networking can lead to lots of experiences. One of the things we can do is influence others in a positive way.

In a story written in this week's Sports Illustrated (the July 27 issue), Phil Taylor tells the story of Ryan Nece, a journeyman NFL player. Not a big star, Nece is an out-of-work linebacker (released by the Detroit Lions recently). But his character and generosity are very big indeed.

Nece invited 70 friends to a restaurant last month and distributed to each of them envelopes each containing $55 (Nece's jersey number). The cavaet was that they were to commit an act of kindness with instructions to their various receipients to continue the kindness ("pay it forward").

Responses ranged from one woman converting the cash to quarters and stuffing parking meters about to expire, leaving a note to extend the kindness. Another bought art supplies for his cancer-survivor artist friend who, in turn, adds an envelope with $55 to the back of each painting he sells. You get the idea.

We all have the power within us to make change happen. Revolutions have been started with the few influencing the many. The March of Dimes started with moms going door-to-door collecting the 10-cent pieces and ended up defeating polio.

The point is that don't ever feel you can't make a difference. In networking, we seek to meet and influence people. As long as we remember it isn't about us, it always will work. There is no substitute for courtesy and kindness.

Relentless

You can read the full text of Phil Taylor's "Point After" in the July 27, 2009, print edition of Sports Illustrated or online at www.si.com.

Courtesy, kindness and the man on the street

The other day I witnessed one of the best examples of how to engage and move on with courtesy and kindness intact.

My colleague, Paul Fulham, and I were walking to lunch. Along the sidewalk, we were approached by a young man with a message who wanted to engage us in conversation.

Now, in another scenario, most people would have brushed the young man off with a simple "not interested" or ignored him completely. Not Paul. He handled it a bit more gracefully.

We continued to walk to the restaurant as the young man asked his questions. Paul answered each one as we walked, directly. When he got to the last one, Paul answered diplomatically, "well, I'm not comfortable praying with you as I don't know you, and my relationship is with God." With that the young man took his leave of us.

The point is that nearly every situation can be dealt with with class and civil conduct. Even those on the street deserve our courtesy. Quite honestly, we don't know who is watching. And more importantly, we need to be true to ourselves--and our personal brand.

Relentless

Keeping people in the conversation

At a networking event this morning, I was reminded of the importance of being included.

It goes back to the note in an earlier entry in this space about being polite: don't leave anybody out of a conversation. Be inclusive.

From the time we are kids, we want to be included. Sometimes the teacher or adult had to intervene, but, ultimately, it was up to us or those in teh group to be included or invite you in.

Same goes at the modern networking event. Make the effort to include people in the conversation. Don't let them sit there while you talk away and they just have to listen. give them an entry place or an intro: "what do you think, Rick?" or "Ruth Ann, I remember your question at the last event..." or, best yet, "Hi, my name is....welcome. what's your name?"

We're all here to meet people and learn.

Relentless