Achieve The Unachieveable
“If I knew it would have taken this long, I would have reconsidered!” joked Paula Robinson, the force behind recognizing Bronzeville as The Black Metropolis National Heritage Area.
It took lot of patience, and a tremendous amount of networking to make her dream come true.
One of the best pieces of advice sh received was from Howard a serial entrepreneur, art collector and former president of 1871, Chicago’s premier tech incubator. She approached him at the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism, and simply started talking to him. In turn he gave her great advice and remains one of her mentors to this day.
His advice? Understand the importance of perspective. In art and in real life. “I still remember his discussion about perspective ... and the illusion picture of do you see a rabbit or duck,” said Paula.
That lesson helped her craft messages to local community leaders, elected officials, federal government officials, funders—the list goes on and on!—to create the Heritage Area.
In addition to perspective, Paula recommends the following:
At an event, work the periphery of the room. She met a female journalist she continues to pitch stories to.
Listen. (Or as I have recommended listen to hear, not to respond).
Go to the bar and get a drink. It gives your hands something to do. And, you never know who’ll you’ll meet in line!
Be a connecter. She is always thinking about who should be connected and well, connects them!
Paula’s networking skills helped her to achieve the unachievable. By incorporating her advice, what unachievable goal will you reach?
Let me know! If you want to take your team to the next level to take the Ick out of Networking, reach out to me for a call.
P.S. Take an aquaintance to Bronzeville—you never know what you will learn. Click here to plan your trip.
P.P.S. Did you see a duck or a rabbit, or both? Let me know!
