How to Engage in Healthy Networking – No Kale Required

What can vegetables teach us about building a robust business network? Surprisingly, quite a lot.

Personally, I have a love-hate relationship with vegetables. Carrots? Meh. Potatoes? Only if they’re roasted twice. My veggie preferences shift depending on whether I’m cooking up Western, Asian, or Indian cuisine. And when I’m in a health kick, I might blend a bunch into a juice. But one vegetable still baffles me: kale.

Despite all the kale-hyping wellness gurus, it’s not for everyone. Some people can’t even stomach it. Universally recommending kale is like universally recommending skydiving—great for some, disastrous for others.

So what’s kale got to do with networking? Stick with me.

Just like kale isn’t for everyone, neither is a one-size-fits-all approach to networking. While networking won’t clog your arteries, an ill-fitting approach can stifle your growth and kill your opportunities. Think of vegetables as essential to a balanced diet—just like networking is crucial for professional development and achieving personal goals. The outcome is more important than the amount consumed. The trick is finding what suits you.

What is Networking?

If you Google "networking," you'll get billions of results. Investopedia describes it as “the exchange of information and ideas among people with a common profession or special interest, usually in an informal social setting.”

I define networking as building relationships with people who could become your friends, influence your decisions, or advocate for your values. It's about mutual support, trust, and shared growth.

Networking is a vital skill that transcends boundaries and limitations—it’s for everyone.

??Whether you're an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between, there’s a method for you. Frankly, the whole extrovert versus introvert debate is overplayed. There’s plenty of practical evidence to debunk the myth that only the outgoing can be good networkers.??

Networking is your brand, lifestyle, and aspirations all rolled into one. You’re networking constantly, whether online, in person, or through your reputation. It's happening 24/7, 365 days a year, so it’s essential to use it wisely.

Overcoming Networking Anxiety

Kale reminds me of my childhood—my mother used to feed it to our cows back in Poland. Let’s just say that didn’t help its appeal. Networking can feel the same way for some people.

Networking can be intimidating, especially if it conjures up images of forced small talk and elevator pitches. It’s like being thrown into a cage with hungry lions; the outcome isn’t pretty—especially if you’re the human.

The fear of rejection, not knowing what to say, or just the pressure to connect can all feel overwhelming. But let’s not forget, there’s also the thrill of acceptance—something we often overlook!

In nearly three decades of helping people navigate networking, the most common complaint I’ve heard is, “I don’t like going to networking events.” Here’s the good news: you don’t have to! There are countless ways to network that don’t involve awkward handshakes or name tags.

Just like you pick your favorite veggies for a healthy diet, you can pick the networking methods that suit your personality and goals

There has been a magnanimous shift in network thinking and action. Networking isn’t about digital versus non-digital anymore; it’s a life skill, whether you aspire to lead a global corporation, find the cure for a disease, or travel the world for free. Now is the time to make networking count every day for you.

Five Proven Strategies for Building Personalized Network Pathways

One-size-fits-all networking doesn't cut it. Here are five ways I've helped individuals and firms create personalized networking strategies, each delivering an impressive ROI of over 14x:

1. Transition Strategy for a Law Firm Partner: ?We crafted a hybrid approach for a partner transitioning to a new firm, combining non-digital and digital tactics. By reconnecting with key contacts, highlighting their unique value proposition (UVP) , we quickly established a compelling. This approach was so effective that we phased out the digital strategy within six months, resulting in strengthened relationships and accelerated business growth.
2. Good Professional Networks (GPN): Over eight years ago, I launched Good Blokes Lunch, Good Human Lunch (and Dinner), Future Executives, and Good Professionals networks. GPN is all about non-digital, invitation-only networking under Chatham House Rules. This model encourages genuine, meaningful connections, proving that in-person interactions are still invaluable in today’s digital age.
3. Who’s On Your Plane Framework: Using the "Who’s on your plane" framework, I revamped a firm’s networking ecosystem. This approach saved the firm over $0.5 million annually by optimizing network actions and time, reducing unnecessary face-to-face meetings, and securing new projects aligned with a 14x ROI.
4. Internal Process Optimization for a Firm: Inside one organization, I conducted a thorough review of their process framework, after identifying what was blocking the networking activity. This analysis uncovered over $3 million in wasted time. We restructured and relaunched the process in just 45 minutes, streamlining operations and significantly enhancing productivity.
5. "Get Off Digital" Network Framework: In a world where digital dominates, we shifted the focus to offline conversations. By promoting face-to-face meetings, we built stronger, more genuine relationships. This approach counterbalanced the convenience of digital with the lasting impact of personal interaction.

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Why Network with Purpose? Matters

Purposeful networking isn’t just about adding names to a contact list; it’s about strategic, intentional connections that align with your goals and values. With over three decades of experience helping people build effective networks, my Network with Purpose? framework fosters growth, trust, and commitment. It ensures your networking efforts are not only effective but meaningful, boosting your visibility and impact.

Like a balanced diet, purposeful networking leads to a healthier, more satisfying professional life. And the best part? No kale or dreaded networking events required.

FREE: Curious about Networking with Purpose??

Download my free e-book, “38 Ways to Make Networking Feel Less Like Work,” It’ll help you raise your profile and grow your business, even if you dislike traditional networking.

Why Gordon Jenkins?

Growth and transformation expert. Best selling author. In-demand speaker. Dude with the plastic duck. Man with the mismatched blue shoes. These are a few ways you could describe Gordon Jenkins.

But he prefers the term ‘Change Activator’ because it reflects his true passion – helping leaders and their teams to unlock their potential by celebrating their individuality and challenging the status quo.

Gordon’s subject matter expertise over the past three decades, (and results) means he understands the challenges of modern leadership and governance.

With his trusty sidekick, Banfi the Duck, Gordon is known for being curious, relatable and just a little bit quirky.

Instead of preaching the ‘Gospel according to Gordon’, his workshop style is collaborative and fun with a focus on learning through shared ideas and sensory experiences. By openly sharing his own successes and stumbles, Gordon attracts people who value transparency and authenticity.

If you’re ready to embark on a journey of growth that will see your professional and personal aspirations thrive, you want Gordon in your corner > [email protected]