Keep CONNECTING!

As we re-located to Singapore two years ago, I struggled without a solid network that I was used to for so long. For those who know me well, also know I thrive on connecting with people and being of mutual support. So, I focused on growing the network here…a long way off, though better than before for sure.

Networks are built over years and it takes time, you’ve got to be patient. Networking has a method and specific behavioral traits to it. This doesn’t mean its artificial in any sense, I highly value my network and majority of them whom I know I truly respect and have become friends over a period. The key element being reciprocity.

Networking

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The action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.                                                    (Oxford dictionary)

 Networking is the exchange of information and ideas among people with a common profession or special interest, usually in an informal social setting. (Investopedia)

I’m not going to emphasize or share 40 bullet points about “the importance of a network or why network and…”, though will share what’s worked for me & some mediums to build a network that works for you (skipping the usual suspects).

Over the last few years I’ve been asked many times: how the hell do you know her? Do you know someone in Japan we can connect with for a golf round? Do you know someone in that exhibition company who can give us better strategic placement? How did you know him so well? Basically, all in all HOW did you build your network? And believe me, I continue to work hard to strengthen and diversify my network (has been my new year resolution for a few years now, besides the usual “get fit”).

For numerous years I attended (yes, physically attended) large Travel & Tourism fairs around the world, like most, it was the only medium to meet, connect & know industry colleagues world over. The under tone that each one of us knew, we’re here to work but most importantly network. Remember, back then social media was unknown.

 Allow me to indulge a bit here on a fun fact: I used to live with my lovely sister at the time (early years, ‘90s) who is an intellect, always earning the brownie points from our parents, I love her dearly. She would wonder all the time, as I returned at unearthly hours from these trade fairs/shows, & ask me next morning, “I didn’t see you last night or didn’t realize when you came home and here you are while I am still in bed, all decked up looking fresh as ever”. Yeah, one of the “stamina” aspects that we Travel & Tourism folks have, unbeatable. Am sure many can relate to this rush of adrenaline of connecting and connecting and keep going at it.

Did I grow my network pool while attending fairs/trade shows? Yes, though that was just the beginning. The onus of now converting these contacts into a meaningful connection, is on me/you. It took time, perseverance and commitment.

Fast forward to few years later, with some experience and learning, from attending to being privileged to be a speaker. I invested time months prior attending fairs/trade shows. I would identify whom I would be keen on meeting and proactively approach them (shift in ), its more so through learning. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of “keenness to learn”. I learn through reading and through experiences of others, yours could be videos, online learning – anything. Irrespective of your position today you can be knowledgeable and add value to yourself, connections must be meaningful to be effective.

So, here’s a summation: prep-work, speaker bio (applicable for the zillions of webinars now), know the “gatekeepers” (organizers, moderators; they work like magic), never keep a score when you help someone, be CURIOUS.

There, that’s how I did it then and continue to do now. There are plenty other ways of networking in our industry, but I intentionally took an example of fairs/trade shows. Unfortunately, they are paused for now, though nothing stops us from continuously building our network.  They are an integral part of our industry despite the rapid digitization of just about everything.

Till the time you attend your next Travel and Tourism show (I can’t wait to attend one, I just like meeting people face to face, a coffee, a conversation, nothing beats this), however we will have to change with times and be prepared for tech to play a considerable role in our industry too. 

Check the box…is your network?

You could look at following links & resources to keep growing your network (advisable to identity what suits your personality best, certainly no need to be everywhere).

1. Join a cause (volunteer) – you’ll be a helping hand which will provide personal gratification and meet beautiful folks (irrespective of the industry). Close to my heart is empowering women, inspiring them “that anything is possible”.
2. Pick up a sport/activity – Golf does wonders if you have the patience and means to learn, I for one am not inclined towards it expect walking the course with my husband most of them are breathtakingly scenic. Other group activity classes are a great avenue.
3. Meetup.com – is a service used to organize online groups that hosts events for people with similar interests. This one is quite popular across the globe so if it’s an obvious suggestion just avoid it. It worked for us when we moved to Singapore.
4. Co Founders Club - they come out with some insightful content and you can network with budding entrepreneurs here; cross revelation is powerful & builds a diverse network.
5. Skift Forums - this link will take you to their online forums page, this is today’s way to connect. While I have attended one of their seminars about travel mega trends 2020, I’m personally impressed with their various initiatives and knowledge they put out for our industry. Rafat Ali, the founder for Skift is one such person whom I would really look forward to connecting with. 
6. SalesHood - this is something that I have not used yet. This link will take you directly to something they call sales community “Network with sales enabled peers”, find your common ground.
7. EGN - this is a closed networking peer group of highly accomplished professionals across sectors. It’s a paid platform, I’ve yet to try it myself.
8. HOSCO - I would call it LinkedIn, only for Hospitality industry. They have the courses section of which few are free. “Advice” section is detailed and with practical solutions. Easily connect with hoteliers across the globe, over 6,500 companies listed. New to me, as I continue learning about more channels.
9. TYPSY - Connecting via your skills – housekeeping principles, cocktails, front desk, sales and much more - till 30th Sep anyone can have free access to their Pro features. There are 700+ lessons and courses. Great thing about them is it allows you to share your skills/knowledge through a video. Hopefully resulting in new connections with your peers & more, across the world.

Extraordinary opportunities lie in front of us all the time, what better time than now to get to know more people, it’s embedded in our behavior coupled with our hospitable disposition.

Perfectly expressed by the legendary Lee Iacocca.

“Business, after all, is nothing more than a bunch of human relationships.”

I have challenged myself to have fun while investing time to build a sustainable network.

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this article are my own and do not represent the opinions of any entity whatsoever with which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated. I'm in no way or form promoting any platforms & resources mentioned in my article.