08-13-2013
Citi Bike: A Networking Opportunity
Recently, I took the plunge and purchased a yearly Citi Bike membership. Actually it was more like a dip or a slow submersion across the zero depth entries they have in kiddie pools these days. Prior to making the commitment of a year-long membership, I observed other riders using the service, read the articles in various NYC publications and perused all of the FAQs on the website. I then decided to do a one day trial before officially signing up. I meticulously planned my route, including confirming where the next closest docking station was to my starting point in case I only made it a few blocks before succumbing to the panic of navigating the vehicular traffic of Manhattan. As it turns out, my test ride was uneventful and quite fun and I enthusiastically purchased the membership the next day. And that's when it gets interesting...
Suddenly, I have something to talk about. I'm not exactly shy, but making small talk isn't one of my premier skills. Now, while waiting for a meeting to start, instead of hiding behind my smartphone, I spot the telltale blue key on someone's key chain and I have an instant conversation starter. At an event trying to meet new people, rather than hanging around the food and trying to make conversation about asparagus, I notice a bike helmet clipped to someone's bag and a heated discussion about which streets are the safest for bike navigation begins.
At a recent event I attended, the conversation turned to transportation and commuting. We started with ferries and trains and ended up with where everyone had stashed their bike helmets. Everyone in that group agreed it was foolish to ride the busy streets of Manhattan without a helmet, even with the inconvenience of carrying it around. Although I have discovered that others are more casual about head protection, and so I usually comment about why I always wear a helmet and leave it at that. Getting into a discussion about personal safety is up there with politics on the list of things not to talk about with casual acquaintances unless you know they agree with you.
Networking isn't about making a sales pitch, it's about making a personal connection. People are more likely to remember a harrowing story about surviving the obstacle course of NYC car doors, abruptly-stopping cabs, and oblivious pedestrians than they are a comment about the vegetable dip. Riding Citi Bike isn't likely to replace the golf course as a major networking activity anytime soon, since conversation while navigating the City streets is not recommended. However, as indicated by my recent ride to Penn Station with Guy Geier, Managing Partner, the shared experience allows you to showcase your nerves of steel. If being forced into traffic by cyclists riding the wrong way in the bike lane doesn't faze you, a project interview certainly won't sink you.
Suddenly, I have something to talk about. I'm not exactly shy, but making small talk isn't one of my premier skills. Now, while waiting for a meeting to start, instead of hiding behind my smartphone, I spot the telltale blue key on someone's key chain and I have an instant conversation starter. At an event trying to meet new people, rather than hanging around the food and trying to make conversation about asparagus, I notice a bike helmet clipped to someone's bag and a heated discussion about which streets are the safest for bike navigation begins.
At a recent event I attended, the conversation turned to transportation and commuting. We started with ferries and trains and ended up with where everyone had stashed their bike helmets. Everyone in that group agreed it was foolish to ride the busy streets of Manhattan without a helmet, even with the inconvenience of carrying it around. Although I have discovered that others are more casual about head protection, and so I usually comment about why I always wear a helmet and leave it at that. Getting into a discussion about personal safety is up there with politics on the list of things not to talk about with casual acquaintances unless you know they agree with you.
Networking isn't about making a sales pitch, it's about making a personal connection. People are more likely to remember a harrowing story about surviving the obstacle course of NYC car doors, abruptly-stopping cabs, and oblivious pedestrians than they are a comment about the vegetable dip. Riding Citi Bike isn't likely to replace the golf course as a major networking activity anytime soon, since conversation while navigating the City streets is not recommended. However, as indicated by my recent ride to Penn Station with Guy Geier, Managing Partner, the shared experience allows you to showcase your nerves of steel. If being forced into traffic by cyclists riding the wrong way in the bike lane doesn't faze you, a project interview certainly won't sink you.