Start with who you know

The word networking made be cringe for years because all the aspiring business people kept top of mind. Networking over coffee, affinity groups, let’s get together, bring your friends, and on it went. It seemed so self-serving. Get out there and meet people to see what they can do for you.

But now I’m finding that the best way to find people with compatible interests is to mine the networks of those I favor. I’m a fan of Norah Jones. So naturally I find the guests on her new podcast, Playing Along, particularly interesting.

The benefit of networking isn’t always to see what action you can draw out of the relationship. Sometimes the benefit is simply to introduce you to a whole new set of people with shared interests. People you never would have run into otherwise. Take this icelandic singer Laufey.