Does networking make you cringe?
A heart-centred client shared her aversion to it: “I don’t know what to say or what value I can add. It seems like people are out to get something for themselves.”
If in a leadership position in her next workplace, she would create a lot of positive impact. Building new connections that can enable this is important.
Over time, I’ve moved from discomfort to being more relaxed about networking. I move at my natural pace through the room, follow my intuition and value quality connection. Take what resonates, if anything.
🔆 Where possible, look out for values-aligned spaces which have curated people you may find meaningful connection with.
🔆 Radiate positive intention. While wanting to benefit ourselves at the cost of others isn’t helpful, wanting to serve others genuinely is needed and allows us to view networking positively.
🔆 Wear what reflects your inner shine. Inside-out authenticity can make you feel comfortable in your own skin and draw in others who pick up your essence with more ease.
🔆 If new to it, try structured opportunities where, for example, prompt questions are offered. For example: Wonderful walks by Lisa Partridge.
🔆 Be curious. Ask open questions. Listen deeply. Appreciate. Trust the flow. Sometimes I ask “What are you passionate about?” which brings a smile to some.
🔆 Serve with your presence, without expecting anything in return. At one networking event, someone shared a struggle as a leader. As I listened and empathised, her tears unexpectedly flowed. As she was open to it, I gave her feedback on being more people-centred. I later received a gratitude message on how supported she had felt.
🔆 If you feel safe, heard, appreciated, and experience values resonance, initiate post-event contact with the person.
🔆 Be open to surprise unfoldings.
🦋 After our second conversation at a networking event, which was filled with depth and flow like the first, I received an unexpected invitation from Lisa – to be her podcast guest. And gained a precious new friend with shared values.
🦋 Someone I met at a reception drew me in with her deep listening. I asked her for coffee. In time, her organisation became a client. We’ve enjoyed mutual positive influence over years. Sensing interest, I encouraged her to get a certification related to wellbeing which she did. On one birthday, she facilitated us to do clothes swapping at The Fashion Pulpit – fun and environment-friendly.
🦋 I met Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute (in photo) at the reception of an event he spoke at. The conversation flowed smoothly and led to me initiating a spontaneous interview on workplace happiness which I shared more broadly years ago.
Networking can be transformational instead of transactional. It depends on the heart and intentionality we bring to it.
What helps you connect with networking in more life-affirming ways?
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