I know a lot of amazing people.
So many that people I was once called the
Kevin Bacon of the tech community.
Ok…I made up the KB part up but if people were to make any connection for me I would like it to be known as the Mother Theresa (of Calcutta…not the other one) of the tech world because, I wash a lot of feet but also go out of my way to do other nice things for people, even if it isn’t asked for.
Ya see, chatting is what I do.
…anyway, Aran is the VP of Strategic Partnerships with the new (and very impressive) startup
Zoompass….and over the course of our conversation we started talking about our networks and I offered to help him with any introductions I could because I think his product is cool and want to see it do well. Somewhere in our chatting I blurted out (and I don’t remember the exact thing that triggered it anymore)
“What is the point of having a network if you don’t use it?”
Spending most of 2008 traveling to every conference or speaking opportunity I could find put me face to face with so many of the smartest and nicest people in the Tech and Entertainment industry, and I consider myself a pretty connected person…but seriously, what good is knowing all these people if I am not helping them?
The goal of this post is not to pat myself on the back but I am going to use “me” as an example and challenge everyone else to do the same because while this may sound odd but in my free time I sit around thinking about who I know and who I could introduce them to.
I do this because it makes me feel good to help people, but also because I usually get repaid in hugs and long kisses. Out of the hundreds or thousands of folks I meet over the course of a month or a year, only a small number of them will actually have a fit into what I am doing work wise…but all can help me in other ways…and I think the best way to get people to help you (if needed) is to help them first with something.
This has nothing to do with Karma or Pay it Forward but just good old fashioned un selfish introductions because there may not actually be a time where you need help from one particular person but if you help them find a job or escape from a bully I bet they will remember and help if called upon.
In the past month I have helped one person land a job. Made intro’s and helped secure interviews for two other people and made at least 10 introductions that resulted in real business or a new clients for people.
Does this make me a better person than you? Not really, like I mentioned earlier I am doing it for the warm loving embraces….because I like the way those make me feel but if you have time this week why not take a look at your network and make an unsolicited intro to two people you like and think can work together…and if you don’t get a hug out of it let me know and I will send you one.
I know a lot of amazing people. 
