Every Saturday, I have been sharing about AZ Super Bowl Blog, a site I have been building up. Last week, I shared about the writer from ESPN the Magazine (the article should be out in the September issue). This week was more about networking locally, which is one of the reasons I started AZ Super Bowl Blog.
A Shelf Life
When I had the idea for a Super Bowl Blog, I realized that there was a shelf life for this project. When February 3, 2008 comes and goes, I need to have accomplished what I set out to do:
(1) Create a useful site
(2) Use the site as an excuse to network extensively locally, leveraging it into more opportunities
(3) Make some money
Opportunity Creates Opportunities
When the ESPN writer came to visit, I joined the AZ Cardinals forums, to rally together fans for the story. Being a Cardinals fan, I have continued to stay on the forums and get to know other fans there. In doing so, I met the owners of a local AZ Cardinals hang out, which also happens to be a great Mexican food restaurant!
I made arrangements to interview them about what they had going on for the start and duration of NFL football, and headed on over. At this meeting, I was able to make a new friend, eat some amazing food, and open doors for more networking and future business and opportunities with them...which is one of my goals. (You can read the write up I did about the place here.)
Relationships Over Money
It always amazes me when people sacrifice personal relationship in the name of getting top dollar. It's the old saying, cutting off your nose to spite your face, although when it comes to money it's often more about greed than revenge.
In business, for me at least, building relationships with people is the most important thing that can be done. Is there any better way to do business than with friends over chips and salsa?