Advice for Another Friend

     A few nights ago, I wrote about how a friend had reached out to me because her brother had recently written a book and was looking for some guidance on publishing and marketing the book.  Well, believe it or not, I also got a similar e-mail from the husband of a different friend.  And of course, I was happy to oblige this person as well.

     I spent about 40 minutes on the phone this evening explaining what I had learned about the various ways of getting a book published, and the associated advantages and disadvantages of each.  Like most, he was confused by the overwhelming amount of information out there and unsure of what to believe.  I was able to provide him with some clarity about how the field works so that he can move forward on his project with more confidence. 

     As I noted the other night, I often think of these types of acts of kindness mostly as playing my part in the huge, complex, chain of networked people.  Just as I'm willing to share my knowledge, experience, and contacts with this person, others have done the same for me, and still others have done the same for those who helped them.  And that's what networking is really all about.  We each do our part, not knowing how or when or where it comes back to us, but still knowing that it ultimately does in one form or another.

Sharing My Experience

     A friend of mine recently asked me if it would be OK for her brother to contact me to pick my brain about book publishing and marketing.  Naturally I responded that it would be my pleasure to help in any way that I could.  It took a few attempts back and forth to finally coordinate a phone call, but we were able to connect this afternoon.

     I spent about an hour sharing my experiences with this new author and, more importantly, sharing what I had learned in the process.  Like with most things, if you've never done it before it can be hard to understand the ins and outs of a new field.  While I'm certainly lightyears from being an expert in this area, I still know more than a novice, and I was able to provide him with some thoughts that were helpful.

     When I finished the call, I was thinking about the whole nature of networking.  This person got connected to me through his sister who was a friend of mine.  In a similar way, I have many times reached out to my network of connections to find a particular thing, be it knowledge or some assistance or even another name.  Networking like this presupposes that each person is willing to help another person knowing that in the big picture others will similarly help you.  It's a great example of the simple benefits of kindness for everyone.  I'm always glad to play my part in that chain.

Making Connections

     I received an e-mail recently from someone who I met at a non-profit function.  In his message he mentioned that he had read my book and had gotten so much value from it that he couldn't put it down.  He wanted to know if he could use some of the material in his company, and also wanted to know if I would meet with him for breakfast or lunch one day.  Whenever possible, I try to oblige these requests and this morning we had breakfast together.

     Though we didn't have any particular agenda, it was good to share each other's "stories" and to find points of common interest.  As I learned more about his career situation, I offered to make some connections for him.  Though I'm temporarily stymied due to some people's vacations, I've already begun the process of arranging the introductions I promised.  

     "Networking" is such an interesting process.  It relies on each person's willingness to do for others without any specific expectation of payback.  However, if we each do as much to help others as we can, in a circular kind of way, it all comes right back to us.  At least that's how I see networking.  In that spirit, it was my pleasure to meet with this person and to do whatever I can to help him.