Extreme NetWorking in Hawai'i

I was browsing through the newspaper last week and I saw an ad for the Hawai’i Jaycees event “Extreme Networking 2006.”  It promised readers a program that would “change the way you think about networking” which would, in turn, “profoundly change your life.”  Bold promises, I thought. 

Then, I saw the speaker line-up:

• U.S. Congressman Ed Case (who said, “politics is one massive networking opportunity”),
• the Junior Chamber International (JCI) President Lars Hajslund (who stated the goal of JCI is to be the best and biggest network for young leaders and entrepreneurs),
• the USJC President Lisa Parrish (who spoke about S.T.A.R. leaders:  Service, Training, Attraction, Retention; and about developing young leaders through networking, community service, and personal development),
• the dynamic author and Certified Speaking Professional Beth Terry (too awesome for words),
• motivational guru Robert Van Arlen (“the most engaging speaker on the planet” according to the ad).

Given that the admission was FREE and a bountiful array of pupus (hors d'oeuvres) were served FREE, and that the location was the exotic Hilton Hawaiian Village (check out the pictures at http://www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com), have you any doubt that I was there?

I was greeted warmly at the registration desk by Jaycee member Brandon dela Cruz, who is the Director of Marketing for L&L Hawaiian Barbeque (www.hawaiianbarbecue.com).  L&L is home to the traditional Hawaiian plate lunch---two scoops rice, macaroni salad, barbeque meat---Hawaiian comfort food, if you will.  Brandon graciously introduced me to Hawaii Jaycees President Eddy Ng (www.hawaiijaycees.org).  Eddy gave me an overview of the Jaycees and explained how the organization (for ages 18 to 40) develops leaders through service to others.  I expressed my regret that I am slightly outside the age range (like Philadelphia is slightly outside of New York), but he assured me that my wisdom and experience was still welcomed and appreciated.  I made a mental note to try to acquire some (wisdom and experience) as I looked around for a rocking chair.

As we exchanged business cards, I heard this slightly maternal voice saying, “No, no, no!  Here, give me a pen…let me show you how to do it.”  I turned and found myself in a 15-second personal coaching session on how to accept business cards with the speaker herself, Beth Terry!  (www.bethterry.com)  The key, she says, is to turn the card over, write the date, the name of the event, and something memorable about the person.  That way, when I return to my office and want to follow up with a contact I met at a function, I’ll have a “cheat sheet” of notes to draw on to start a conversation.  So simple, yet so brilliant.  (NOTE:  if you travel to Japan, however, don’t write on their business cards.  Beth says that is considered rude.)

According to Beth, networking is about more than collecting business cards.  She went on to deliver an awesome speech on taking your networking game to the top.  A few of her points are networking basics:  network before you need it; give before getting; LISTEN; find things in common; follow up, etc.  However, one piece of advice she gave was new to me, made me sit up and take notice, and no doubt will prove to be extremely valuable:

Diversify your relationship portfolio.

What Beth means is that we shouldn’t just hang out with people in our field.  We should seek out and cultivate friendships and relationships with people in many different fields or those with different interests.  We never know what we may learn from them or when we may be able to apply an idea from way out in left field to our own line of work.

I made a decision right then that I would seek out and get to know people in Hawai’i’s diversified agricultural community.  Surely I can find friendships worth cultivating (pun intended) in that bold, yet down-to-earth (yeah, another pun) entrepreneurial group.  The very next day, I met the owner of a lavender farm on Maui.  Perfect!  My plan is in motion.  More on that in another article.

Next up was speaker Robert Van Arlen (www.robertvanarlen.com).  About thirty seconds into his talk, I was ready to agree that Robert may possibly be the most engaging speaker on the planet.  He says networking is like making music:  it has the power to resonate in one’s soul.  I know very little about music (I’m banned from about 50 karaoke bars), but with Motown playing in the background (“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”), Robert broke it down for us:

Melody:  is your message clear?

Harmony:  do you have a Go To team who work well together?

Rhythm:  can you execute your plan?

According to Robert, extreme networking equals efficiency and effectiveness.  The color of extreme networking is GREEN because one can utilize one’s connections to save money or to make money.  (It’s true.  Think of the times someone in your network told you about a discount or wholesale deal, or someone referred a customer or client to you which led to increased profits.)

Robert also gave excellent advice on what TYPE of people we should seek out to join our network.  He warns us to stay away from Draggers (negative people who bring us down).  We should certainly welcome Supporters (positive people with whom we can share ideas and dreams).  However, the people to actively SEEK out are Igniters.  These are high-energy, positive people who have the gift of encouragement to the extent that they IGNITE your soul.  These Igniters are the people who will CHARGE your batteries and CHANGE your life.

I made another decision:  I want to be an Igniter.

I’m not exactly sure how to do that, but I’m going to live with the intention of actively encouraging others in their businesses, supporting their dreams, and cheering them on.  Email me if you need an electronic HIGH FIVE.  I’ll oblige as enthusiastically as possible.

So, did the Hawai’i Jaycees Extreme Networking 2006 event profoundly change my life?  We shall see.

With aloha,

SANDY McKEE

Please contact Sandy at SandyM@TheNationalNetworker.com.