I’m on the subway and had to start writing on my phone because I just left one of the best networking events ever!
The access to people I had tonight was insane., I’m in the room with some of the most affluent parents/grandparents in New York – hedge fund managers, big media producers, real estate players, old-money families, and some celebrities I didn’t know but apparently are a big deal. These people weren’t there to network and to be honest initially neither was I. I don’t know why it didn’t cross my mind the type of people who would be there before the event.
These affluent parents had to give us their ear. Needed our insight. Needed to be on my good side. Loosely speaking, they needed our permission. I explained I’m an external contractor hired by the school and my involvement was strictly involved with the international student project. They didn’t care about my limits within the school. They wanted access to me. They made sure I had their private phone numbers, email, area they lived in, knew their professional roles and responsibilities. What their schedule looked like. Freely giving me information I would have to practically dig for in any other environment. I’ve never felt this type of power.