I was out for a drink recently with Michael Bungay Stainer and the two of us were chatting about networking and how we seem to do it but the thought of it turns my guts. It is the thought of being proactive about networking that goes against my grain and seems to ring of control and a hidden agenda. I know of some people who have established networking organizations for the greater good but I cannot help thinking about their personal need to be the head of the network.
I was telling Michael that although I seem to be very connected I don't go out to network per se but rather my connections seem to evolve through a natural curiosity I have for people. I go to parties and meetings and ask questions about folks and am genuinely concerned about who they are or learning more about how they tick. For some reason this interest in people brings people back and gets them to refer me on to their friends. I think this is because most people walk through each day without getting noticed so the first person who genuinely takes an interest stands out.
Michael followed up with a great line which is not unlike him:
"People that make me think and make me laugh - great things will happen from that"
You know he is absolutely right. This is part of the magic of a genuine connection. The people who make you think and laugh stick in your mind, make and impression and are worth exploring more with. In other words take heed of the natural connections that happen and don't be afraid to explore some great things together.
A few nights ago another friend Paddy Carson joked with me saying "Mark, my father said it is all about connections...did I tell you that my father is a plumber?" The gag is a good one but as we all know it carries a fair amount of truth.
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