Getting Beyond Traditional Networking

When I first conceived the idea of "The Great Exchange" for my company built on the platform of my seventh book, Networlding created 20 years ago (YIKES! It's been that long ago) I knew I was onto something revolutionary in the world of networking. It wasn't just about swapping business cards or making small talk at cocktail parties anymore. No, this was about creating meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships that could transform both our professional and personal lives.

At the heart of The Great Exchange lies what I call the Support Exchange Model. The seven-level framework takes us from superficial interactions to deeply impactful connections. Let me walk you through it:

1. Emotional Support: This is the foundation. It's about genuinely connecting with someone on a human level. I remember a time when I was at an event, and I saw a young man who was clearly nervous about networking. I encouraged everyone to make a special effort to connect with him. By the end of the night, he was running after me, exclaiming, "I'm cured!" It was a powerful reminder of how a little emotional support can go a long way.

2. Information Support: In today's digital age, we have access to vast amounts of information. Sharing relevant, valuable information with others is a crucial part of building relationships. I've seen consultants become experts in new industries overnight just by leveraging the power of information exchange.

3. Knowledge Support: This goes beyond mere information. It's about sharing experiences and stories. I always tell people to acknowledge when someone shares their experiences and encourage them to share more. We learn faster through stories, after all.

4. Promotion Support: This is where we actively help promote each other. It's word-of-mouth marketing on steroids. When I say to someone, "Here's how I'm going to promote you," and they respond in kind, it creates a powerful synergy.

5. Wisdom Support: This is about sharing the 20% that can have an 80% impact. It's the distilled essence of our knowledge and experience. In our networked world, this is what we're all searching for online.

6. Transformational Opportunities: This is where the magic happens. I once spoke at a Fortune Brands event and suggested to the audience, "What if you said to someone, 'Let's create a transformational opportunity next year'?" The excitement this generated was palpable. Two young women came up to me afterwards, bursting with enthusiasm about creating such an opportunity in their company.

7. Community: This is the pinnacle of The Great Exchange. When we get it right at all other levels, we can extend our positive impact to the broader community. It's about paying it forward and creating ripple effects of positive change.

What I love about this model is that it works for everyone, regardless of where you are in your career. I've seen shy college graduates and seasoned executives alike transform their networking abilities by applying these principles. It's not about being the loudest in the room or having the most impressive title. It's about authentically connecting and finding ways to support others.

I remember working with a group of Ivy League graduates at a major bank in Chicago. Despite their prestigious education, most of them rated themselves only a 2 out of 5 in networking ability. But after practicing The Great Exchange, their confidence soared. It's all about practice and creating a safe environment to hone these skills.

One of my dreams is to see more structured networking events that apply these principles. I've hosted "networlding extravaganzas" with up to 350 people, and the results have been incredible. People who thought they were strangers discovered unexpected connections. It's about slowing down to speed up, taking the time to understand how we can support each other in meaningful ways.

The beauty of The Great Exchange is that it creates both intrinsic and extrinsic fulfillment. People go to sleep feeling good about their interactions and also see tangible benefits in their professional lives. It's truly about doing well by doing good.

As we navigate this increasingly connected world, The Great Exchange offers a framework for building relationships that matter. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned professional, these principles can transform your approach to networking. Remember, anything is possible when you're awake and connected. So, are you ready for The Great Exchange?

?If you are ready, email me at [email protected] and I’ll send you my free guidebook (no strings attached) to start your own strategic, heart-centered networking support circle.