Building Real Connections (Not Networking)

Let's talk about something that makes most people cringe: networking events.

You know the type…

Room full of people exchanging business cards, everyone asking "What do you do?" within 30 seconds, and conversations that feel more like job interviews than human interactions.

You’ve imagined it right now.

Now here's what most people get wrong about networking:

They think it's about collecting as many contacts as possible or pitching themselves to everyone in the room.

That's completely wrong...

And no wonder networking feels gross and fake.

The truth about real connections is simple…

Real connections happen when you stop trying to impress people and start trying to understand them.

When you stop thinking about what someone can do for you and start thinking about what you can do for them.

Because people can smell fake interest from a mile away.

But genuine curiosity? That's kinda magnetic.

So here's how to build real connections in 4 SIMPLE STEPS:

1. Ask questions you actually want to know the answer to

Instead of "What do you do?" try "What's been keeping you busy lately?" or "What's the most interesting thing you're working on?"

2. Listen to understand, NOT to respond

Stop planning what you're going to say next while they're talking. Actually absorb what they're telling you.

3. Find the human behind the profession

Everyone has interests, struggles, and stories outside of their job title. That's where real connections happen. It’s NOT always about the job that identifies the person.

And most importantly…

4. Follow up without wanting something (important)

Send a message a week later just to check in or share something relevant to your conversation. No agenda or ask, make it genuine or don’t do it at all.

The thing is...

Life isn’t LinkedIn comments 😂.

There’s a difference between networking and connecting that gurus won’t tell you.

Networking: "Here's my card, let's do business."

Connecting: "That thing you mentioned about your project sounds challenging. How are you handling that?"

Networking: Quantity of contacts

Connecting: Quality of relationships

Networking: What can you do for me?

Connecting: How can I help or learn from you?

Now I want all of you to start connecting, and stop “networking”.

And to make sure you take action…

Here’s Your Challenge This Week: