November 2, 2009

Here are a few thoughts for the young business leaders out there – those under 40 – trying to build their rolodexes.

We all get invited to many traditional receptions and industry presentation events. Most young professionals in the business world make the time to attend these events. You listen to someone remarkably successful speak and then you wait in line with 20 other people to get his or her business card and introduce yourself. Great use of time.

Of course, if the CEO of some established company actually becomes your individual mentor, this is wonderful. But forget accumulating contacts. When you're shopping around your business plan, launching your hedge fund, or raising cash for the next big thing, you will be searching more for partners and likeminded colleagues (and clients) rather than some super-senior contact at a Fortune 500 company.

The unconventional opportunity rests with creating an organic network of peers and recognizing that this, ultimately, will serve you more than any traditional networking ever will. Your future business partners, investors, and star employees are your age, perhaps slightly older, or even (gasp!) younger. If you have a precious night after work to attend an industry presentation, consider gathering a group of friends/colleagues and likeminded individuals instead.

Think strategically (and seek efficiency) when it comes to strengthening relationships that may become synergies. The examples of successful business collaborations in the past prove that long-lasting peer relationships are much more important than a multi-generational rolodex.

Here are a few tips:

Don’t Undervalue Interns!
When the interns come around every summer, recognize that they may not only enlighten you with their youthful insights, but the opportunity to be a mentor is mutually beneficial. If you're good at identifying talent, you never know what your former intern may go on to achieve – they may eventually play an integral role in your career.

At Traditional Events, Focus On the Unknown People In The Room
Rather than buddy up to the superstars, spend time getting to know the ambitious emerging leaders in the room that share similar interests. These are the business cards you want!

***This article is based on research by Behance CEO Scott Belsky, whose book, Making Ideas Happen, will be published by Penguin in April 2010. Behance runs the Behance Creative Network, the 99% productivity think thank, the Action Method project management application, and the Creative Jobs List.