The truth is, almost everybody with whom you come into contact– a prospect, client, friend, family member– either is or knows someone from whom you can learn something that could benefit your business, profession, personal life or even your hobbies and interests.
Not too long ago, while shopping at Bloomingdales, I asked one of the cosmetics managers if she knew Robin, a brand manager with whom I had worked worked on a project. She did and was delighted to tell me that Robin had been promoted. I immediately sent Robin a note of congratulations.
Later we met for lunch, where she introduced me to her new boss who told me about an upcoming project I might manager. Her boss in turn introduced me to the decision-maker for the the project and I got the job.
This small world teaches me again and again that connections happen only when you work on establishing and maintaining your relationships.