CharlieKenny.me

I received a call from an old friend early last week. Geoff and I hadn’t spoken since he married and left for Denmark almost fifteen years previous and it was great to catch up. We’d originally met when introduced on a flight, London to Zurich.

“Charlie, remember that flight to Zurich?”

I’d surprised myself taking the offer to join a group of unknown travellers leaving London for an introduction to a paper mill. In Zurich!! At the time I wasn’t keen on sharing my precious family time away from work. This trip, ‘promised to be special,’ as the Zurich manufacturer were producing some of the most sought-after eco-friendly materials. 

Besides, I was in the printing industry at the time and there were benefits to be had in attending. 

I’d boarded the Friday flight and met Geoff for the first time, a thick-set fellow of around six feet, sporting long hair and a full beard. Geoff was ‘in pharma’ and very happy to be out of the office environment he inhabited. We enjoyed each other’s company, Geoff saying he was looking forward to a ‘bit of travelling’ some time soon.

The weekend mill visit was a success, with plenty of information to ponder of future of quality papers in the fast approaching digital age.  Returning to London, Geoff and I exchanged cards, said our goodbyes and agreed that it would be useful to keep in touch.

It was six months later I had a call from Glaxo Pharmaceuticals. It was a Geoff.

“I see you are only down the road, Charlie. How about coming over to my office? I think you’d there’d be mutual benefit in a new project I have taken on …

The meeting with Geoff was indeed of interest. He had the responsibility for a nationwide Dr/Pharma mailing of a new product release and he wondered whether I’d help in managing it!

My company ended up ‘managing it’ and lots of other peripheral items for Geoff over the next several years and we became very good friends in the process.

Geoff followed up his dream of extended travel, leaving the pharma industry and starting a family in Denmark. We had quite a bit to chat about during our telephone conversation … promising to catch up again, ‘very soon.’

I remember that decision years ago to step out of the routine and take the flight to Zurich. It was one of the most profound moments of my career. Meeting wonderful new friends and sharing great business.

Take the opportunity, even if, like me you think it’s ‘not really for me …’  because networking works.