TIN #027 - What Ted Lasso Knows About Networking
Lessons on darts and networking from my favorite show
Good Morning 👋 - Greg here.
This week, I need your help.
I need to know where you want me to go.
Curious?
This issue takes less than 3 minutes to read.
I love Ted Lasso.
It’s one of my favorite shows.
One of the best scenes from the first season is The Darts Scene.
Ted’s playing a game of darts against Rebecca’s ex-husband and co-owner of the team, Rupert. Of course, all the British patrons of the bar assume since Ted’s American, he couldn’t be good at an English game.
The takeaway from the scene is a quote that Ted mis-attributes to Walt Whitman.
“Be curious. Not judgmental.”
I’m curious.
And like Ted says in the scene, if you’re curious, you ask questions.
I’m not curious to know if you’ve played a lot of darts.
I’m curious about this question:
How’s your networking going?
I’ve been publishing this newsletter every Saturday morning for six months. I know you’re reading it, or at least opening it, because I see the stats in my dashboard.
But are you getting better at networking?
That’s why I write this every week.
To make you a better networker.
So, I’d love to know if it’s working.
If it is, reply to this email with something like, “It’s working” or “I’m getting better” or “Here’s my success story.”
If it’s not, answer the poll question below:
If there’s something else that stops you from networking, reply to this email. Tell me why you’re not networking.
Quick Hits
I don’t want you to walk away from this issue empty-handed.
Here’s one idea for the networking obstacles above.
Problem: I don’t have time.
Solution: Get Smaller. Don’t try to make 5 networking connections this week. Make one. Don’t try to have an hour long conversation in person with a connection. Have a 15 minute conversation on the phone. If you run into time constraints when you’re networking, make your actions smaller. Doing something is better than doing nothing. Check out TIN #014 for more solutions to this problem.
Problem: I don’t know anyone.
Solution: Everyone knows someone. What you really mean when you say, “I don’t know anyone,” is you don’t know anyone who you think is important. Everyone can help you network in some way. Think of re-connecting with people you have worked with in the past (see TIN #001 for more). Think about networking in terms of getting back in touch with people who have been a part of your life. It doesn’t have to be about finding a new job or opportunity. Focus on making a couple of re-connections and see where the conversation goes.
Problem: I don’t know how to do it.
Solution: This newsletter. For the past 6 months, I’ve been sharing tips and tricks in this newsletter. Read the previous issues. Most take less than 5 minutes to read.
Problem: I feel awkward when I do it.
Solution: Give. Approach networking with a giving mindset. You are doing this to help other people. As you talk to your connections, follow Coach Lasso’s advice and BE CURIOUS! Ask questions. Based on the answers, think about ways to help them.
Then, GIVE them advice, ideas, or recommendations. If you think about it from this perspective, it removes a lot of the awkwardness. Your connections will eventually ask how they can help you? They’ll likely introduce you to someone new, and your network grows.
Problem: I need someone to push me to do it.
Solution: I’m starting my coaching program again. The goal is to make you a better networker by giving you specific networking assignments and then holding you accountable. If you’re interested, send me an email at greg@gregsroche.com.
What Else?
What else is getting in your way when it comes to networking?
I’d love to help you.
But I need to know how.
Have a great week!