By Andrew Lee
Time and time again, we hear the cliché catch phrase “your network is your net worth.” Though we all understand the truth behind the saying, we often let it fall upon deaf ears. Recently, I was able to find a practical application to this catch phrase by looking no further than my local CrossFit gym. Though people do not join CrossFit specifically for the networking potential, I believe that the potential does exist. When you combine the general profile of people who CrossFit, the class environment and community, and the diversity that CrossFit brings together, you get a recipe for a potential networking gold mine.
What is the general profile of a CrossFitter? Well depending on what perspective you take, CrossFitters can range anywhere from a brain washed cult member to a motivated and dedicated person who cares about their health and strives to continue to better themselves. Not to be biased … but for the sake of my argument let’s assume that CrossFitters are the latter. Personally, when I think of CrossFitters, three things come to mind: they prioritize their health and place value in themselves, they are dedicated and committed, and they aren’t afraid to take on a challenge. Ask any employer and I am positive that he or she would agree that those qualities are all highly sought after traits in potential employees; so why wouldn’t you want people like that in your network?
CrossFit gyms do more than just attract motivated individuals; they facilitate the development of meaningful relationships that can translate into a network. From my experiences in the Army, I can attest that my closest friends were made during the toughest times; during month long training exercises and year-long deployments. Though the CrossFit class structure and Work Out of the Day (WOD) may not exactly come close to replicating the toughness and intensity of a combat deployment, they do recreate conditions that foster camaraderie and develop a shared experience through the suffering and triumphs of the WOD. The community aspect of CrossFit also helps create a friendly and welcoming feel to the gym; a culture where anyone can go up and introduce themselves.
As we get older, it becomes increasingly easier to settle in our own comfort zone. Not to say that’s all that bad, but it is nice to occasionally reach out and meet new people. The CrossFit gyms serve as a great opportunity to meet new people of all ages, occupations, race, etc. With such a diverse congregation of people, CrossFit gyms can serve as an access node to an array of experiences and skill sets that are very distinct from your own.
It may be quite a while before CrossFit gyms replace the country clubs of golf and tennis, but I do see the potential. Though networking should not be the primary reason for being a part of a CrossFit gym, I do believe it serves as an additional incentive and benefit that should not be left unused. So the next time you are looking for someone to review your resume or assess value on your used car, ask around your CrossFit gym and you may be surprised with the answers you’ll get.
About Andrew: Andrew is a graduate of West Point and is currently an U.S. Army Captain transitioning out of the Military to pursue a career in business. He has been doing CrossFit for three years now and thoroughly enjoys it. He earned his CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certification and started a CrossFit Affiliate for his Army Unit while they were deployed to Afghanistan. He hopes to share his passion and enthusiasm for CrossFit and the amazing positive change it brings to people through his writing!