You Just Never Know: How One Networking Moment Turned into a New Initiative
The Story
Lately I’ve been thinking about the power of networking and how it can be the foundation of a great business concept. Like any introduction to a stranger, you never know where it might lead. What happens beyond that initial connection depends on many factors beyond the obvious (and requisite) follow-up. Here is my story of a networking opportunity that evolved to a ready-to-launch collaboration - an initiative I hadn’t dreamed of two years ago. And yet it was one that fit perfectly into my career transition coaching work.
The story begins with one online connection (I attended a webinar). From that beginning emerged a conversation with another entrepreneur, who suggested that I attend a weekly in-person networking meeting that was held just around the corner from where I live. With some trepidation, I showed up.
Business cards were exchanged (mine hadn’t been printed yet) and one-minute elevator pitches were delivered by everyone in attendance, including walk-ins, about how people around the table could help each speaker in their business effort. I wasn’t aware that I’d have everyone’s attention for a full minute and was caught completely off guard. It was not my most convincing elevator pitch. Yet, following that bumpy entrance, I did make some meaningful connections.
Now, more than one year later, I am excited to announce the launch of a new initiative called Retirement Reimagined. It has evolved despite the botched networking 60-second “speech”. More details on Retirement Reimagined will follow; in this blog I want to stay on task. Since retirement represents a huge career transition, it has been seamless to roll it into my career transition coaching. For this important transition, the focus is on people preparing for retirement – both the financial and human, or non-financial aspects. The latter – the human, non-financial side - is where my work comes in.
As I look back on the evolution of the collaboration, there were several steps that I believe kept the process moving forward. Here are some of the strategies that have worked along the way. Some may seem like common sense, however since they bear mentioning, one or the other of us faltered a bit. Maybe you’ll find them useful when you start to build something from nothing with a new, previously unknown, connection.
The Process
Introduction. Have your 30-second elevator pitch ready. You never know when it might be needed.
Follow-up after the first introduction. This is an essential step in the process of building the relationship. Like the follow-up after a job interview.
Always schedule the next conversation or meeting before ending a call, with a “to do” list. This will help maintain your momentum.
Be prepared to prove your street cred. Sure, I regularly post on Linked In (as advised by a wise biz coach). That doesn’t matter if the person isn’t active on Linked In. In my case, we each agreed to spend 30 minutes of an early one-hour meeting, explaining what we do and how we do it and what we bring to the table.
Be organized. It conveys a strong message that you are worth collaborating with when you show up prepared for each meeting.
Follow-up. If you agree to complete a task before the next meeting, get it done before it convenes.
Take initiative. Related to the previous bullet. Don’t expect to have your collaborator remind you of a deadline that has passed.
Show up. Every single time. On time.
Always have an agenda. Start and end time. It demonstrates respect for each other.
Be open to different work and communication styles. I find it helpful to ask a new collaborator about their rhythms of checking and responding to emails.
Know when to acquiesce to a different perspective and when to stand your ground.
Consider it an investment. I’m referring to the time spent in the early stage of the relationship development. There is no immediate payback. You might follow a lead down a dead-end road. In that case, move on. It happens to everyone. My wise grandmother used to say – nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Honor each person’s contribution. As simple as – that’s a great idea; I hadn’t thought about that; I like the way you worded that.
Celebrate progress made. Acknowledge the small wins (there are likely to be many).
The Result
We are about to launch an 8-session program for companies/organizations to help their employees prepare for retirement – both the financial and the human aspects.
What I Would Do Differently Next Time
Start sooner. Take the initiative to pitch an idea during a networking session.
Believe in the value of what I bring to the table.
Have my 30-60 second elevator pitch in my pocket, so to speak.
And finally, carry a business card (yup – still valuable currency).
You just never know where a conversation might lead. If this story resonates, let’s connect—because your next chapter might start with one simple introduction.