Doing it in public...

It’s a common saying: getting ahead is more often about who you know, rather than what you know. Even universities - which are usually the most “by the book” source of personal advancement strategies - are beginning to realize this, and are marketing themselves as a source of ‘professional connections’; rather than ‘high quality facts and figures’… that’s what the internet is for!

In a world where every person with a smartphone has the sum of all the world’s knowledge at their fingertips, relationships are truly the new currency.

Real estate agents provide the perfect example: In the past, an agent’s role was simply to broker knowledge. The relationship was based on them having knowledge that their client’s didn’t. This gave agents an artificial position of power. But today, buyers and sellers have access to the same information as agents via Zillow, Trulia, digitized public records, social media sentiment, and more. The rise of 3D tours and consumer drones have only expanded their reach. This means that the only way agents stay in their position long term is to develop trust. They must earn the position of ‘guide and friend’; not ‘knowledge broker’.

The example of real estate agents applies to nearly every job out there right now; in the real estate industry and beyond. We’ve always known that professional networks were important. But the reality is that in the coming years, these networks won’t be a nice-to-have, they’ll be a must-have.

Growing one’s network is a numbers game. The more people you make contact with, the more you’ll shake hands with. The more hands you shake, the more likely you’ll meet that next great connection who can be your partner or guide in reaching your goals!

My one super tactical tip to make connections faster: do it in public. To clarify, I mean do your work/job in public. Starbucks is my go-to spot. When I’m not working on confidential things, I strategically position myself such that my laptop screen faces the largest number of people; typically the area where people are waiting for drinks. I make sure the screen displays something that would spur a conversation (AutoCAD drafting plans, my company website gallery, blueprints, vendor quotes, etc). I also have my screensaver set up to show a gallery of images that feature our active projects and the company logo; whenever I get up, I manually activate the screensaver (if you’re on a Mac, set this up on HotCorners). To add to the mix, I have headphones on display, but they’re tucked into my shirt collar and not in my ears; this signals I’m open to conversation. If I’m feeling really bold, I’ll actually have a stack of business cards on the table too.

I can’t even begin to tell you how many highly productive conversations have started this way. This strategy has introduced my to a past employer, multiple investors, and endless industry connections with whom to partner in the future.

Bottom line: whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, this passive strategy is the easiest way to start conversations with people who could change your life for the better.

Has anyone else met a great connection using this - or a similar - strategy? Tell us about it! Are you going to give this strategy a try? Let us know how it goes, or if you have other creative ways to amplify your reach!