Speaking at events is usually a pretty lonely experience. You may be the focus of everyone’s attention for a turn, but the rest of the time you’re in a hotel, airport or on a plane by yourself.

I recently realized that it doesn't have to be this way though, so decided to do things differently on this trip.

Over the last year I’ve connected with some really insightful marketing and CX people in Melbourne, so I asked a handful of them if they'd like to get together. Not only did they say yes, they showed up and didn’t leave until late o'clock. Most of them were meeting for the first time too.

A couple of reflections:

When it comes to LinkedIn you really get out what you put in. Focus on creating value for other people and they'll reciprocate. As your network grows you can bring others together too, and again, they'll reciprocate. Everyone benefits.

Second, we do a lot of silly stuff on autopilot that's absurdly easy to change. From now on I'm going to try and meet new people in every city I visit.

Huge thanks to Ben M., Everard Hunder, Lisa D'Amico, Saiful (Sai) Nasir, Kerry-Ann Benton, Ebenezer Banful, Michel Hogan, Zora Artis, GAICD SCMP and Michelle Marlan for the awesome night out. Also to Meqa Smith who I met in Brisbane. You're amazing. Thank you!

See this post on LinkedIn