What we do in any given moment has behind it the full force of a vast number of other moments that have refined our talents, skills, and knowledge to where we are today. In fact, there are more than a half-million minutes for every year of our lives. When we are engaged in work that we enjoy, work that utilizes all the benefits we have accumulated through so much effort, both focused and indirect, we have the opportunity to realize our own genius. While such activity may seem trivial or mundane to us, it’s important to remember that what we do is amazing.

Networking allows us to explore the genius of others and share our own. As a small but vital community connected by a mutual desire to better ourselves, we gain a depth of knowledge about ambitious and energetic people across a wide breadth of disciplines. First we learn, and then we know.

Success in networking comes when we have so well grasped the genius of our fellows that we are able to describe their capabilities in ways that are compelling to a wider audience. We become mutual evangelists, able to spread our knowledge with confidence and conviction. We know one another’s stories and can tell them to great effect.

To do this takes time, attention, interaction, and a willingness to truly listen. If we are not inwardly convinced, those we talk to later will know. Uncertainty is very difficult to hide.

You have over half a million minutes to spend this year. Set aside enough to really understand what’s amazing about all those you see here today. You will have plenty of minutes remaining for the new opportunities you’ll receive, opportunities to demonstrate the genius you’ve developed through the millions that came before.