By Jessica Myers, Founder of Ignition Zones
You know, people often talk about wealth in terms of dollars and cents, but let me tell you about a different kind of richness – one that’s built on relationships and connections. It’s a lesson I learned the hard way back in 2009, right in the thick of the economic recession.
Picture this: there I was, a young woman with big dreams, stepping off a plane in New York City with a one-way ticket and the promise of a new job. Only, as soon as I landed, I got the news that the position had evaporated. Talk about a “welcome to New York” moment, right? But here’s the thing – what could have been a disaster turned into one of the most valuable lessons of my career.
Instead of panicking, I took a deep breath and thought about my network. You see, I’d been part of this professional association with some pretty impressive board members. So, I decided to reach out and schedule what I like to call “informational interviews” with each of them. It was a long shot, but hey, when you’re starting with nothing, you’ve got nothing to lose.
One of these conversations led me to Jen Suarez, who reported directly to Les Moonves, the big boss at CBS at the time. Now, Jen could have just given me some polite advice and sent me on my way. But instead, she picked up the phone and made a few calls. Before I knew it, I was part of a brand-new junior sales program at 92.3 in NYC – yeah, the home of the Howard Stern show. And if that wasn’t cool enough, within two weeks, I was working on the Nick Cannon morning show.
Now, let me ask you this: how much do you think that opportunity was worth? It’s hard to put a price tag on it, right? And that’s exactly my point. The real wealth in that situation wasn’t in a paycheck – it was in the relationships I’d built and the doors they opened for me.
This experience completely changed how I view wealth and success. Don’t get me wrong, having money in the bank is great. But having a network of people who believe in you and are willing to go to bat for you? That’s priceless.
Let me give you another example. Just recently, I was planning an event and needed a venue. Now, I could have gone the traditional route and rented a space, easily dropping a grand or more. But instead, a friend in my network offered up his building. Just like that, a major expense was taken care of, allowing me to pour those resources into other aspects of the event.
That’s the kind of wealth I’m talking about – the kind where opportunities and resources seem to materialize just when you need them, all because of the connections you’ve nurtured over time.
Now, I know what some of you might be thinking. “That’s great, Jessica, but I’m not a natural networker.” Well, let me let you in on a little secret – neither was I, at least not at first. Over the years, I’ve had to learn to be bolder, to create opportunities rather than wait for them to fall into my lap.
The key? It’s all about what I call the “valid business reason.” When you’re networking, you need to have a clear, purposeful intent for connecting. Too often, I see people get lost in small talk about the weather or last night’s game, never getting to the real reason they’re there. It’s like they’re afraid to show their cards.
But here’s the thing – people appreciate directness. They want to know how they can help, or how you might be able to help them. So don’t be afraid to lead with your vision, your goals, your “valid business reason” for connecting.
I like to think of networking like those covalent bonds you might remember from chemistry class. You’re looking for points of connection, ways you can work together towards a common goal. And just like in chemistry, sometimes you need a catalyst to get that reaction started.
This approach has opened doors I never even knew existed. I’ve connected with CEOs, decision-makers, and industry leaders, all through warm introductions from my network. Jobs, resources, deals, collaborations – they all flow more freely when you have a strong network supporting you.
It’s this principle that’s at the heart of my work with Ignition Zones. We help our clients clarify their visions and better leverage the resources they already have within their networks. Often, people have the connections they need; they just need help seeing how to use them effectively.
Now, for those of you just starting to build your professional network, I know it can seem daunting. You might feel like you don’t have much to offer yet. But remember this – everyone has a valid business reason to connect. The key is to make it intriguing enough for the other person.
Think about what you’re passionate about, what skills you’re developing, what goals you’re working towards. There’s always common ground to be found, always a reason to connect that can benefit both parties.
And in this digital age, with platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter at our fingertips, it’s easier than ever to reach out and make those initial connections. But here’s a word of caution – while these tools are great for research and initial outreach, don’t neglect the power of in-person interactions. There’s still nothing quite like a face-to-face conversation to really build that connection.
As I look back on my journey – from that nerve-wracking day in New York to becoming a hotel owner and the founder of Ignition Zones – I can trace every major milestone back to a connection, a relationship, a moment of networking.
So, let me leave you with this thought: every person you meet is a potential ally in your journey. Approach each interaction with purpose, clarity, and a genuine desire to create value. In doing so, you’ll build not just a network, but a web of relationships that can support and elevate you in ways you never imagined.
That’s the true power of networking – and in my book, it’s the very essence of real wealth. So, who are you going to connect with today?
For those looking to follow or connect with Jessica Myers, she can be reached on Instagram @itsJessicaMyers, through her websites www.transformin90.com and www.itsjessicamyers.com.
