Throughout my time at Curtin it was cemented in my mind that no matter where you go or what you are doing in the corporate world, that you must be the best version of yourself, as should always be networking. Networking is that uncomfortable situation you find yourself in as you discuss yourself and the industry to somebody you don’t know. Although as we are often reminded, “you never know what opportunities may arise from networking” says every lecturer, ever.

So as one of my tasks/goals when interning here at the Western Force, was to network with as many people as i could along my journey as you never know who you may come across. Well boy, was i in for a shock with some of the people i have sold my story too, it has been wild.

My first priority was to network and become friendly with my bosses boss, Nick Marvin, General Manager of the Western Force. Why?, well Nick Marvin can not only influence my direct superiors to hire me, give me a good reference and more importantly fire me, so talking with him is a great start to spending a long time at the Force. But Nick Marvin was the General Executive for the Perth Wildcats for 11 years, and senior board member on the National Basketball League (NBL). For those of you that know me will understand that this is a big deal as basketball is where i see myself in for the rest of my life.

Andrew Forrest Motivation Speech

Nick and i have a great relationship now, we often talk about basketball and sport in general, we have even discussed our stories and what we aim to do with our careers. I would highly recommend anyone speak with Nick about business as he is a very wise and accomplished individual, with some great connections.

On a larger scale some of the other individuals i have had the opportunity to network and speak to includes:

Matt Hodgson, Ian Prior and Jeremey Thrush (accomplished rugby players),

Dani Orlando (Orlando Media), Mark Gibson (Today Tonight), Adrian Barich (Channel 7)- PR & Journalists

Jack Redden, Luke Shuey and Nic Natananui- West Coast Eagles

Andrew “Twiggy” and Nicola Forrest- Perth Philanthropists and Mining Magnates.

I have had an incredible opportunity to meet and listen to some incredible figures from Perth.

Me with Luke Shuey (Left) Nic Natanui (Left Middle) Jack Redden (Right)

 

My conversation with Nic Natanui would have to be a highlight from my time at the Force, our 45 minute conversation consisted of me avoiding to ask him stereotypical questions like, “whats it like to be an AFL player?”and “Wow, you are really tall, hey?”. We discussed basketball and the NBA as we are both mega-fans especially considering he has met and even prayed with the likes of Lebron James, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.

The conversation ended with him offering to introduce me to an associate of his who organises the hype tours for Australians to go and meet players, who has very solid contacts in the NBA especially in the media department.

My tip after having the chance to network with many of these influential people is to find something that you have in common, generally it will be the industry you work in, i was just lucky enough it was my hobby, basketball. With both people knowing so much about a topic, conversation flows and you learn the most about someone that you can in a shorter period of time.

Good luck and stay tuned,

Travis Lewis.