Networking Awesomely – Colin Wright’s Stellar eBook

My friends call me PR (yes, short for Public Relations). Sometimes they call me ‘P’ for short, but my nickname is PR. This might give you a little peek into my love of connections, networking and people.

When Colin, the adorable, location independent, brilliant, entrepreneur and friend, reached out to me to contribute to his eBook, “Networking Awesomely,” I jumped up and down like a puppy, wagging my tail and said, “Yes, of course!” In fact, the day Colin sent me the e-mail, that night, I sat down and wrote my contribution in a half hour.

I included my piece below, but let me preface by saying that I was able to read the eBook (pre-launch) and I was blown away.

Colin did an amazing job compiling some of the best writers, thinkers and leaders around the world (26 of them to be exact) and this is something that will not only be entertaining, but informative. Take my word for it. The eBook is only $20, there are over 250 pages and it’s chalk full of brilliance.

*Click here to check out and buy “How to Network Awesomely,” on Exile Lifestyle.

How Grace Networks Awesomely:

To network awesomely, I make connecting part of my everyday life. It’s a lifestyle.

Some people will meet someone new, shake hands, smile, say, “Nice to meet you,” then they’re are on their way.

Not me.

I meet someone. I ask how they’re doing and what their story is – then I listen and I care to hear the answer. I ask for their business card, their blog, their company name or their contact information. I follow up. I remember the little details; that they love lobster, reading Tolstoy, or that trip they took to Thailand.

Find and listen for a piece of information (where they’re from, shared interest, hobby, passion, etc.) that you both find an affinity for. This is the common ground, the foundation, that lets you create a connection.

It is easy to sniff out a fake – a fake who finds an interest in collecting business cards or growing their “number of connections,” on LinkedIn. Those are empty connections. Be genuine, this creates full connections.

My Story:

A year and a half ago, I was in a new city, alone with no friends and no job.

Before arriving in Boulder, I asked everyone I knew (family, professors, friends) if they knew anyone in Boulder. I compiled a list with names, numbers and e-mails. I reached out, referencing the contact that put me in touch with them.

Second layer, meeting in person with this list. Each person I met with, at the end of our meeting, I asked, “Can you put me in touch with two other people in Boulder? I’m really looking to acclimate myself.” If I hadn’t already, I told them what I was interested in (personally and professionally) so the contact was analogous – for both parties.

I walked away with a growing list of local movers and shakers.

After one-such meeting, with two young entrepreneurs, they put me in touch with a local, online startup. I was already using their product on my blog. Walking the talk – networking is starting to align.

I met with the VP of Business Development there, who said he would meet with anyone his close friends passed along to him (power of a connection).

Friday at Noon I left the startup, same Friday at 4:00 PM I had a job offer and was in the office on Monday morning.

As Charles Eames said, “Eventually, everything connects-people, ideas and objects. The quality of these connections is the key to a well-lived life.”

So what are you waiting for? *Check out “How to Network Awesomely,” I wouldn’t joke about this kind of goodness.

*Full disclosure: Affiliate link.