Most people think networking is about meeting folks to do business with or to aid them move up the ladder in their careers. It involves more than that and my own experiences evidences benefits beyond career-building; it often leads to relationships that enable you to help others, not just clients or co-workers (and I can attest to such instances and more), but worthy causes and non-profits where you donate your time (and, often, more). Indeed, a long-time Gotham relationship and friendship, recently benefitted Services Now for Adult Persons, Inc. (“SNAP”) where (as noted in some prior commentaries) I serve as chair of the board. It saved mucho dollars this non-profit dedicated to improving and enhancing the quality of life for adults in Queens. Thank you Scott Bloom!

I always networked but early in my career never recognized it as such. I recall early in my career a labor union political director advising (admonishing?) me to attend more events in Manhattan. I often attended events related to my work in government, public policy, the law and politics. No doubt I built relationships that endure to this day from those “involvements.” That said, back in the day, the concept of networking per se did not register. Besides attending events, I’d keep in touch, before the advent of email, sharing via mail, to some I thought (and found) it useful to share some of my work. Others I’d invite to meetings and groups I was involved with and/ or in which I held leadership roles. I participated in, organized and moderated various programs and forums (some listed on pages 8-13 of my C.V.).

Until I met Friday’s blogger at a CLE organized by my now accountant and his extraordinary colleague who runs several Gotham groups and events, I never thought about networking in a formal sense. And I’ll not argue against the pecuniary benefits of networking and building relationships and securing work and clients through that process. Through Gotham, I found an architect to advise a labor union client on its union hall project. After I became SNAP’s chair, SNAP engaged Joshua Zinder’s firm to advise on its new building project and Steve Glassberg as our construction attorney. I found board members who serve with me through Gotham; that includes current members Renee Richter and Debbie Heiser; board member Jeff Greenwood later joined Gotham Queens.

When SNAP’s amazing (not using that word lightly) CEO, Paola Miceli shared challenges involving the lease renewal for the SNAP Brookville Older Adult Center in Rosedale, I recommended reaching out to Scott Bloom. As many in Gotham know, Scott chairs Gotham’s Real Estate and Construction Group. I put Scott in touch with Paola. SNAP engaged Scott. He visited the site several times, met with the OAC’s staff and negotiated a lease that met the needs of SNAP and the many clients – older adults – the agency and the center serve. A win and not just financially. If not for Gotham, I’d not have known Scott. 

And by the way, when SNAP saves $$$, that means taxpayers benefit just the same as the City of New York, Department for the Aging, 100% funds the lease.

p.s. Scott joined me for the Mets home opener (thus explaining the pic at left), something we attend together the last several years. Scott and some friends hosted a tailgate and some of his friends checked out last week’s Gotham Business POWER Breakfast at my invitation.