Networking

VO: Get ready for your semi-regular dose of random ideas from the guys at Codelation. We like to talk about big ideas companies that are winning, and those that aren't along with current events in our crazy world of software startups. So come along with Erick and Josh, who challenge you to think big, start small and turn your ideas into something on this episode of, from idea to done.

Josh: Hey everyone, I'm Josh.

Erick: and I'm Erick and today's big idea is effective networking. And so my actual title here is business development and networking is my life. I've been an outside sales roles for about the past seven years and all sorts of thoughts and ideas I have on networking. So I think we should hear a little about him.

Josh: Yeah. I think everyone's idea. They have a different idea as to what networking is. You know, I think some see it as lead generation, uh, while others, you know, maybe they see it as a waste of time and that you should be getting work done. Uh, Eric, what's your take on networking? So

Speaker 2: Actually I think it's everything and there's weird old cliches, like your net worth is your network and it's not what you know, it's who, you know, and I kind of agree with these. And I mean, when you even think in your own life, who's made the biggest impact on your life outside of your family. And it's, it's random strangers that have evolved into your greatest customers. And those people have referred you to your next greatest customers and random strangers can eventually turn into a spouse. And like, where did you meet these people? And it's kind of basically random chance.

Josh: I think there's some random chance to it, but you know, I'm thinking about networking. You know, I could be hanging out in a coffee shop and expect some sort of a social collision to happen, you know, when talking in line or running into someone. But my networking has been a little more strategic. I, if I need to get in front of somebody and I know that they're going to be at an event, I go book the ticket and you just kind of bump into them. Um, you know, our referrals getting a little low show to them, show up to a meet up or, you know, go to a million cups, you know, just be present where they're out, any who Eric, I'm getting a bit ahead of myself, help me break down how you're seeing networking.

Speaker 2: So, so my thought of networking is the entire world is basically a dichotomy of your kindergarten class. Yes. Dichotomy is probably my biggest one so far. Um, no, no, no, I'm lost. Okay. So out of every 25 people you meet, 10 of them are fake. 10 of them are stupid. Four people you can actually be friends with. And then there's one person you want to eat lunch with every day for the next 12 years, his name is Jeff. I go into every networking situation, looking for the Jeff in the group and giving your business card to 20 of the stupid fake people does nothing. So I really, like I said, I tried to find my Jeff

Josh: Ouch, that hurts if I'm probably in the stupid or the, uh, the fake people. Hopefully not anyway, no comment. Yeah. So Eric, how do you find the Jeff, who is that person of influence in your world? So one

Speaker 2: Of the shortcuts that I kind of use is, is knowing who is organizing the event. I go into a seminar or, you know, 1 million cups and I know the organizer and I'll send them an email saying, hi friend. You know, I bought my ticket to your event instead of being a stupid Facebook interested. I was wondering if you knew anyone who was going to the event that you think that I should know, and if they have a suggestion, I find them. And if you don't find them, ask for that intro and great people know great people, and I think it's important to leverage your network.

Josh: Yeah, absolutely. I think that's something that's, that's a great point. I think a lot of people don't because they feel like they're intruding on, you know, someone's time or something. I think another way to engage, you know, your Jeff has to show up early offer to help set up tables and make that ask. Sometimes it's a little easier if you've been chatting for a bit, especially if you're not comfortable making that ask on a cold introduction. So

Speaker 2: I kind of want to turn the page a little bit and I think networking is different from a different, uh, as a business owner to business owner, like what do you do as a business owner when you're networking?

Josh: I find that networking is really top of mind. If I can be at a certain number of events, I'll get a coffee or follow up meetings, you know, just kind of organically, I'd say show up and just really be present.

Speaker 2: And I think networking is different for owners. If you feel like you're, I feel like you spend your time trying to avoid people like me at these things. And at the same time, you're the person in most situations that I want to talk to as a business developer. And so I think the overall theme is, you know, kind of be specific and intentional and find quality over quantity.

Josh: Well, if I was trying to avoid people like you, Eric, I made a really bad hiring decision.

Speaker 2: Again, no comment, but

Josh: I agree with you. Don't try to set a meeting to be busy. Uh, don't take every opportunity, really just give value and be up front. If there isn't anything there no is not a bad word.

Speaker 2: Right. And from a sales and like business developer standpoint, I would say, you know, that intentionality is key to them to finding people at events and you, but you don't want to sell to them. You rarely find a person who is just on fire, ready to just give you money to make that purchase. And that's the case. They'll bring it up. Right. They'll bring that to you, but you should just really get, take an effort to know great people at the event and meet great people.

Josh: Yeah. I think we've all met those people at networking events to where they're just trying to sell the entire time. Um, you know, the one thing I'd rather do is to provide value. It's a long play, but you know, I want to give of my time and expertise with no expertise, expectations of it ever getting returned

Speaker 2: And karma like sales karma is absolutely a thing. If you can be an expert and you can genuinely help someone, they're going find someone who could use your service and they'll genuinely help you back eventually. And so I think that's kind of the main, the main topic of today's real relationships and quality relationships is the most important part when you're looking into networking. And so, thanks for listening. If you know of a startup that could use advice, have them subscribe or leave a review on iTunes.