Your network is your net worth. That’s what Keith says. Keith Ferrazzi, bestselling author of Never Eat Alone and Who’s Got Your Back, joined us for a webinar on Building Relationships That Matter. Listening to him was extremely enlightening. I consider myself pretty good at networking, and somewhat of an above average relationship builder. But, I had an epiphany today! It was huge. Here’s my epiphany. Here’s the question running through my mind: Are the relationships I’ve built today the ones that will help me succeed in the future? I don’t know. I really don’t. Maybe they are. Maybe they aren’t. But here’s the real truth. I haven’t given it much thought. No, not much thought at all. Until now.
But, I don’t think I’m alone. We’re in the business of helping people enhance their network. To build new relationships. It’s interesting. Every person I’ve ever met, whether they’re working or not, is always open to meeting someone that might be instrumental in their future success. I don’t think we ever run out of that possibility. But do people think about it strategically? Or is it more opportunistic? Is it more like “I have an issue right this second…I wonder who can help?”
The reality is that everyone could use a hand. Just last night, I contacted an incredibly in-demand CEO of a thriving technology company. I introduced her via email to someone I met on a plane recently. (I know…me, meet someone on a plane? Shocking!) It seemed like there would be mutual benefit. And early this morning, I had an email from her thanking me for the introduction along with her note to my airplane buddy. Yes, she was interested in talking. Yes, it looks like incredible opportunity for her company. Yes, she might be glad she made time for me when I reached out to her a few years ago and invited her to coffee.
But this is bigger than building the well before you need the water. This is about defining the well that you need to build. And that’s what I walked away with. Again, that question keeps ringing in my ears over and over. Are the relationships I’ve built today the ones that will help me succeed in the future? I’m not satisfied with not knowing. (Maybe not knowing the answer to that question confirms the real answer!) Either way, I’m going to act on this. I’m going to be purposeful about building my future relationships. And I’m going to start right now (or at least in June!). Because I’m going to get Keith’s help. I’m going to participate with Keith in his Relationship Master’s Academy (www.relationshipmastersacademy.com/executivesnetwork).
Why don’t you join me? Why don’t we work on it together? It’ll be fun. It’ll be less expensive (because Keith offered to give Executives Network Members and Partners a 20% discount!). It’ll be rewarding. And you can participate from the comfort of your own home!
Let’s look forward to realizing the rewards of purposeful, strategic relationship building. Let’s look forward to looking back 90 days, 6 months, a year from now and see the progress. I have a feeling it will be big! And if we do this right, we’ll have relationships we never dreamed we’d have.
P.S. If you’d like to tune in to hear what Keith had to say, we’ll have a link to the webinar up on http://www.executivesnetwork.com/ in a couple days.
Filed under: Job Search, Networking, People I Meet, Uncategorized Tagged: | building relationships, Conversations, effective job search, Executives Network, keith ferrazzi, Molly Wendell, Networking, networking tips
Molly, I agree, this was an excellent call. Like you, I see how being aware of the goal and prioritizing it is a key that is often overlooked. Sometimes I do keep it in mind, but other times leave things to chance. This leads to two questions…
1) Will the program Keith mentioned help with goal clarification? I’d like to understand the offering a little better, even though I am sure anything he offers would be beneficial.
2) You mentioned on the call that you’re offering a series of calls like this, and that the date for June’s call is already set. Where would I find these details (and perhaps sign up?)
Thank you!
Julieann,
The call information can be found at http://www.executivesnetwork.com and mouse over CALENDAR, click on TELECONFERENCES.