Spending so much time in London, I am surrounded by people, but mostly, I don’t get to know any of them unless I have arranged to specifically meet them. Is this a missed opportunity? James Eder of the beans group has answered this question by setting up @FriendlyFriday.
In London it is hard to start a conversation with a random stranger. It tends to mark you out as a tourist or a bit strange. Sometimes though, a well-placed question because of a mis-heard announcement or a flippant comment can open up a relationship that may surprise you.
I have had another great week, meeting amazing people. These were not random, I was recommended to meet them by amazing people, the luxury of Tech Talkfest! Listen to those around you, are you missing out on meeting great people?
I met Tom Butterworth, who is helping great start-ups with funding at Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). He focusses on giving great service to all his customers, the main value of SVB, big or small, they treat you well. He was explaining to me how the traditional banking sector doesn’t understand this amazing technical explosion we are seeing so doesn’t lend money to these businesses. He has a passion for helping out those that can’t get funding through the traditional SME business channels.
Simon Wax at Buzzacotts is working hard to help those in the technical world understand what has been made available by the government to make the UK a country of Innovation. He really enjoys working with creative people and helping them grow their business with all his expertise. Some people just don’t like numbers, Simon helps them by taking away that pain, providing them with the tools to maximise their finances and strengthen their business.
The Gherkin
I had the pleasure and fortune to meet Oliver Werneyer, from Swiss Re, at the top of the Gherkin, what a view!! He is not someone who I would have bumped into in my normal activities. But because of the great connections of our members and partners, I got to meet him at one of the best places in London. We marvelled at the view and how higgledy piggled London is. It made my week!
So what are we missing? Sometimes we need to take a look at the bigger picture. Take a view from high up and look down. Are we doing the things that engage us, grow us, challenge us? Who do we not meet because we are looking down and keeping busy?
I am not suggesting that you start randomly talking to strangers on the tube, the looks of disapproval may put you off. But how about you chat with someone in the queue for coffee or lunch? Alternatively, ask someone at work to introduce you to someone interesting, once you have chatted with them, ask them the same question. You never know where it may lead……..
Have a great weekend!
Tech Talkfest 