Jim Hackett and Rob Pasick at Leaders Connect
Recently, I received a note from a member of one of my Leaders Connect Goal Groups.
“I owe a debt of gratitude to this group. 2015 was a year of huge changes in my professional and personal life. I am grateful for all of you. You folks really helped me sort some serious stuff out. Ann Arbor is so fortunate to have introspective business leaders like you who have the courage to be human, to listen and be vulnerable, and by doing so, really help other people. And, it goes without saying, Dr. Pasick is an incredible asset to our city and his field, a gifted counselor and a moderator without peers.”
As flattered as I was by the note, it reminded me of a very important lesson: when you get like-minded, highly motivated people together, great things happen.
Just this morning it happened again. Bill Brinkerhoff and Kathy Sample, founders of Argus Farm Stop, and Alex Young, managing partner of Zingerman’s Roadhouse, met for breakfast. They were discussing their upcoming presentation at April’s Leaders Connect breakfast where their topic will be: Growing the Local Food Economy.
Even though they had never formally met before, the energy and enthusiasm between them was exciting. In an hour, their dynamic conversation had lead each of them to two new business opportunities.
For many people, getting together with like-minded individuals is not easy. Given the challenge of productive networking in our local communities. I present you the following checklist to see how many things you are doing to grow your connections with other individuals.
Checklist to Grow Connections
- Ask like-minded individuals to get together for coffee, lunch, or a drink (at least weekly).
- Go to networking meetings (at least twice a month).
- Work in a public place such as the coffee shop where you are likely to run into people with whom you could share ideas (and of course striking up conversations with these people).
- Post your ideas or links to good articles on LinkedIn, Facebook or your blog (at least weekly).
- Send interesting articles to people who might also find them interesting (at least weekly).
- Respond with more than “I like” to other people’s posts (daily or several times a week).
- Join a monthly round table (I will be launching a new Leaders Connect goal group in the next month).
- Ask others to give you endorsements directly or on LinkedIn (I always appreciate your endorsements).