Nick Price, MD of Bright Purple Recruitment, is an old friend of mine and, I would argue, the best networker I have ever met. Nick knows everyone, or at least someone who knows someone. His diary is constantly filled with meetings, chats and catch ups, a round of faces old and new, but always with an eye on business development. Personally I am amazed that the US government has never contacted Nick to gain the whereabouts of Osama Bin Laden, because I would put a fiver on that Nick not only has his mobile number and e-mail address but also probably had a latte with him in The Balmoral last Thursday to discuss recruitment opportunities in international terrorism.
I have always envied those to whom social networking comes naturally and who are smart enough to recognise the importance of face to face contact in growing a business or developing a career. No e-blast, web site or mail out can achieve the impact of the 30 minute coffee meeting with a potential associate or client, particularly in Scotland where word of mouth is the maker or breaker of reputations. The ability to pick up the phone, dare to ask for the 30 minutes and then use them to identify mutual development opportunities is a key aspect of growing any business and a skill of immense value.
My cynicism is reserved for the on-line networking sites such as Linked In. I joined a couple about 9 months ago after receiving invitations from colleagues. My initial reaction, probably like many, was ‘Networking is good. Technology is good. I should do this.’ I duly created my profile, uploaded a presentation on the business and sent out invitations to all my friends, business contacts and key clients, urging them to be part of my network. Most replied and did join and I was able to survey my healthy list of contacts with a smug sense of being at the leading edge of the virtual world. Then I waited. And waited. And like a Hibs v St Mirren end of season match, nothing happened.
I was then advised to join some on-line specialist groups where topics are discussed by like-minded people, so duly joined two leadership forums. I am always keen to get involved in debates on the topic of leadership and eager to learn more about this nebulous topic. After a few weeks participation I now know 3 key things about leadership: a) Jesus/Allah/Buddah is my Saviour and the only true leader; b) the adjective turbulent is currently the most over-used word in the English language; and c) there are fantastic opportunities available to become a life coach and earn $3m an hour, all for an initial fee of $199. The quality of the discussions have been varied to say the least and often lacking in any structure or genuine commitment to open debate. I have been shocked at the paucity of thought in the discussions, the blatant hijacking of sites for commercial purposes and ultimately the number of complete fruitcakes out there.
I have been wondering if it is just me, and that my apparent lack of engagement with on-line networking is more down to my mindset than the system itself. Recently 2 clients have asked me if I have ever gained any advantage from using on-line networking as they have had a similarly unproductive experience. My suspicions now are that on-line networking is a classic example of activity masquerading as progress. We invest energy and time into creating a profile or image we wish to display to the world in the hope that it will influence someone into creating a business or career opportunity for us. It assuages the nagging at the back of our minds that we should be, especially in these turbulent times, be doing more sales and marketing. For all of us out there who watch the Nick Prices of this world with envy, on-line networking allows us to play at networking without the fear of rejection or putting in the hard work needed to grow the business or further our careers through direct face to face contacts. Maybe I am wrong, and next week a huge opportunity will come through from someone who has viewed my profile on-line and is keen to do business. In the interim I better get the sales strategy out and start making some calls......