One of the most popular pointers ever run in this space had to do with observing the habits and practices of the best networker you know. While that pointer was written with people in your business circles in mind, you could probably find the best networker you know in your personal life. Namely, your mother.
Think about when you were growing up. Who got you to all those practices, games, rehearsals, recitals, field trips, scout meetings, etc.? Was it Mom or Dad? Maybe, for the most part. But if you really think about it, Mom probably looked to her network for help.
Think about that for a second. Who was part of your parents’ network? How did they meet and where? For many, it probably involved having a child around the same age and involved in the same activity. Yet there were other folks in their network that might have come from other walks of life.
Being in business gives you something in common with virtually everybody you meet in b2b circles. The real task of networkers is finding that commonality beyond that where you can enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship. For Mom (or Dad), it probably started with an offer to drive and/or pickup. That goodwill gesture usually resulted in the other parent offering for the next time. From there, the connection organically grew.
This is not to suggest you develop car pools to networking events-though that’s not a terrible idea. But growing your network can be as simple as looking for commonality with others in the business world and making that first step of introduction.
They say it takes a village to raise a child. Your Mom probably knew that. Consider your business your child. Nurture it and be willing to accept the help of others in the village. Then, watch that child grow.