Networking is hard work, but totally worth it

Posted in: Blog, Networking by Brian Cauble on May 1, 2009 | 4 Comments

I have spent the better part of the last month networking. I have been to event after event all over town. OSBO, BNI, Innovation depot seminar, Bar Camp, Birmingham Entrepreneur meeting, Career seminar at New Horizons, Tech Birmingham breakfast, and more that I don’t remember. I have also spent hours responding to emails asking questions about what people are doing and finding ways that I can help them.

I know what you’re thinking. “I am way too busy” or “Why bother?”. Because frankly, this is how business is done and reputations are built. There are truly amazing people in Birmingham, and there are good opportunities in Birmingham. If you find yourself complaining about your job, I challenge you to become active in the community. Go to a variety of activities around town. You may not be able to attend them all or you may have to rotate each of them to get them all in, but do it. It will help you find wonderful opportunities and people.

My final points are simple. Be genuine and helpful whenever you can. The more you help other people, the more you get back in return. Offer to introduce people or pass resumes on. Just help them when you can. Second, become a leader of something. Create a group or join a group and volunteer to help organize. Being a leader opens doors that you didn’t even know were closed.

Truth be told, it is really hard work. I am tired. I was tempted to not even post tonight. Then I thought back to just people I met this week and I realized that it was totally worth it!