I interact with colleagues all over the country, many of whom I have known for 30 years or more. Often when I am faced with a problem, a question, a dilemma or a predicament in my work as a consulting forensic engineer – or even when I am brainstorming about something and need fresh input, I will pick up the phone and get a thought, an insight or an answer from someone I know.
Over the years I have come to realize that success in business depends on a combination of factors: skill, knowledge, persistence, experience, timing and luck – to name just a few. More and more, however, I realize that relationships and a strong professional network are probably the most important parts of the calculus of success.
Today, it’s all about networking via Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and other social media. Business and professional organizations encourage attendance at meetings, mixers and formal networking gatherings. I’m still old-school though; I think the best way to cultivate deep, meaningful, productive professional relationships is over lunch, or better yet, over a fine estate Cabernet Sauvignon or a rare 30-year old Scotch.
What matters fundamentally is an honest connection that develops into trust, respect and esteem over time. Early on in my career, I sought out mentors and benefited greatly from their advice and guidance. After I started my own practice, I made it a point to surround myself with peers and associates whom I could turn to in various ways. Eventually I gained enough experience and wisdom to become a mentor and offer young engineering students the kind of support and encouragement that helped me at the start of my career and throughout the years since then. I have gained enormously from all of these relationships.
Members of my professional network often help me select and vet products for OakStreet, and I’m confident that the merchandise reflects the quality and value of these relationships. I have learned that when I pay attention to others, genuinely listen to them, and step outside of myself to understand another point of view or consider a different course of action, it not only helps me make sound decisions and solve problems, but it also enriches me personally.
