Unlocking Doors to New Opportunities
Thrilled you're here for another installment of KRCrossing Kronicles! This round, we're tackling something super crucial for growing your biz and yourself: Networking. This key skill widens your world and cracks open doors to chances you've never even dreamed of.
1. What’s Networking Really About?
Networking is the secret sauce behind every win out there. It's not just about adding people to your LinkedIn. It's about spinning a web of chances across different fields. We've seen it happen – a simple "hey" can morph into deals and projects that were off the radar. It's not the number of people you know, it’s the quality of the connections you make. That they truly get who you are and what you're about.
2. Kicking Networking Nerves to the Curb
Starting our networking journey felt like stepping into another dimension. Those first awkward calls, reaching out to people we hadn't spoken to in forever, and those initial meet-ups that felt so stiff – they were all part of the path to building a real, solid network. It showed us that true networking is about real talk, not just racking up contacts.
3. Our Go-To Networking Moves
Getting networking right is part art, part science. It starts with actually wanting to reach out and being real when you do.
Here's what's worked for us:
Just do it: dive into those conversations, even when it feels awkward. Make the first move, break the ice, and get the ball rolling. The hardest part is just getting started.
Tell your story: paint a picture of who you are and what you're passionate about. Make it memorable, make it genuine, and make sure it resonates. This isn't just chitchat; it's leaving a mark.
Ask away: reach out for help without hesitation. Every big name out there has a network of support behind them. Think about it as growing together.
Pick your playground: sifting through the networking scene led us to gems like the Maine Women’s Network and the vast PMI network. Each spot offers its own vibe and vision for growth, giving us a buffet of viewpoints and chances to explore.
Coffee is king: a simple "Wanna grab a coffee?" can work wonders. It's your ticket to real talks, sharing dreams, and asking, "What can I do for you?" These coffee dates are where future partnerships start brewing.
4. Shifting Gears in Networking
Changing how we saw networking – from a chore to a core part of growing – was a game-changer. You gotta see networking as a two-way street, where both sides win. It's building connections that go beyond just taking, creating a community that supports each other’s growth.
5. The Right Crowd
Picking the right groups to join can seriously level up your networking game. Here’s a peek at the spots that have made all the difference for us:
Local Loves
Maine Women’s Network: been rocking with this group since 2016, and it’s opened up so many local opportunities.
Associations for Consulting Expertise (ACE): this crew has been key in finding folks who are all about growth.
Maine Biz: connected with them in 2016 and haven’t looked back. It’s kept us in the loop with the local biz scene.
Maine Center for Entrepreneurs: here Michele gets to give back by mentoring, and it’s been incredibly rewarding.
The Bigger Picture
PMI – Project Management Institute: taps us into global project management standards and innovations, enriching our practices and network..
AIC – American Institute of Constructors: sharpens our focus on construction excellence and ethical practices, elevating our industry standing.
DBIA – Design-Build Institute of America: opens doors to cutting-edge design-build strategies, fostering collaboration and efficiency in our projects.
On the Horizon
NRF – National Retail Foundation: it’s the mecca for retail networking.
CMAA - Construction Management Association of America: it’s where the construction management elite play, and we’re ready to learn and grow with the best.
ICPMA – International Construction Project Management Association: joining them means stepping onto the global stage, and mingling with the wizards of construction project management from across the globe.
Networking is more than just a to-do; it’s a must-have for nailing your business goals. As you wander through your professional journey, the bonds you form and foster are what shape the road ahead.
Till our next chat, let's keep linking up, one friendly intro at a time.
Warmest regards,
Michele and Rich
KRCrossing Consulting