Below is my first of many interviews that I will be conducting with networking authorities. I am a big believer in learning from others so I want you to know about other experts on this topic.
Adam J. Kovitz of The National Networker is a nationally recognized advocate for the relationship economy. Adam provides resources, guidance, and connections through his newsletter, Website, and blog. He is also the Executive Director for the Relationship Networking Industry Association (RNIA). I encourage you to subscribe to his newsletter.
1. How do you define "business networking?"
Business networking is the exchange of information between one or more parties for the benefit of one’s profession, be it for clients, a new job, resources, information, etc. Business networking is being transformed, however, due to the rise in popularity of social networking through the use of online media loosely described as “Web 2.0”. Today, we use the term “Relationship Networking” as it is more universal and also encompasses those exchanges not only for the aforementioned benefits of business networking but to also include such things as networking for humanitarian causes, political agendas, various affinities, love, etc. There are many reasons for networking, and it all starts with the relationship.
2. How did you brand yourself as a “networking authority?”
The power of the internet is an interesting thing. When I started The National Networker in February, 2005, I was relatively unknown in the industry other than locally in Mercer County , New Jersey (home of Princeton and Trenton ). At the time, I had just moved my family to Pennsylvania , near Philadelphia . With my efforts devoted to getting established despite being a relative unknown, I found that I was getting a bit too down on myself and somewhat “punchy” by the first issue of TNNW. It was on a lark that I listed my name and then wrote “King of Business Networking”, pressed a button and sent the newsletter out to 900 people (mostly in New Jersey , Pennsylvania , New York and Delaware ).
Within 6 months, we were read all over the country with a few in Canada . One day I was finishing up a speech that I did at a university for about two hundred small businesses and entrepreneurs when I was on my way to the restroom. I suddenly became aware of someone following me to get my attention – they shouted “hey king!” I knew that the branding was definitely kicking in.
As we grew and as I became more comfortable sharing my ideas about the future of the industry, typically when I would deliver my annual “State of the Industry Address”, I would find other people contacting me with their thoughts, and more importantly to me…agreement. It is always comforting to get validation when you really put yourself out there. One particular series of exchanges led to my appointment as the Executive Director for the Relationship Networking Industry Association (RNIA), which ties in nicely to TNNW as it was originally designed to be something of a trade publication. Today, at the helm of RNIA and nearing on 40,000 in worldwide circulation of TNNW, things look real interesting…
…and I’m only just getting started.
3. When did you realize that networking was important for your business success?
My father had a lot to do with this. He’s a CPA and was diagnosed with Glaucoma at a relatively young age, which forced him to leave a steady, paying job with a reputable accounting firm for the uncertainty of going out on his own in the late 1970’s. He immediately set about getting involved with the local organizations: the Chamber of Commerce and the Lions to name a few. His involvement and personal nature led him to having a solid reputation in the community. Growing up, he was always going though his “mental rolodex” when I needed a job or had to do a report that required some information.
When it was my turn to leave the corporate environment and go out on my own, it was the natural thing to do as I followed my dad’s example…and it worked!
4. How have you benefited personally from networking?
My whole career since 2000 has been around some aspect of networking. My networking has gotten me the opportunity to be a Director for BNI, which I did for two years as well as my job with RNIA. Early on, as a management consultant, it got me clients and the means to put food on my family’s table. It led to a radio gig out of Princeton and eventually monthly podcast on TNNW’s own channel, The National Networker Show. It allowed me to help countless others in ways that I cannot have before. It has led to being asked to contribute to the upcoming book The Emergence of the Relationship Economy. I could go on, but I won’t. In short, it has allowed this hometown Jersey boy to become a major player in the industry on a worldwide scale.
5. What is one of the lesser known secrets to effective networking?
EVERY NETWORK IS AN ASSET! Networks are like mutual funds, stocks, hedge funds, etc. You invest in them (in this case, not just money but time, energy and effort) in the hopes that you will get a return, they are all managed by people of varying levels of competence and all possess a constantly-evolving portfolio of holdings. If you view networking in this regard, it will most likely get you out of the habits of worrying about the food you will eat at the next networking event, who in the room does or doesn’t “gets it” and judging people on how they appear today. It will also give you more reason to invest in your own personal and professional development. It’s not like your business and you life depend upon it…oh wait…they do!
Make sure to subscribe to The National Networker.
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Adam Kovitz, Founder of The National Networker, recently started The National Networker Show. With Adam's show, he interviews top networking authorities. Adam's latest interview is with Dean Lindsay, author of Cracking the Networking CODE: Four Steps to Priceless Business Relationships
