391. Globally Connected Through Networking
Jessica Fabrizi
As a child on holidays, Jessica loved meeting new people and always got their addresses. Many people promised to write, but Jessica actually did, first in her native Italian, then in seven other languages. This passion for connecting with people has stayed with her and is now a critical part of her newest business.
Jessica Fabrizi is responsible for PR and marketing for the Swiss branch of a luxury airline, but is so passionate about networking that she founded her own brand called One Degree to Connect. Under this brand, she coaches people and consults with businesses on how to network. Another passion of Jessica’s is bringing people together, which she does by hosting events for the 10-plus online communities she started, as well as through business match-making.
How Did You Start Using Your Talents?
“Back in the day there was no internet, no apps or social networks, but there were letters. I remember when I went on holiday, I always came back with addresses of lots of people I had met. I would write letters to them and would be in touch often. Some wouldn’t write back or stopped writing after a few months, but with some of them I stayed in touch for years and years. Every single afternoon I would write at least four or five letters. I started writing in Italian, my mother tongue, but when I began learning English and other languages, then I would stay in touch with people who spoke other languages. I used the letter writing as a tool to practice my languages.” Today, she speaks seven languages.
The Most Impactful Turning Point?
“Two years ago I left my full-time job. I wanted to do something on my own. I started out doing PR and events, which is my background anyway, but then I realized that a lot of people were asking me about networking. It’s such an integral part of public relations. They asked about my strategies and techniques, how to be a good conversationalist and how I communicate with people. Soon, I was coaching individuals as well as companies, especially start-ups, and giving talks at conferences about networking. I worked out of a shared work space, owned by a chain with offices all over the world, including Singapore. I found that I really enjoyed it!”
The Most Powerful Lessons Learned?
“My life, not just my profession but my private life as well, is all about networking. I’ve discovered—and this is what I say to people when I teach them how to network—is that you can’t really separate your professional life from your private life. I meet a lot of people in my private life and then I find that I can often do business with these people that I met originally as friends. I think these kinds of relationships are the ones that work best. If you’re able to develop a relationship with a person on different levels, then the relationship will be more intense, more intimate, more complete.”
Steps to Success from Jessica Fabrizi
1.Be all about networking and building your community.
2. Learn about yourself by seeing yourself mirrored in your network friends.
3. Find a mentor.
4. Be a mentor.
Top Tools on Her Browser
Flip on Medium: Medium.com
Connecting With Jessica Fabrizi
Website: http://onedegreetoconnect.com/
Twitter: @1degree2connect
