If you’ve ever experienced the Infinite Green or Ready. Set. Pivot (RSP) team in action, you’ll know that the power of collaboration is deeply ingrained in our approach. The connections we make as individuals and companies are some of the most valuable assets we can cultivate. These are the relationships that expand our views, enhance our happiness, and enrich our personal and professional lives.
Moving beyond the legacy networking of exchanging business cards at industry-isolating events has been an intentional effort that has proved successful through unexpected opportunities, personal and professional growth, and continued value. At the forefront is the relationship between Infinite Green and Ready. Set. Pivot. (RSP), where we’ve collectively enjoyed success through merging our networks and watching the outcomes when 2 passionately led and inspired groups of individuals serve each other in ways that we couldn’t alone.
- Building a More Inclusive and Balanced Professional World: First and foremost, we must acknowledge the gender gap, especially in the Tech industry. With 64% of tech workers being men, and only 20% of tech executives being female, engaging with professionals from different industries and demographics is paramount. When you actively seek out connections with people who don’t look like you or share your background, you contribute to a more diverse and balanced professional ecosystem.
- Expanding Opportunities: Opportunities often arise from the most unexpected places and you’ve likely already saturated your direct contacts with your sales pitch and referral incentives. When your network spans across industries, you’re more likely to be in the right place at the right time to seize these opportunities.
- Personal Growth and Fulfillment : The more you engage with different people, the more you grow as a leader, thinker, and individual. These interactions can lead to new friendships, mentorships, and partnerships that enrich your life in ways that extend far beyond the workplace.
Infinite Green and Ready. Set. Pivot are committed to attending and creating opportunities to put this into practice. A few examples are:
- Cross-Industry Social Events like the Rise & Shine Summer Breakfast Series coordinated by RSP or a book club that gets you to pick up a new hobby while meeting awesome new friends and other business leaders
- Interest-Based Groups like an alumni gathering or walking group, which gathers people based on shared interests and hobbies rather than professional affiliations. Incorporating movement into activities has additional professional benefits including higher energy levels and improved focus. ·
- Mentorship – Offer to mentor someone from a different industry or seek out a mentor with expertise outside your own; this is a core component of the RSP community. Infinite Green has also put this into practice with recent interns who have provided significant value in adding perspective and skills to the team.
- Volunteer with community organizations that support important causes like Infinite Green’s recent activity at @ThreeSquareFoodBank in Las Vegas. Doing good is always good – and often brings together diverse groups with a passion for making a difference in the community
- Bring a Friend/Spouse, etc. – it’s not uncommon to find a friend, spouse, or partner of our teams at any of our events. This is just another way to facilitate the expansion of our personal and professional networks while having a great time doing so!
The Time to Connect is Now
There is no better time to start building these valuable connections than now. Waiting for the “right moment” can result in missed opportunities, while those who actively seek out new networks and collaborations are the ones who ultimately lead the way in innovation and growth.