Business networking needs a reboot. 

There's a strategic value of meeting people for the first time and building new relationship than hanging out with people who knew you already and have formed their opinions about you. It's great if that connection is as serious as you in mutually beneficial conversations but some are time-wasters.

It's like my family members who always visit us with treats and then start off with the same political rants all over again. If I record the conversation, it's that same old topics rehashed hundreds of times with fervor. 

I don't mind spending time visiting but the automatic chatter with a known contact gives me the headache. In that case, flight is my first response. 

As I grow my business, I seldom go to a networking event for the chit-chat hoping to find the right buyer or connection in the group. I do my research, I connect before the event to establish some baseline information, and I usually get down to business as soon as I arrive. 

My ideal position in a networking situation is a public role where people can see what I do first-hand and gravitate towards my brand. I was one of the jury at a business competition in a university last year. Prior to that, a mentor at a prestigious social entrepreneurship program where I get to advise venture founders one-on-one and in a group. That to me made sense as a expertise-deployment opportunity. I would rather host a gathering, or sponsor an event to get me in a more prominent role than just participating with the rest, although that can be fine too in some instances. It depends on your goals and preferences. 

Regardless of the outcome, I would ensure to enjoy myself. I would also recommend the same for everyone. 

​How do you attract the best client/customer/sponsor/funder for your work? 

Be the best.

Have a criteria.

The best to you might not be the best to others.

Keep that criteria front-and-center at all times.

Do not compromise or acquiesce on other's timelines, demands, and expectations.

Keep up that damn good work.

Adapt to the changing requirements of the times. 

Don't compare yourself with the neighbor next door.

And stay true to who you are and the values you hold dear.

Because the best people and best organizations are also looking for excellent providers/supporters/partners.

Give them the reason to look you up, listen to what you have to say, and follow your work.

That's what we know today in our social media world as 'connecting.'

Connect meaningfully but loosely.

Offer something of value when the time comes and see what happens. 

After a few years, we spent our summer vacation again in British Columbia, driving for 12 hours each way.

On the first day of the trip, as soon as we passed Jasper for a few hours, the town and the surrounding areas were shut down due to forest fires. We never had a clue that in a few hours, the whole town will be smouldered in fire and smoke, including the wildlife.

We took a video of our passing from the Park Gate to the National Park. Now we reminisce the beauty and majesty of the place that will never look that way again. 

I salute the men and women who risked their lives protecting the village and habitat from more destruction. If you have donated to the Jasper rescue, there's more to be done now on rehabilitation. Please consider helping in the short and long term for our national treasure and one of the world's favourite tourism destinations.

On the way home, we decided to avoid the smokey trail to Alberta from BC by taking a long and extended route but safer, less hurried, and with more scenic vistas. With bad backs and cramped legs from the long trip, we can still not complain about what happened to Jasper. 

You can never appreciate what you have until it's gone forever or damaged to the extent that will never look or function the same way. Let's join hands to rebuild it.