Some people have hundreds or even thousands in their network. Other than on social networks where I don’t know most of the people to whom I’m supposedly connected, I’d say my close business network includes about fifteen people – but these people are special.
Every year I’ll meet between one and three new people who are just magic, and I know they’ll have a profound impact on my life. It’s never ‘what can this person do for me,’ it’s a realisation that I’ve encountered someone awesome who I want to be connected with and learn from.
I’ve always thought the whole ‘networking’ thing wasn’t for me, and when I reflect on why my network is so powerful despite this I’d say it comes down to how much I value and nurture these relationships. Almost all good things come to me from one of these fifteen people.
Some people are born extraverts and some are introverts. That’s fine. We introverts have different strengths: feel good about your quieter disposition. And check out this great TED talk by Susan Cain on ‘The Power of Introverts’:
I spent years thinking that I should be different – louder, funnier, more extraverted. Now I recognise the need to be grateful for the talents that I do have. This is just another thing I’ll continue to work on.
When I think back 10 or even two years, I’ve become much more comfortable at networking as I’ve practised.
Now, I hardly notice my introversion and some people are surprised when I reveal that I find large events difficult to navigate.
Being invited to events like MaiTai is such a privilege. I’ve come to meet so many incredible people, learned a new sport and had a tonne of fun in the process.
The first time I went a couple of years ago, I only knew two people – and not even very well – and I stayed in a house with a group of about ten whom I’d never met before.
As an introvert, I found the whole week daunting. But I pushed through, and I’m glad I did. As an entrepreneur the road is tough, but events like these and the people that you meet can make the journey so much more fun, attainable and ultimately fulfilling.
