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When it comes to networking, I’m a little intense. I’ve actually reserved every Wednesday at 3pm for a meeting with a close friend or a new stranger who I’m interested in meeting. So I literally email, Facebook, or Instagram someone who I think is doing something interesting.
— Justin Shiels, marketer, speaker, and community builder
This week’s Profit. Power. Pursuit. guest is Justin Shiels the founder of This Creative Lab and Curious Tribe. Justin has over 9 years experience in communications, marketing, and graphic design. He uses his passion for community and his hometown of New Orleans to fuel his work. In 2014 Justin cofounded Venture Pop, a conference for creative entrepreneurs.
Justin and I talk about the power of nurturing relationships, the specific tactics he uses to connect with new people, and his value of diversity in building creative communities.
A Simple Networking Tactic Even You Can Use Every Day
Aside from his weekly standing meetings to get to know new people, Justin also recommends a networking tactic (oy, that sounds so cold and impersonal for such a friendly thing) for staying in touch with the people he meets. I’ve been trying to implement this networking tactic myself all year–and it’s panned out beautifully.
The process is simple:
If you read something, see something, hear something, or think something that reminds you of someone you know, let them know. Don’t let the thought pass and wonder why you haven’t talked to them in forever.
Drop them an email, text them, post on their Facebook wall…
…heck, pick up the phone and call them!
Share the thought, article, or video that made you think of them and tell them why. That’s it!
These small gestures–whether you actually reconnect with the person or not–puts you (and your business, mission, movement, ideas, etc…) back on the top-of-mind for the person you just thought of.
It’s a little thing that can have big results.
Take Action Now
In fact, why not give it a try right now.
Who do you know who is a natural relationship-builder? An authentic networker? A consummate community-wrangler?
Let them know what Justin’s interview made you think of them. Tell them how much you appreciate their curiosity, friendliness, and openness.
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