Building Relationships for a Strong Future

New York is about more than highways and traffic. The city is filled with resilience, community, sustainability, and more elements that support a healthy built environment. How will architecture impact the future of New York’s communities Welcome back to Architecture 5 10 20! I’m your host, Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York. My guests for this podcast are pioneers and visionaries shaping the future of the built environment across various disciplines. Join me in exploring their remarkable journeys, discovering how they reach their current heights, and envisioning what lies ahead in the next 5, 10, and 20 years. Join me for this episode as I sit down with the incredible Julie Brown to help me dive into the world of networking, an often overlooked but incredibly important part of professional success. Julie is a networking coach, business development strategist, and accomplished speaker, and she has made it her mission to help people understand networking. She shares her insights into how to make networking a natural and enjoyable part of our daily lives and not just something for formal events. Julie breaks down how networking has evolved across generations, focusing especially on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by younger professionals today. We discuss the importance of starting early, for just like investing in a 401K, building a network is about consistent, incremental growth over time. Julie also emphasizes that networking isn’t just about attending events but is also about integrating relationship-building into everyday interactions, whether within your office or through helpful resources such as LinkedIn. For those who find networking intimidating, Julie even offers practical advice on how to navigate rooms full of strangers, change your perspective, and approach conversations with curiosity rather than anxiety. Julie and I also touch on the role of mentorship and how seasoned professionals can pass on their valuable connections to the next generation! Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, Julie offers actionable tips and thoughtful insights on how to build and maintain a professional network, so don’t miss this conversation with her!

Time stamps:[02:09] - Julie realized the power of relationships after starting an architecture firm during the 2008 recession. [5:26] - A diverse network is crucial for success in any economy. [7:23] - Julie shares how she embraced her potential, transitioning from business developer to speaker, author, and podcaster. [9:58] - Julie highlights the importance of integrating networking into daily life, not just at events. [11:31] - Julie reveals that she is writing a new book targeted toward Generation Z. [13:22] - Building an effective network requires a slow, steady approach for genuine relationships. [15:05] - Hear from Julie how to open a conversation in a room where you don't know anyone. [16:23] - Julie highlights generational differences in networking, urging younger professionals to use online tools. [18:22] - Julie argues that engaging with others' content on LinkedIn is crucial for success; it’s a communal platform. [21:00] - Julie advises sharing the history and importance of relationships when handing them off to others. [22:33] - Retaining talent involves fostering a culture of relationship-building and social connections within companies. [25:09] - It's important to network with professional peers for future opportunities. [27:42] Julie reiterates that she is writing a book proposal for a book about Gen Z's networking challenges. [30:50] - Julie advocates for building relationships with intention and not just working together because you’re nearby. Links / Resources:Guy Geier