David Parrish

The most amazing things happen when people collaborate, and we need to be connected to other people to be effective. Some of the most creative enterprises and organisations thrive on connections, often unusual or unconventional ones, for example between people who would not normally meet because they operate in different regions, cultures or sectors. To make things happen we need to make new, creative and exciting connections.

Some of the best connections I have made have come ‘out of the blue’, for example by people emailing me from across the globe in response to the information on my website. I can think of several of these which have led to me meeting and working with some amazing people, for example in China, Singapore, Africa and Europe.

Other great connections have come from meeting people at conferences and on projects. It’s odd, but often the best connections come when you least expect them, and not from the obvious directions - at the train station after the meeting has finished, or with someone you initially didn’t like. I can’t decide which is my ‘best’ connection, but often the best ones are the most unexpected ones.

Be open to being connected with. Don’t pre-judge who will be the best connections. Feed the network. Be generous with your knowledge, experience and contacts.

I use the internet a lot, particularly email and my website/blog. And the phone of course. These are all essential tools nowadays, and we should make the most of them. Having said that, meeting people face to face is essential to establish rapport in the first place and to nourish relationships.