are you networking everywhere?Are you networking with everyone EVERYWHERE?  Or just waiting for networking events? Or the business convention? Or trade show? Or are you just too busy to ‘network’ at all?

I just heard a great success story that started from a random meeting. Actually, two random meetings for the same individual.

This current founder of an international clothing company shared his start. He graduated college with a degree in marketing, but ended up working in a retail clothing store. Because of his knowledge, and interaction with a particular customer, this customer asked him to come work for him; a pay cut, but more potential. Much success followed, but another chance meeting at a magazine stand led to a start up that eventually became international.

Are you networking everywhere? Opportunities truly are around every corner, but you have to be open to them. You must notice the person next to you, and be open to engaging in casual conversation.  Notice things, and be aware of your surroundings. You are not directly pitching ‘you’ or your skills / products; but are constantly looking for where there may things in common to start a conversation. By being ‘in the moment’, engaging, and truly looking to connect, you will have access to opportunity you didn’t think was possible.

Stepping out of your routine to notice the things going on around you and the people that are there gives you an edge to more conversations with people and more possibilities. Do you exude value-added? Are you ready; are you on!? Or, are you just going through the motions? Who wants to partner with a going-through-the-motions person? People are drawn to people who are in the moment and ready to connect.

Crank up your personal presentation and start that conversation !!!

Who knows where it can lead?