Networking: It's a natural

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The first few times I heard or read the word “networking” it sounded so stuffy, so forced. I pictured myself standing in a semi-crowded room, business card in hand, suit pressed, elevator speech primed.

No thanks, right? Sure, events like these have their purpose (picture a job fair), and real connections do happen, but social networking isn’t about a bunch of suits meeting at a given time, at a given venue, on a given day.

It’s organic. It’s natural.

Whether at work, school, church, a restaurant, tavern, coffee shop or grocery store, it’s about building relationships, day-to-day, in the course of your customary comings and goings.

It’s relating to people, not solely because he or she can help you grow your career or business, but because you are genuinely interested in building each other up…while identifying those in your circles or circles of influence that you want to impact and vice versa.

I’ve identified a number of guys and gals in Greater Des Moines that fit the bill. They're fresh. They're diverse. They're young and old. They're businesspeople and young professionals. They’re movers and shakers, entrepreneurs, go getters.

They conduct business with integrity. They care.

Are they interested in growing their businesses, their careers? Sure. Who isn’t? But one thing they really have in common is a genuine desire to share in the lives and passions of other people.

I know more than a few of these folks plan to attend the next BYOB Gathering hosted by Jeff Garrison of JCG Consulting and the crew at McLellan Marketing Group. There will be no program, no agenda, no speakers…just a bunch of really neat people chatting over a few cold beverages.

So if you’re ready for some serious grassroots networking, get May 28 marked off on your calendars now and show up from 5 to 7 p.m. at McLellan Marketing Group, 1430 Locust St., Des Moines. And don’t forget to bring a few bottles of your favorite beverage. Coolers will be provided.

Like the invitation says, “If you’re doing business in Central Iowa, you’re going to want to be there.”

- Todd Razor