If you’ve met me in real life, you know that I am a huge fan of human connection and networking.
Building early credibility, trust and rapport is paramount in many situations, not just in sales.
Tonight, I’m hosting a networking event here in my neighborhood.
Outside. Easy. I’ve promised to open some wine, but mostly BYOB. A playlist spanning multiple genres and decades seemed to be the hardest task.
Neighbors who don’t know each other at all. Neighbors who know each other by name, but not much more. Neighbors who are already close and want to bring others into their fold. All different ages. All different life experiences. Some who’ve lived here for decades. One who literally had the moving van in the driveway less than 24 hours ago.
I know it is going to be a good evening. The sun is shining. The porch has been swept. And many have RSVP’d.
Will lifelong friendships come out of tonight? Maybe.
Will business networking be a natural outcome? Maybe.
Will someone find a babysitter? Or a dog sitter? Or someone to bring in the trash cans occasionally? More than likely.
Will there be laughter and music and great conversation? Most definitely.
And believe it or not, I am already planning (at least in my head!) a business networking happy hour in a city I might travel to soon for work. The wheels are turning.
If one of my strengths is to bring people together, what better time than summer?!
Maybe it’s something you could do easily as well? Your house. An outdoor patio at a local restaurant. A quick announcement in a group on social media. It truly is easier than you think. I’m happy to share more if you want to discuss. But not tonight – because it’s now time to queue up that playlist and greet my first guest.
(Photo by Kaizen Nguyễn on Unsplash)
