Networking can lead to lots of experiences. One of the things we can do is influence others in a positive way.
In a story written in this week’s Sports Illustrated (the July 27 issue), Phil Taylor tells the story of Ryan Nece, a journeyman NFL player. Not a big star, Nece is an out-of-work linebacker (released by the Detroit Lions recently). But his character and generosity are very big indeed.
Nece invited 70 friends to a restaurant last month and distributed to each of them envelopes each containing $55 (Nece’s jersey number). The cavaet was that they were to commit an act of kindness with instructions to their various receipients to continue the kindness (“pay it forward”).
Responses ranged from one woman converting the cash to quarters and stuffing parking meters about to expire, leaving a note to extend the kindness. Another bought art supplies for his cancer-survivor artist friend who, in turn, adds an envelope with $55 to the back of each painting he sells. You get the idea.
We all have the power within us to make change happen. Revolutions have been started with the few influencing the many. The March of Dimes started with moms going door-to-door collecting the 10-cent pieces and ended up defeating polio.
The point is that don’t ever feel you can’t make a difference. In networking, we seek to meet and influence people. As long as we remember it isn’t about us, it always will work. There is no substitute for courtesy and kindness.
Relentless
You can read the full text of Phil Taylor’s “Point After” in the July 27, 2009, print edition of Sports Illustrated or online at www.si.com.
