Networking for Impact

Last week, I attended, what one of my #DiverseCityFellows described as “a brazen networking event” in the best kind of way. Why Brazen? The whole point of the networking event was to network. There was no specific problem we were trying to solve, no specific industry expertise or space to focus on.

Just networking, for the sake of networking, or rather to meet people.?

The event was hosted by Canadian Club Toronto , and it had a great format. You started off networking, then heard from a panel of Paula Allen , Jeanne Lam , Dan Moulton moderated by Jake Hirsch-Allen with tips and feedback on how to network. Then you applied what you learned from the panel.? The room had a great mix of senior leaders and students sharing their thoughts and feelings on networking and making connections.?Egos were checked at the door, and a genuine curiosity to meet others took hold.

One thing was clear throughout the event: Networking is more important and necessary than ever post-pandemic.?

So, here’s what I learned from the panel and event participants:?

• Humans, specifically our brains are wired to make connections. According to the 2023 Vital Signs Report a higher-than-expected number of Canadians and Torontoinans reported feeling lonely. Connecting, talking and being with people in person is a part of our DNA. It takes shape in different ways, but the underlying truth is that we need connection with others to not feel lonely, and to feel we have purpose and belonging in society.??
• Youth, specifically young adults in University or College,? especially those nearing graduation have struggled to expand their network. First-hand experiences shared by the students at the event were that they didn’t experience the typical camaraderie that comes with attending class in person. Students are savvy, so now that they are allowed to congregate again, they are taking every opportunity to meet new people and expand their professional networks.?
• Networking is often seen as a “dirty” or “slimy” thing, but it’s always best to assume positive intentions from the other person. The expectation from networking events is that people are focused on selfish intentions. While true, some people are there to learn more and make meaningful connections. By starting with a positive mindset you set up your future relationships and connections for success.
• To create meaningful connections approach conversations with curiosity and intentionality. Be curious and have the intention to truly learn something about the other person or people you are conversing with. You and the other person should leave the conversation feeling good.
• This also means there is a difference between being intentional and calculated. People can tell when you’re not being authentic, or worse navigating a conversation as a means to an end. Goodwill and good intentions go a long way when you aren’t trying to get something out of it. Sometimes building connections is for the long haul.

The next time you’re networking at an event, and it feels, tough, dirty, or slimy try to think about the learnings I’ve shared. If you see a student or someone who looks like they want to chat, welcome them into the conversation. Let’s take away the negatives of networking and focus on the positive things it brings: the connections, the future relationships, the future projects, and simply being able to converse with another human being without the stress and pressure of what’s next.?

A huge thanks to CivicAction for sharing tickets with me and my fellows!

Credit to Canadian Club Toronto for the awesome photos.

#DiverseCityWithBG