“Networking” is one of those leadership and business talents that come naturally to some, and for others – well let’s just say it – feels like a complete waste of time. The busier a business gets, the more challenging it feels to carve the time out to have those meaningful and yet informal connection points with others whether one-on-one, at industry events, or just driving through the countryside together and stopping in for a quick handshake and a hello.
And yet, there’s always a guy with a truck.
Having roots in smalltown Manitoba, you learn very quickly how connected the fibre of a community is. You run into the same folks at the curling rink as you do hauling grain, buying equipment or paying your taxes. You learn very quickly that the minor argument that you had about a bill at 10am can make its way back through the coffee shop by 3pm that afternoon, and you just might wear the brunt of the teasing and “cajoled coaching” that could come with it. And you learn very quickly how critically important relationships are to getting things done.
In a small-town radius, there is always a guy with a flatbed truck. Most people don’t need a flatbed very often, but when you need it – you REALLY need it. And that guy with the truck could be the brother of the sister of the wife of the person you just cut off to get the better parking spot for mailbox pick-up. Maybe you were rushed, maybe your mind was on something else, or maybe you were just sick of the first snow and the long winter ahead. Doesn’t much matter. By the time you need it, that guy with the truck might have heard just a bit about how you just don’t have that sense of community, how you put yourself first and above, and how you think that your actions don’t have consequences.
Networking in business helps me remember that there’s always a guy with a truck. You don’t really know who they might be related to. You don’t really know if you will ever need that truck. And you certainly don’t know the timing of when that might happen. But an investment in a handshake and a hello today, a couple extra questions about someone’s business and what’s on their mind, and some thoughts about how to help your community be more successful might just be the path that leads to that guy with a truck.
How to start? Industry associations, industry events, online forums and local business groups can all provide interesting and valuable networking opportunities. It doesn’t have to mean a huge time commitment, but consistency is important. And setting a goal can help focus your efforts – it can be as simple as “I will meet one new person at this conference that is part of my supply chain”.
Here are a few articles that might be of interest if you want to dig a little deeper into the topic:
- Why Networking is a Must for Successful Entrepreneurs: some great insights and tips!
- How to Effectively Network as an Entrepreneur in 8 Easy Steps: who doesn’t love a great “how to” article?
- The Evolution of Agribusiness: Current Challenges and Future Trends: with a highlight specific to the importance of networking.
We’re heading into a time of year when taking time for each other is generally a part of our Canadian social norms. Recent pandemic years have reminded us of how much we value and benefit from all types of curiosity and human connection. Paying it forward, taking time for people, sharing ideas and learning from each other are all little moments that when framed with a growth mindset, are a wonderful investment in ourselves and our communities, and very rarely a waste of time.
And hopefully my little story reminds you that there’s always a guy with a truck.
Yvonne Thevenot
Senior Advisor
