Connections with Heart: How Empathy Enhances Your Networking Skills

By Jean LaVallie , Founder and President Women Entrepreneurs Secrets of Success (WESOS)

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.— Maya Angelou, American Poet and Civil Rights Activist

This quote captures the essence of empathy and the importance of being attuned to the feelings of others. Empathy is not just about understanding the emotions of others, but also about making people feel seen, valued, and understood. By focusing on the feelings of others, we can create more positive and meaningful interactions and relationships.

Understanding Empathy in Networking

Empathy, at its core, is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It goes beyond mere sympathy, which is feeling pity for someone, to actually putting yourself in someone else's shoes. Empathy can be cognitive (understanding another's perspective), emotional (feeling what another person feels), or compassionate (not only understanding and feeling but also being moved to help).

In the over ten years that I have been connecting women into the WESOS community, I have seen empathy work in many ways, building deeper connections and stronger bonds. I often see the fear in a woman's eyes—maybe she is introverted or new to networking. I can feel what is going on inside her body because I was there when I first started networking. I want to take her by the hand, let her know that it will not always be like this, and make her feel safe at the meeting.

Empathy vs. Transactional Networking

Empathetic networking is far more effective than transactional networking. We all know we do business with people we know, like, and trust, and empathy is the key that opens the door to those deeper relationships. When I first started networking, I just wanted to make sales. You could have felt the desperation I exuded—looking back, it was so impersonal and cold. Now, I always try to be myself, share what I know, and support as many others as my time allows. I listen more than I talk, and I actively look for ways to either support someone and their business or connect them to someone who can.

Building Authentic Relationships

Authenticity is crucial to creating a thriving network. It is important to be understanding and try to stand in the other person's shoes. For example, when I meet someone new at a networking event, I focus on asking thoughtful questions and genuinely listening to their answers. This approach not only helps me understand their needs but also builds a foundation of trust and mutual respect.

Another principle I live by is the abundance mentality—believing there is enough business for all of us. If I support another person, I am not necessarily looking for reciprocity from them. Instead, I feel that putting that positive energy into the universe will come back to me tenfold. I strongly believe you get back what you give, even if it does not come from the same person you gave to.

Empathy in Practice: Four Vital Tips

1. Active Listening: Truly listen to what others are saying without planning your response. Reflect back what you hear to show you understand.
2. Body Language: Pay attention to non-verbal cues, like eye contact and open body posture, to show you are engaged.
3. Asking Thoughtful Questions: Ask questions that show genuine interest in the other person's experiences and feelings.
4. Providing Value: Offer help or support without expecting anything in return.

Empathy's Role in Professional Growth

Empathy enhances collaboration, fosters conflict resolution, and builds a supportive network. When practiced by individuals, empathy is powerful. When embraced by an entire community, like WESOS, it becomes a force that amplifies support, listening, and authenticity.

Conclusion

Empathy in networking transforms connections from transactional to deeply relational. It builds a foundation of trust, authenticity, and mutual support, creating a thriving professional community. By practicing empathy, we not only enhance our professional relationships but also contribute to a culture of understanding and collaboration.

In the words of Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Let us all strive to incorporate empathy into our networking efforts, creating a more supportive and thriving professional community.

Your Turn

Do you have a personal story about empathy and how it either inspired someone else or created a difference in your life or business? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below. Your story could inspire others to embrace empathy in their own networking journey.

Women Entrepreneurs. Experience the "Heart of WESOS", where building authentic relationships leads to business growth, shared resources, collaborations, referrals, inspiration, and more! Get started for free today: WESOS Community Center

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