Networking is a valuable skill that can help you advance your career, learn new things, and make meaningful connections. But how do you network without compromising your values, integrity, and authenticity? Here are some effective ways to network while staying true to your values.
Before you attend any networking event, online or offline, ask yourself why you are there and what you want to achieve. Having a clear purpose will help you focus on the people and opportunities that align with your goals and values. It will also help you avoid wasting time and energy on irrelevant or superficial interactions. Your purpose can be specific, such as finding a mentor, a partner, or a customer, or general, such as expanding your knowledge, exploring new ideas, or supporting a cause.
Working for a social movement to change the trajectory of the distribution of wealth without governmental intervention, finance and financial education is all about Authenticity, Integrity and Trust. Theodore Roosevelt said it best, "No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care."
Understanding your purpose is the keystone to effective business networking. Before going to a networking event ask yourself. What are my objectives? Who is the ideal contact I want connect with and why? This clarity serves as your roadmap, directing you to worthwhile interactions and shielding you from trivialities. It ensures that every connection you make, every dialogue you engage in, resonates with both your aspirations and theirs. Immerse yourself in the gathering with intention. By doing this, you elevate the quality of your engagements. In the realm of business connections, it's all about the depth and relevance of the relationships you foster, not casting a net it's networking not fishing.
In today's fast-paced digital world, genuine human connections have become a rare gem. Business networking, when done with authenticity, can be a bridge to align our professional interactions with our core business objectives. But how do we ensure that this alignment is genuine and effective? Know Your Why: Understand the deep-rooted reasons for why you're in business and what you aim to achieve. This clarity acts as a compass in networking, helping you connect with individuals and organizations that share or support your vision. In essence, authentic business networking is about creating mutual value through genuine interactions, all while keeping your business goals at the forefront. Let authenticity be the guiding light.
One of the most important ways to network while staying true to your values is to be yourself. Don't pretend to be someone you are not, or say things you don't believe in, to impress or please others. Instead, show your genuine personality, interests, and opinions, and respect the diversity of others. Being yourself will help you attract and connect with people who share your values, vision, and passion, and who will appreciate you for who you are.
I agree Lee. The more we speak about our journey authentically, the more we will resonate with those needing our support. Mine hasn’t been easy. In fact, it’s been everything but that. I know when we are brought to experiences and through them it’s to learn lessons…difficult and painful as they may be. In the long run it is to serve a greater good for us and those we serve. Losing my voice and being told I may never speak again in 2013 was devastating because of the mental, physical, and emotional pain I endured. The biggest lesson I learned is to never give up…there is light at the end of the tunnel…we just need to allow it to come in. ????
At its core, authenticity is about being genuine, devoid of pretence. It's about presenting your true self, not an embellished version tailored for public viewing. In the networking arena, it's about conversations that resonate, trust, and forming bonds that go beyond the surface. Why Authentic Networking Matters Building Trust: Trust isn't handed out freely; it's earned. Authentic interactions foster a foundation of trust, ensuring that your professional network sees you as reliable. Fostering Deep Connections: Realness attracts. By being genuine, you naturally appeal to people, ensuring that the connections you form are deep and meaningful. After all, in the world of business, genuine trust and understanding pave the path to success.
It is very difficult to keep up with multiple personas. Talk like you write and vice versa. This helps you stay genuine and be authentic with what you share. The right people will automatically connect with you. Be enthusiastic with what you know especially while sharing your story. When we do this, we become a positive person that people want to be associated with.
I think it is important to remember that people will remember how you made them feel, less what you said. Many people spend hours practising a great elevator pitch to use in networking. But if you actively listen to the other person, make them feel like you are interested in them (not just getting your elevator pitch out) and ask questions you will be remembered.
My analysis of why people fear to be themselves is I suppose 'fear of not being respected for who they are'. This is where if all involved made an effort to 'respect other's diversity', it will put people around us naturally at ease and give them the confidence to be themselves. Further, this will benefit all.
Networking is not only about taking, but also about giving. To network while staying true to your values, you need to offer value to others, without expecting anything in return. Value can be anything that can help, inspire, or delight others, such as a compliment, a recommendation, a referral, a resource, a feedback, or a support. Giving value will help you build trust, rapport, and goodwill with others, and demonstrate your generosity, professionalism, and expertise.
When you are in a networking event, it's all about what you have to offer. Before you offer anything else, actively listen what others offer you. Listening is the best thing you can offer. You might come up with better ideas while listening. You will also be in a better position while offering your value. It will help you earn respect and trust.
