Great news: Today’s post is about having a good time.
Some day, I hope to have Writer Square as my own address...
Now, let me finish telling you about my big networking day last week…
First, I did some “power networking” with Denver Marketing Examiner, Cathy Harris. Both of us are investing time lately in doing some “platform networking.” You can learn about both of these high-potential forms of networking in part one.
After lunch with Cathy, I relaxed into a beautiful afternoon strolling downtown Denver. I share one of my favorite walks with scores of Denverites–the 16th Street Mall. As I sat in Writer Square, I sipped a smooth, strong coffee and did another key networking step:
Make detailed notes you can work from later.
Fresh from my long conversation with Cathy, I had quite a few new ideas rolling around. This two-part blog post, for instance, was already forming. There was also a second “power networking” hook-up brewing, and I had a list of questions I wanted to be sure to have with me for that.
When happy hour rolled in, I had walked my way back over to the Wynkoop Brewing Co. As a member of the Colorado AMA (American Marketing Association), I was invited to a social networking thing hosted by Denver Young Professionals. Mostly, this was just as advertised–a social event, designed to bring a lot of us common-ground marketing pros together.
More gold-medal beers than you can drink in one visit...
I enjoyed the Wynkoop’s special “Silverback” brew (funds support for work to save mountain gorillas). Meanwhile, I met several folks who will likely turn into great colleague relationships over time. But here’s what I like best about social networking:
Bold, fresh ideas often spring effortlessly from social brainstorming with your peers.
No kidding, I overheard one conversation like this after another–and had a few myself: It starts with someone giving his “elevator speech.” Someone hearing his vision for the first time says, “That’s cool,” and relates it to something he’s working on. Next thing you know, a table full of people are excitedly making notes in their PDAs that could fuel real innovative ideas back in the office. So again, I enourage you to do some diligent note-taking. Relax, it won’t ruin the social vibe.
Freddy Rodriguez played Horace Silver's "Song for My Father" by request in set #2.
Across town, a great web-developer buddy of mine was doing his own social networking. We both took as happy serendipity that the halfway point between our meetings was a cool jazz joint called El Chapultepec. So for the final power networking shot of the day, we met there and brainstormed business ideas while we sat in on three hot sets from the traditional combo fronted by local saxophone master, Freddy Rodriguez.
Seriously, if you even like jazz a little bit, you should drop in on the “Pec soon. The music is live and smoking good every night, but my preferred evenings to grab a booth (get there early for that, I warn ya) are Wednesday and Thursday, when Freddy and his guys are there from 9pm-1am. Be sure to ask for your favorite jazz classics–Freddy knows ’em all.
When your networking is social, go ahead and relax… let the real value of each new connection reveal itself naturally. And be prepared to do the work, later, that can lead to a big payoff. But meanwhile–
Bottom line: let networking be fun.
Now, I’ve got to go fire up the grill for a gorgeous rack of ribs! Until next time…
Write what’s Right,
Ken
P.S. Happy Memorial Day! I dedicate this post to my father, Lt. Col. George Edward (USAF, ret.) and my Civil War veteran great grandfather, Sergeant George H. (Company C, 11th Regiment, Michigan Vol. Infantry, dec.). I’m honored to know you served. Proud to be your son.
Ken is "My Marketing Writer..." 