Network Cross Pollination

It’s truly an amazing and small world, isn’t it?

I have to say, upon returning from my trip to Vancouver, I really noticed something different. Something cool. Something that could continue to grow in the touched peoples lives for days, weeks, months and years. Network Cross Pollination.

To give you an idea of what I’m talking about, I’ll paint the picture. I went to visit my hometown of Vancouver for a weekend a few weeks back. I wanted to soak in the magic in the air as the Canucks were getting closer and closer to a Stanley Cup victory, their first in the team’s history.

What was really cool about visiting this time is that I haven’t seen a lot of my friends in a long time. I’ve visited a few times in the last few years, but this time was different. Spring was in the air and everyone was ready for a night or weekend out. 

What I witnessed was first hand the joining of crews, the meeting of people and the bonds of friendship formed. We were out Thursday night and met up with some friends. We were having a few casuals when a long time friend called me. He wanted me to pop by his place to hang with him, his gf and their pal. We settled our tab and headed over there. I called him en route and said I’m with three others and he was more than happy to welcome us into his condo.

Upon walking into his place, I did my hellos and introduced my crew to his crew. What happened next was so interconnected it was cool. One of my friends knew his pal. They had never really met, but recognized each other because they used to live in the same building. They chatted, got caught up and it was a cool little occourance. Where the longevity comes from is phone numbers being exchanged, friendships formed on Facebook and text messages being swapped. 

If it wasn’t for us meeting up for a few casuals, then heading over to a buddy’s place, that connection might’ve never happened. They could’ve continued to pass each other on the street, or like in Vancouver, live in total anonymity among other city dwellers.

I’ve checked in with both of them and they’ve hung out a few times, tipped beers, had laughs and have continued to hang out. I’m glad that a connection was made and that I was able to cross pollinate different networks.

I know it happens all the time, but being in a different city and the intensity of the situation really heightened things. So for you social bees, continue to build connections and share. You never know - you could be introducing future husbands, wives, business partners all in the name of partying or drinks.

I hope you all have a great weekend - and if you’re ‘Sledding’, may you enjoy the live music in Calgary this weekend!

/mdr