I had the great pleasure of meeting someone truly innovative that I found on Linked In. What made him so innovative?  His passion for networking and team building.

Following an article I posted in a Calgary forum on Linked In, I was approached by local entrepreneur Randy Milanovic regarding my blurb on "Using the social web to engage business relationships"  He was genuinely interested in what I had to say about social networking for business, he commented on the forum, and messaged me privately claiming to be all about networking with other professionals in Calgary.  He wanted us to meet. I agreed and met at his offices in south Calgary last week. 

I have to admit, before I arrived I had already formed all sorts of preconceived notions about my upcoming meeting. This was, after all, my first live Linked In contact lead and I was unsure what to expect. Was I being corralled into a team building sales pitch with a bait and switch?  "Join our online network and benefit from our team expertise... now sign here please and open your wallet"  I fully anticipated that there would be a conditional hook somewhere. I could handle it... I'm a sales guy and this was my turf....I dance freely around timeshare spiels.

How wrong I was! I actually met someone who listened to what I had to say with eyes wide open, humble, honest, open and very engaging.  We shared our work experiences, discovered alot about each other and build a solid foundation to building a trusting business relationship. I wanted to work with him, I felt that we could enhance our networks and generate new business opportunities together. We had talents that complemented each other well. 

Towards the end of our meeting I opened up the subject of "compensation" and quite honestly was expecting to negotiate a quid-pro-quo agreement with a percentage going to his organization. Another surprise.  No complicated terms, conditions or fees. 

Randy's philosophy of business relationships was exactly what i had been reading and discussing about developing trust in online social networking media.  Offer yourself to others... don't ask for anything back except recognition and referrals. Help each other out and you will build new business relationships, earn trust and grow together.  

Randy has been doing this for years in his advertising and communications group. He is living proof that this model works.  Truly inspirational.a

See more about Randy's visual communications and advertising firm at:  http://www.handyrandy.com/

I've seen his work and suggest anyone looking for a new print media consultant consider his media strategy services.