Del and I had met for a one to one. We were discussing the illustrations for a forthcoming booklet, amongst other things.
The subject we spent time on had the common interest of networking. How the path to tangible results varies from person to person, industry to industry.
The networking process usually offers time of consolidation. The ‘getting to know you’ phase is vital before the trust shared.
I shared with Del the story from the meeting earlier that day.
It was a few years ago in London, I’d started a role as consultant, employed by a reprographics firm. My main client was Ron, he managed a small printing company who required I was at their premises early each day. I was supporting the press preparation for the teams working that day.
I needed to be ‘on site’ for 7.30, “why not get here a little earlier, we can share a coffee, put the world to rights?”
Business is personal, right? The arrangement suited me. I lived ten miles North of his factory, it was another ten miles south to the repro. works with whom I worked. Besides, early breakfasts at home weren’t popular during the working week.
I spent several years meeting Ron ‘before the ‘phones started.’ We ‘chewed the fat,’ got to know each other well. We learned much about each other by gazing out on the world, coffee in hand. Tales of ‘the trade,’ the gossip and future business etc. I enjoyed learning from Ron.
‘Tangible results?’ I hear you say?
Over time we learned how each other ticked. We understood the humour and what was important for today and what we were looking for long-term. Ron kept me busy because I proved myself reliable, I could hold a routine and I knew the business. Yes, the results with Ron were good, both parties fulfilled.
The bigger picture? (Because there is always a bigger picture.) The firm that funded Ron’s small company in London had a HQ in Birmingham.
The result of the collaboration with Ron? Albeit over several years, the proven relationship led to greater commerce between the firm I was working for and Birmingham.
Networking, where everyone wins, given time. Time to develop routines, become reliable, realising you are referable.
CharlieKenny.me 