The Importance of Networking
Gillian and I launched our first website, Sacramento Executive, in December of 2005, with the mantra "Linking Executives To All That Is Great In Sacramento". We set out to be a role model in the community on networking. Since our inception, we have sponsored a networking event every quarter. They have been a lot of fun and proven to be fruitful.
Well, this past Wednesday was a banner day for reinforcing our lesson learned on the importance of networking. Two separate events occurred that demonstrate we are on the right path.
First:
A few years ago I earned my California real estate license and subsequently worked a brief time in the mortgage industry. I partnered with a brand new real estate agent, Caroline Jensen, a former employee of Gillian's at Sterling Software. Over the years, we had become good friends with Caroline and her husband. Between the four of us our network in Northern California grew substantially. When I left the mortgage industry, Caroline sought out a new mortgage partner - Dave Mendoza of Comstock Mortgage.
Caroline (with her Coldwell Banker brand name) has sponsored Sacramento Executive from its inception. Along the way she sold our Sacramento house in the first weekend it was listed. She also introduced us to Dave and he subsequently became a sponsor.
Wednesday evening, I received an e-mail from Nancy, one of my former mortgage clients, asking me to work with her to refinance her loan. I explained to her that I was no longer in the business and introduced her to Dave at Comstock Mortgage.
Hopefully, Dave will be able to work with Nancy and close on her new loan. And this is exactly why Dave sponsors our website. His advertising dollars and our network are symbiotic. Dave, I hope we can keep it up. Thank you for your support!
Second,
Now the web of our network gets more interesting. Gillian put together a women's book club a few years ago. The women in the club come from a wide background - a retired HP vice president, the director of the Sacramento County Library, a recent UC Davis graduate (Elena Naderi), our daughter (who happens to work for Caroline's husband), and Caroline to name a few.
The club means a lot to Gillian. Even though we live in Dallas, Gillian manages to make it back to Sacramento for most book club events. Wednesday night was book club night and Gillian arranged her schedule to be in Sacramento that night.
Elena hosted the event. Elena, Gillian and Caroline have a common thread - the Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy. Caroline graduated from the Academy several years ago and now sits on the Board. Elena recently graduated and works for Johnson & Johnson. Gillian serves as President and Board member.
Gillian brought a guest to the event, who happened to be interested in buying a house. And yes you guessed it - Caroline connected with the guest and at last report the two of them are now house hunting. I wonder if the guest will need a mortgage? If so, Dave, you might be getting another client! Caroline, thank you for your continued support of Sacramento Executive.
Oh the tangled web that we weave!
And folks, that is the art of networking.
Pierre Cutler
Our 4-Hour Workweek
