I am working on an interesting assignment. A start-up has hired me to engage with them for 15 minutes daily. The goal is to guide them in discovering their strategy. I love this idea of discovery instead of being fixated on preconceived ideas. So, a large part of my work is to connect them with business leaders from Pharma, Diagnostics, Biotech, and other related domains. We get them on a 15-minute call. Thats it.
Over the last three months, we have spoken with some of the heavyweights from the industry. Many of the conversations have gone beyond the agreed schedule. I am not a conventional networker. I hate attending parties, conferences, and events. Yet, on a mere request, some of the most influential people came on that 15-minute call! That got me thinking. How was it happening?
These are some of my musings. They seem to have worked in my favor.
Rich Stromback said - Opportunities do not float like clouds in the sky. They are attached to people.
Let the first impression be authentic: I rarely wear a suit. I love to wear business formal (at best!). I would ratherlet people have a bad impression of me in the first meeting instead of faking to make a mark. Coincidentally, research shows that you build a stronger bond over time with someone who does not like you immediately compared to someone who does.
Focus on 1%, ignore 99%: Most of the information you get and the connections you make in a physical event are possible to be made online, at your leisure! I would rather sleep during conferences and events. That way, I am free (and fresh) to identify and meet a few people at the dinner table. Meaningful conversations happen, and relations are built here, not in conference rooms.
Connect, do not network: Most of the decision-makers are looking for real conversations and real relationship building. They hear the typical networking conversation every day. That commodity is available in abundance. But you cannot connect in a noisy environment (literally and actually).
Isolate for a stronger connection: Most influential people in this country live in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bengaluru, or some other metro. I live in a small isolated town - Pen. Therefore, when people get to know me, they appreciate the efforts taken by me for the meeting. Also, they know that I would not be that casual drop-in guy in the future. Just as music emerges from the gaps between a guitar's strings, the harmony in relationships flourishes when we honour the space between us, allowing each individual to resonate fully.
The real work happens by staying connected with people after the event. When we take time and share critically important things with them (instead of you), people value you. That's the way long-term relations are built.
Subodh
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