In the dynamic world of business, networking is not merely about collecting contacts. It's about building genuine relationships and offering real value. Before diving into networking, understand that "value" doesn't always equate to monetary terms. It's about offering something beneficial, which could be knowledge, insights, or even your time. Identify what you possess that others might need. Your expertise is valuable. Offer insights, share recent industry trends, or recommend tools that can help. Even if it's a short piece of advice, if it solves a problem, it's valuable. Maybe share books, articles, podcasts, or courses that have benefitted you. If it's helped you, it's likely it can assist someone else.
Through reading books especially books that focus on the subconscious mind, I learnt about the Law of Economics. You will never receive until you are not ready to give. My mentor teaches me to give 100% of what I know away for free. The universe has a unique way of rewarding you for all the help that you give in abundance.
Share something or helping them early on is a great way to kick off build a relationship with someone you meet networking. It could be as simple as sharing a relevant article they’d be interested in, making an introduction, or telling them what you think of something they created, but just simply showing an interest in someone early on will set you up well to build a long term relationship.
I often ask "how can I help you" and most people may ask for a small favour such as a connection with someone else I know or to keep my eyes and ears open for a job opportunity. Through my networking I have been able to connect someone with a job, which they then got. It was a win-win as she was a Brand Protection Lawyer which makes it hard to find a job in Zürich. The company was also happy as they did not have anyone to train a lawyer in this specialism.
You don't have to network with everyone you meet, or accept every invitation you receive. To network while staying true to your values, you need to be selective about who you network with, and where you network. Choose the people and events that are relevant, meaningful, and beneficial to you and your values, and politely decline the ones that are not. Being selective will help you optimize your time, energy, and resources, and avoid unnecessary stress, drama, and conflicts.
I agree with being selective on events. But I suggest keep an open mind on people - be curious and ask questions. They may surprise you as who they know or what they also outside of their job do that is of interest to you.
Quality over quantity feels apt here. Although when starting out you may want to attend as many events as you can, it serves better to quickly narrow down your focus groups and professionals you want to meet to gain targeted growth and avoid discouraging scenarios and conflicts.
A great way to find the right people to network with is to attend events or join online communities of likeminded professionals. There’s an added layer of context in these scenarios, you all have your profession in common, and that means your potential to meet the right person is MUCH higher.
You want to be your most authentic self when networking. This means surrounding yourself in the right group of people who are aligned with your core values. I learnt this the hard way and it was only when I made the effort to identify what I wanted out of networking did it become clear who my people were. Networking clubs do a great job at selling their vision but the only vision you need to buy is the one guiding you internally.
Networking is not a one-time event, but a long-term process. To network while staying true to your values, you need to follow up with the people you meet, and maintain the relationships you build. Follow up can be as simple as sending a thank-you note, a follow-up question, or a relevant article, or as complex as scheduling a meeting, a call, or a collaboration. Follow up will help you show your interest, appreciation, and commitment, and keep the conversation going.
Networking goes beyond first encounters, it's a lasting journey. Authenticity shines when you genuinely follow up post-meetings. It’s not about ticking off a list but nurturing relationships. A thank-you note, sharing a pertinent article, or posing a follow-up query can make all the difference. By checking in, you convey genuine appreciation, interest, and dedication. Such gestures keep dialogues alive, fostering enduring connections. Remember, the real magic often lies in the follow-up.
Absolutely true. Relationship is not a one time quick sale, it’s a lifelong flower that needs love, care and attention. Long lasting connections that have been well looked after, will always look after you too.
Need to make that effort to not let the relationship die. I understand everyone has to-do lists competing for time but in whichever capacity, however small way possible, making an effort to stay in touch who are willing to reciprocate is the key. If no reciprocation, focus on the ones who do.
Networking is also a learning opportunity. To network while staying true to your values, you need to review and reflect on your networking experiences, and learn from them. Review and reflect on what went well, what didn't go well, and what you can improve. Review and reflect on how your networking actions and outcomes aligned with your values, goals, and purpose. Review and reflect on how your networking enriched your personal and professional growth, and how you can continue to grow.
I had always believed in the power of connections. Yet, years ago after a networking event, I felt a slight disconnect. Instead of just moving on to my next meeting, I chose a quiet place & reflected. I replayed the conversations in my mind. Some felt genuine, others felt forced. "Did I stay true to myself?" I pondered. I remembered a mentor once saying, "Networking isn't just about contacts, it's a journey of growth." I pulled out my journal, noted what resonated with my core values, and identified areas for improvement. With every event, I learned not just about others but more about myself. By interweaving introspection into my networking strategy, I not only built contacts but also stayed authentically rooted in each conversation.