Pacman, Personality, and Sharing the Pie: An Interview with Michael Testa
Meet Michael Testa, CCIM®, ARM®
Building your network, one connection at a time
Michael Testa currently serves as the Business Development Manager | Senior Associate, at Ogden & Company, Inc. In his free time, he volunteers for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Institute of Real Estate Management, and the Wisconsin chapter of CCIM.
Most notably for this Interview, however, is Michael’s innate ability to make connections. A master networker, Michael can find common ground with anyone, on any topic, and have fun in the conversation. By combining his professional networking skills, a genuine interest in meeting new people, and a friendly demeanor, Michael shares his best tips for growing your circle.
The FGPM first generation membership intends to pursue professional life after completion of their studies, or are just beginning their professional journeys after graduation.
What advice would you give to first-generation professionals who might feel they lack access to established networks?
Don’t hesitate to ask colleagues which networking groups they are in, and if they would be willing to make an introduction. Friends who work in similar industries are always a great icebreaker, as well. I have found that one known connection quickly turns into a web of connections when you walk into a room together!
How do you approach networking in environments where you don’t know anyone, and what tips would you give for breaking the ice?
There’s someone in every room that you have something in common with, you can try to find that. If not, look for a group you can join. Inversely, if you are with a group, use the pac-man tactic to attract new connections to your group. The tactic is simple: always leave a gap in your circle for 1 person to join your group.
What strategies have been most effective for you in building and maintaining a strong professional network?
The first step is to make yourself available; be ready, willing, and able to meet over coffee, lunch, or a happy hour. I always start by gaining an understanding of what someone values, and then bring that into every conversation I have. I hate coming to a conversation without something they find useful or valuable.
How do you ensure those connections remain meaningful over time?
Don’t make every interaction strictly about business; talk about their education, or what they do in their free time, for instance. Find something common that you both enjoy outside of work… travel, cooking, dining out, etc. I tend to shy away from people who only want to talk business and make every encounter seem like a business transaction. Discuss your wins, your losses, and your challenges, and offer solutions!
The modern workplace enjoys several generations of coworkers, showcasing a variety of perspectives and priorities. What do you wish the generations ahead of you, and behind you, knew?
I wish the generations ahead of me were more willing to network outside of their existing circle; they tend to share their knowledge with their direct colleagues and teams, but not with newcomers outside of their network. I feel that sometimes they feel they’ve done their time networking and don’t need to grow their network, so they skip networking events, and then young professionals miss out on the opportunity to learn from them. I wish generations behind me were more willing to pick up a phone and make a phone call introduction. A phone call is appreciated by more experienced generations, and they’re more likely to share their experience and knowledge with you.
What does being a first generation professional mean to you?
I am blessed to have prior generations of professionals to learn from as I navigated the corporate world, and strive to share that with those who may not have that luxury!
and finally, What do you love about Milwaukee?
Milwaukee has a very collaborative nature; professionals are willing to share information and ideas, and tend to focus on growing the pie rather than taking a larger share of the pie. In Milwaukee, it is generally understood that a rising tide lifts all boats, and that success is a shared resource that we cannot accomplish individually!
Find Michael on LinkedIn.
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