This week I experienced an amazing LinkedIn success story as well as an adjoining epiphany about networking and memorability.
The LinkedIn story first: A gentleman who had become familiar with my work online wanted to be introduced to me because he believed we had some commonalities. He also saw the potential for some joint projects, so he posted a gracious request to be introduced to me via LinkedIn. By way of a few twists and turns and some carefully-considered connecting (remember my last post – connect with care), he was introduced to me by someone I hold in high regard. That got my attention. The gentleman emailed me and asked if we could chat by phone. I agreed, called him this morning, and was very pleased with our exchange. We saw many ways we could help each other and shared many of the same philosophies. One of the most endearing parts of our conversation had to do with an essay his twenty-something daughter wrote to him for his 60th birthday, which she was unable to attend in person.
We are now lurching to the epiphany phase of this post.
The essay was called “The 10 Things I Learned from My Dad.” I could tell my new friend was extremely touched by this gesture from his daughter, hearing the faintest crack in his voice. He knew he had made an impact on her and was glad she had remembered things he had taught her, either directly or by example. I was touched by this. Then it made me think, “What DO we want people to remember about us? What impact do we want to make on others, including famly, friends and colleagues? What will they say or write about us? Will it be what we want them to express?
As an Intentional Networker, I hope you’ll give that some thought as you go about your daily routine, do your work, interact with your colleagues, serve your customers, and connect with contacts old and new. I know it’s a good reminder for me. And I know this for sure: I’m glad I made a new contact and friend today, and I’m thankful for LinkedIn, for those who connected us, and for the delightful conversation full of sharing, lessons, and possibilities.
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Yes, The Intentional Networker: Attracting Powerful Relationships, Referrals & Results in Business is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and even the iBook store on iTunes. Make it your print or electronic field guide to connecting with greater clarity and confidence.
I think I know these people! Good re-frame!
Bob, you never know where blog inspiration will come from. 😉
i hope more people see this post, and see a real example of how real people – real humans – are supposed to use these social tools…
You never know who you are going to meet in life but if you’re open to it, more often than not, the people who enter our lives come into it exactly at the time are supposed to.
Great BLOG post as always Patti!
Ripple On!!!
I wholeheartedly believe that if you network authentically and respectfully, it is an amazing way to connect with people that you may otherwise have not met! I use the tools in your book often, and refer back when I feel that I am off track too.
Todd, Steve & Adeline: Since I know you are all seasoned and very discerning networkers and connectors, your comments are very valuable to me.
I also heard from another reader, who said, “Just wanted to say how much I get from your email newsletters. I thought this one in particular was full of tips even experienced networkers could learn from – I can’t tell you how many ‘proximity’ referrals I’ve received that were less than useful…”
Dear Patti,
What a wonderful story…and since your last post spoke so well to me (enough to post on FB and Tweet!), this is a great follow-up to that. I concur with Adeline and Steve and truly believe that in an age of information/email + contact overload, it’s time to get back to real-life, meaningful connections!
Thank you!
Thank you, Mary Anne. So glad these posts have resonated with you and appreciate you adding some great thoughts.
I attended a memorial service this week which had a similar effect on me. If we could all play at being Tom Sawyer and attend our own funeral, what would we see?