Networking Like LEGO: Building Connections One Piece at a Time

Did you know that there are similarities between networking and lego? When you network well, I believe you’re playing ‘mental’ lego. 

You’re connecting little pieces of information, to share; communicating  with purpose and enthusiasm; exploring options, differences, and similarities, and coupling together what could be a mutually beneficial outcome with awesome results. 

Of course, your interactions can have two outcomes. You can follow the plan and limit the possibilities or be curious and open to “magic” without a final destination in mind. 

BE CURIOUS AND OPEN UP A MYRIAD OF POSSIBILITIES

The picture I am trying to paint for you , In other words, is that  if  you network with an expectation, you’re really no different to the child with a fixed idea of the outcome and disappointed when you do not achieve your goal. In contrast,  you can be curious, and go in being  open to a myriad of possibilities and create something wonderful.

NETWORKING TO BUILD A BUSINESS

In 2010,  I started my business Your Time Matters with a limited marketing budget. Like many other small businesses, I knew the most cost-effective way to promote my business was to network because, even though growth through word-of-mouth can be a slow process, it is a particularly strong way to build a business.

I was attended a lot of networking events.

I even joined a local BNI Chapter.  I learned a lot through that journey, but after almost 4 years realised I was ready to expand my horizons and look for more.   I needed education and more from the time I was investing in business networking to learn how to run a business and make informed decisions , not just referrals and a pipeline.

Increasingly, I found that traditional networking was just like following the lego app. 

There was no room for creative connections.  Surface level conversations, card swapping, and the emphasis on speaking to everyone in the room was not for me.   I was tired of feeling as if I had a dollar sign on my forehead and was only worth talking to if I was the next transaction. I was seeking sustainable, trusted relationships with others who had knowledge and experience to share and were keen to talk and share their business journey.

I learned that this card swapping approach did not permit magic.  

What do I mean by that?

NETWORKING TO ACCESS SOLUTIONS

I grew up in a small business family and knew it could be a very lonely space.  I witnessed  the struggles and challenges of building a business. I  understood how poor communications damaged relationships.  Lack of knowledge and cashflow caused sleepless nights.  Disconnection created isolation and doubt leading to under-confidence and poor decisions and often feels of failure. 

My diverse career experience,  in travel, education and operating a craft  market had provided me with a history building networks and finding solutions to meet people’s needs.   But it was when I worked in international relocation, that I truly understood the significance of having supportive networks , and how debilitating it was for those who lacked or had few connections.

In 2013, based on my career experience,  and given my dissatisfaction with traditional networking, it was a logical business decision to refocus my business direction and put my skills to use  to design and facilitate events for likeminded business owners, and professionals.  

I knew both men and women in business needed to generate leads and sales.  To do that they needed to increase their brand awareness, make their business visible, get out from behind their computer screens, meet and talk meaningfully with others as they accessed knowledge and experience to learn  in order to grow their business and achieve their goals. 

My background in education and event management came to the fore. I was going to create something new with Your Time Matters . . . a fresh approach to business networking that provided for this—Networking with a Twist! 

NETWORK EFFECTIVELY- BE OPEN LISTEN LOUDLY, CONNECT DEEPLY

I knew how to create an environment where people were comfortable.  I had welcomed small children into my classroom on the first day of the school year when we were all strangers. I had met international executives that had never stepped foot into our city before and were planning to call it home.  I had learnt how we all  benefit from a  warm, safe environment with the space to share and where we are able to be open, listen loudly, connect deeply, and uncover the opportunities and solutions needed. 

My approach, would offer a new dimension in networking where even the shyest person would be comfortable and they could discover how networking can be enjoyable, not a chore. I could prompt  purposeful conversations on business related topics, and businesses could connect and grow together, organically, without set agendas, single category rules and pressure to perform.

WHY YOUR TIME MATTERS

I wanted to create the opportunity to seed authentic relationships, as the format would be delivered through a  very clear and effective structure while creating a warm, and welcoming environment where relationships could flourish, and support would be available at the pace it was needed buy the individual. This was no cookie cutter approach but would nurture the individual needs of my participants. 

 Knowledge would be available at a reasonable cost and business owners could  use their precious time wisely to reflect and review their systems, processes and approach allowing time to work “ON” their business while increasing their  confidence, and encouraging them to learn, grow and achieve. 

When I ran my first YTM events I was nervous and wondered if I could translate my ideas into a working reality, but I am testament to the value of reaching out and stretching yourself. Making conversation and building confidence is no different. The first step has become Nike’s catchcry, ‘Just do it.’ Step out of your comfort zone, take some risks, face new situations, and practice your skills. Each time you do it you will get better and become more comfortable and confident. Trust me, I know—the more we practice the stronger and more curious we become.

A lot like leaving the lego app behind and creating your own design, similarly to Lego Masterclass. 

As time passed, these early ideas evolved to accommodate as I learned more about purposeful networking.  It is so much more than a business tool; it’s a life skill and catalyst to change. 

My experience has increasingly shown that most encounters have the potential to unlock new opportunities and connections, and transform thinking. 

So over time, YTM has morphed into a strong, business networking community offering strategic workshops and think tanks and a variety of formats, all designed to extend curiosity and connection  for men and women seeking to drive  business and  who were keen to belong to a community where they can unlock potential business and opportunities  authentically, without pressure.  

“In 2017, Andy Gill and Andrew Wilson met at a YTM dinner event both attending to network  for business development. They were two of 7 speakers who presented on the given topic  “Why Does it Matter” . 

Over the years, this format has illustrated how our own individual drivers enable deeper conversations and exploration of others while  encouraging growth in our awareness of the world around us and how we each contribute in our own way. 

Andy was and is the CEO of Bicycles for Humanity, a volunteer run organisation changing lives of communities by sending recycled bicycles to Africa. Andrew, was a business development manager for a solar energy company who prompted thought on how important solar energy is to our future.

Following their presentations, a conversation uncovered synergies and opportunities that at a traditional networking event would most likely have remained hidden. 

Andrew offered up that he had access to recycled solar  panels and Andy was keen to utilise solar panels to power workshops and bikes in Namibia. A plan to work together began. “

Andy and Andrew would not have known the outcome when they arrived. But magic happened. 

We can all  benefit when we learn to be open. Listen loudly to others.  When you invest in listening to what’s being said behind the words, not just the spoken words, a vision can become a reality. 

Andy didn’t stand up and ask for solar panels, but Andrew listened and realised he had the solution.

Expanding our horizons and investing in deeper conversations and connections, we uncover and grasp opportunities that otherwise could be hidden.  We find that dreams can become true with the right support.

I believe there is enormous value in bringing together like-minded people who can not only leverage their relationships, but also benefit from listening, discussing, and questioning each other. Their different approaches and perspectives create interesting conversations and thought-provoking reflections. 

Find hidden opportunities by investing in quality  conversation

.Much like small children playing with lego, both men and women  at a YTM networking event are challenged in a fashion that allows them to call on their own experiences , to explore opportunities presented to them , make choices  suited to their own specific needs and often find hidden opportunities by investing in quality  conversation .

The 2024 YTM WHY Insight Awards dinner is coming up and I cannot wait to engage in the conversation prompted by the theme “WHY WOULDN’T YOU” , interview Scott Ko and hear from our 6 competitors. You can read more about the event and register if you are interested to join us.

Networking is so much more than a transaction. Visualise it is a Legoland and make the magic interactions happen. Why wouldn’t you want to join us?