The Value of Networking, and Why We Should Network with ‘True’ Peers

The Value of Networking, and Why We Should Network with ‘True’ Peers

We just hosted a terrific class in February, and were reminded again of how diverse each seminar group is, much like our industry.

One thing that never ceases to amaze Gary and me at every Kinman Institute seminar is the variety of attendees and the many different environments they come from. We’ll see:

People from Minnesota, or Florida, or Arizona, or New York or other states
Landscape professionals who work in different climates, topographies, geographies — high humidity vs. arid desert, mountains vs. islands (Cape Cod); woodlands vs. plains
One-man companies and those with more than 60 employees
Organizations with all kinds of business structures, sales and design staffing and practices, and services offered.
Young, starry-eyed beginners who are excited and fulfilled about our profession
Older, seasoned and sometimes exhausted owners who want to be rejuvenated and inspired
Revenues ranging from less than $200,000 to more than $12 million per year

Common threads
Yet, despite all this variety, they share common threads:

They understand that success in our industry demands people who with a work ethic and who desire to do a great job
They want to improve their practices and find a better way
They want to be excited and inspired by their peers – role models
They want to return that favor
They want to network for continued support and inspiration

The thing that astounds us is that with every class, we also are inspired by the group’s interaction, the excitement, and the process of networking that goes on when true peers meet and share.

Too often, we look at our local competitors as role models because they may be successful in one way or another. But the college student underbidding jobs or the contractor who doesn’t care about professionalism may not be the best role model.

We’ve found that the shared interest our students have in being more professional and raising their level of performance higher creates true peers and role models for the group. They all give something to each other, including us.

People skills rule
That’s one of the key lessons from our seminars — that our most important job is relating to other people and having great people skills. When they network and inspire each other, our student practice and improve those people skills.

Everyone leaves our seminars realizing that they can have their own individuality, and don’t have to compromise their value systems and standards, no matter how low their competitors stoop, or no matter how low their competitors’ standards are. Our Process gives them permission to realize that they can hold to their higher standards and separate themselves from their competitors. They understand what they do best, and build their company success around that.

That’s incredibly inspiring and motivating for us, in turn!