The power of 2,000
Brian Cluster
Consumer Insights | CPG Analytics & Category Management | Data Driven Strategies for Market Growth | CPCA | RetailWire Braintrust
While I was at the #shoptalk conference last month, I was staring at all of the meetup tables all 2,000 of them in amazement in this never-ending room of tables, when a sudden feeling of connectedness came over me.? I realized that I had also passed 2,000 LinkedIn connections and I was imagining having my connections in that same conference room.
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Now, 2,000 does not seem a lot of contacts for some on social media but when you start to think of them as individual friends and colleagues or as humans- it is. ?Breaking it down for perspective, if you would have 15-minute meetings with each person that would be :
But imagine the incredible insights from those meetings!
Sometimes we wait until the end of our careers to thank those in your network. I don't want to wait as so many have helped me.? At mid-career, I have plenty of luminaries, friends, and inspired characters to draw from so here are some that helped my career and influenced my thinking based on their brilliance in their area of expertise:
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?? Branding and business acumen;? Michael Galef Genevieve Beauvais Rob Schmidt ★ Consumer Marketing ★ Digital Media
?? Category Management and Analytics:? Michael Miller Gloria J. Graham James Grulke
?? Innovative thinking: Todd Hale Jeff Gregori Dannette Holt James Dodge
?? Outstanding colleagues: John Dourisboure Shannon Jimenez Andrea Scheuerman Andrew Castorena Tyler Feese Melinda Montes Jimmy Le Shayne Armstrong Christopher Spinosa Eddie Kwan Raffi Dar Jim H Bui Laura Sanders Gert Skriver Katherine (Hahn) Nussenbaum Arnjah Dillard, CAPM
? Brilliant Design and Marketing: GP Corsi Scott Bell Deedee Mueller Sam L
?? Presentation Skills:? Doug Kimball Marge Anzalone
?? Product Marketing:? Ayushi Beohar Ian Piddock Matthew Cawsey David L. Ankit Holani
?? Event Excellence:? Shelley Fulghum
?? Best Networkers: Keith Ferrazzi Jeffrey P. McNulty Robert Long
?? Thanks also to all of the Universities that I have been associated with:
University of Iowa DePaul Driehaus College of Business University of San Diego - Knauss School of Business
??♂? Awesome Associations: Leadership Builders Toastmasters Alzheimer's Association San Diego/Imperial
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?? And now I have two daughters starting their careers that are on Linkedin, which is super exciting to see:
Over 18 years ago, my whole idea of networking was dramatically shifted. The importance of doing it well and learning it as a skill was a greater focus based on the tremendous book, “ Never Eat Alone” by Keith Ferrazi.?? If you haven’t read this book or followed his teaching,? you should do some research:
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He has some masterful quotes including:
?“I believe that every conversation you have is an invitation to risk revealing the real you.”
?“Real networking was about finding ways to make other people more successful”
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Unfortunately, I missed many of my colleagues and I apologize. Each of you have many valuable human qualities and skills that are truly unique.
I would encourage us to celebrate ??the great folks in your network more.
Please reach out any time to catch up with me and let know how I can support you!
I am so appreciative.? Thank you for being a part of my journey!
??? Celebrating 16 years on LinkedIn! ??
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Sales Manager at Otter Public Relations
1 个月Great share, Brian!
Great share, Brian!
Absolutely agree! Networking goes beyond mere connections; it’s about genuinely appreciating each other. As Aristotle once said - we are social animals, thriving on mutual respect. Engaging and uplifting others not only enriches our professional journey but also fuels our personal growth. Let’s keep inspiring and supporting one another! ????
Thank you Brian Cluster! What a great post! Loved the shout out friend! Very honored to have worked alongside you. You Elevate every space you enter. Much Continued Success!
MDM Enthusiast | 30 Year Retail Industry Veteran | Business Model Analyst | RetailWire BrainTrust Panelist | Storyteller | Woman in Technology | UNG Advisory Board Member
11 个月Thank you, Brian for your kind acknowledgment and for sharing your thoughts at the #shoptalk conference. It's true, visualizing each connection as an individual rather than just a number adds so much more value and meaning to our interactions. Your reflection on the power of networking and the insights from Keith Ferrazzi's "Never Eat Alone" resonate deeply with me. It reminds us of the importance of every relationship we build throughout our careers. I also want to express my gratitude for your unwavering support since I joined Stibo Systems. It is a privilege to work together towards our common goals. Your readiness to assist and collaborate has been a tremendous support to me. Here’s to continuing our journey together, learning from each other, and continuing to making a significant impact in our field.