If you read the action sports industry trade sites Shop-Eat-Surf or TransWorld Business, you already know that the CEO of Skullcandy isleaving for a new venture. There's an interview with Jeremy Andrus on his departure on the Executive Edition of Shop-Eat-Surf now (http://www.shop-eat-surf.com/news-item/4622/jeremy-andrus-on-why-he-is/-).
What we wanted to point out from the article is the important of networking. Jeremy's new job is with Tag Romney, son of Mitt. He's connected to Tag partially because of his volunteer efforts during previous political campaigns. Is that the only way Jeremy knows Tag? We don't know... could have met him at a keg party too, but it bodes well that the Romney party knows Jeremy for more than his hypothetical ability to hold a Solo cup. Please note that we don't know Jeremy, work with Skullcandy or have ever heard of anyone there drinking a beer. This is just a hypothetical example use to help make our point.
Getting back to it, Jeremy knows the Romney family through his volunteer efforts and for lack of a better word, networking. He took the time to get himself connected to others. It's something we all should do more of, both when we're successful and when we need a lead, job recommendation, etc.
While the lovely San Diego weather makes it tough for the team at Remedy PR to want to do things outside of work that involve 'work', we know it's important for growing our business. That's why we've 6 Degrees San Diego and are making an effort to attend their events and be active members. We first discovered 6 Degrees via Ian Campbell, who funny enough, knows Bill from a local watering hole where the two would share stories about New York and new business. After years of bumping into each other here and there, Bill connected with Ian one-on-one to find out about how this upstate New York transplant has plugged himself so well into San Diego. Among other ways, Ian told Bill it was through networking at the 6 Degrees events.
Now Bill and Todd are both members of 6 Degrees and are making it a priority to attend both evening and early morning events to become more connected. We know 6 Degrees may not be right for everyone, but that's not an excuse for you not to network. If you're in college, join a club tied to your major or what you think you want to do when you graduate. If you're in the workforce, contribute. You may not have the funds for a paid networking group, but there are other ways you can get involved. Post answers to questions and become more active on LinkedIn. Make time to volunteer. Go the extra effort to put your name and face out there, but remember to be active about it.
An often butchered quote by Woody Allen goes along the lines of "90 percent of life is just showing up." Unfortunately, that 90 percent that show up don't get the killer new job, fabulous client, raise, second interview for their dream job post college, etc.
There's nothing wrong with being the 90 percent, but then don't become shocked when the success you want doesn't come as you had hoped. Don't just show up, contribute!
BTW - Did you see our blog post about Solo's PR efforts? If not, here it is.