At this special time of year, just as many of us find out as we grow up that the Three Kings who bring the presents are really our parents, it turns out that after 40 years I’ve realised that networking is also our parents!!!!
From the day we are born, our parents help us become people and instil values in us, and when you become a parent yourself you clearly realise how important that is.
We all want our children to be good people, and one of the key factors for them to succeed in life, besides intelligence, is emotional intelligence: their ability to relate to others, to have empathy and other key personality traits.
Why do I think networking is our parents? In this case, my parents…
What I have seen in my father, copied from him and had instilled in me:
- Son, whatever you do, do it well. (Moral: don’t be sloppy, be the best at your job, strive for excellence, don’t leave things half done.)
- Better to listen a lot and talk little.
- Always look after good friendships and former work colleagues. (After 10 years of retirement he is still in touch with them.)
- Get on well both with your bosses and with any colleague regardless of their position; nobody is better than anybody else.
- Take the utmost care over etiquette: your suit is your best business card. (I don’t go to a tailor, but I have a few good ones.)
- Diplomacy is the best weapon. Nothing is more rewarding than mediating between people, connecting, helping…
- My home is your home. Both of them instilled this in me: my home or my company is always open to my circle of friends and contacts, no strings attached.
What I have seen in my mother, copied from her and had instilled in me:
- Always being willing to help others without expecting anything in return. Generosity in abundance.
- Being grateful, reciprocating with those who help you.
- There’s nothing wrong with showing your affection to others.
- Always looking for the good side of people, where you can connect and earn their trust
- Humour is an excellent channel for connecting with others. Nothing beats being natural and friendly.
- It’s never too late to learn. Both she and my father have never stopped studying and training; you always have to be prepared.
On top of that, they are both incredibly hard workers; they started working very, very young, I think before they were 16. In my case it was practically the same: I used to go with my father to lend a hand at a record and toy shop where he was the accountant, and at 16 I climbed up a scaffold to make the most of the summer and earn a bit of cash, so I love working, sorry.
What networker traits do I see in my lad?
Well, now that I’m a father, in my lad, whether he’s more or less clever, I see:
A good person who doesn’t get into trouble, is diplomatic, likes helping his classmates, has nothing but friends and is extremely sociable; he has no trouble getting on with other children wherever he goes.
He’s a really likeable kid, positive and not at all shy about speaking in public, so I hope he does well in life.
Dear parents, Happy Networking!
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