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All I’ll Ever Need to Know About Networking I Learned From Will Smith

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The movie “The Pursuit of Happyness” [sic] has a really good lesson in it about networking, and the right and wrong way to grow your business through meeting new people.

Will Smith’s character is in training to become a stockbroker and is having to prove his mettle by making a lot of sales. He somehow finds his way to the house of the CEO or President of some big company, and is invited to come to a 49ers football game with him in the stadium’s luxury suite.

NETWORKING — The Wrong Way

As soon as Will gets a chance, he starts pitching his new acquantaince about whatever financial products his company had available for him. The CEO looks annoyed and finally says something to the effect of, “I don’t want to talk about that right now, that’s not why I brought you along, just watch the game and have fun.”

Will is flustered and has damaged his relationship with this man. But do you think that’s going to keep the former Fresh Prince down? Here’s what happened:

NETWORKING — The Right Way

He decides to just relax and have fun at the game. He starts shooting the breeze with some of the other executive-types at the game, getting to know them, laughing, and having fun. He makes no sales that day at the 49ers game.

Later on in the movie we see Will catching up with one of those guys on the street and they are chatting like old friends. The man says, “Oh, by the way, don’t you work for Morgan Stanley? I’m looking for…blah blah blah (some investment solution)” and Will tells him he’ll be glad to talk with him some more about it (great opportunity to make a sales presentation as a welcome guest).

Which sounds easier? Networking is about meeting people, developing a relationship with them, and getting them to trust you. Then, when the time is right, they’ll come to you. Or, you can ask them if they’re interested LATER, once you’ve proved that you’re not just out to get a sale (or a wholesale deal, or a private loan, or whatever).

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  1. 2 Responses to “All I’ll Ever Need to Know About Networking I Learned From Will Smith”

  2. By Cherie on Jun 24, 2008

    LOVED IT!!

  3. By RyanW on Jun 24, 2008

    Alan,

    You hit it on the nose again. Smacked the nail right on the head. I just had this discussion with one of my mentors this afternoon. He said the exact same thing. Although I don’t always have the time for a football game or friendly chat some appointments are for selling.

    Keep the networking on the up and up from the start and try to benefit the relationship by adding value.

    Thank a MILLION. Keep up the good work

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