Stop Networking. Start Connecting.

This week I attended the BIO 2024 conference, during which I must have had at least 50 conversations with friends old and new over two days. On the second day, I estimated that I talked for consecutive 12 hours. If you know me, then you also know I like to talk.

Reflecting on the many interactions and the countless conferences and events I've attended or hosted, I began thinking about how we relate to each other within these artificial habitats designed to foster genuine partnering and collaboration.

If you're expecting this to be another business self-help article about "tips and tricks" for selling or growing your business through the "power of networking", I'll save you some time. You won't find that in this piece.

There are scores of "speed networking" events and platforms out there that will allow two people to rapidly determine if they might do business or exchange services or commerce in some way. I find these tediously synthetic, even while I understand their utility for people and businesses that struggle to connect with their audiences.

What's on my mind is how we approach people in these massive professional environments.

Do we only allow ourselves to engage when we might find commercial benefit from it? Or do we allow ourselves to show up with curiosity and an open mind that transcends financial transactions?

If we allow ourselves to learn about and from people in and around the ecosystems in which we work and operate, we come away with new ideas, and ways to innovate, challenge our norms and traditions, and grow personally and professionally.

During my career, I've met so many people who have profoundly and positively influenced me and my journey without ever doing business with me. Very few were planned business meetings.

A passing conversation at a tradeshow booth far away from the main hall. A seemingly random chat while waiting for a drink at the bar. Idle chatter with the person seated next to you at a talk. Three real examples (among many) that sparked lifelong friendships with remarkably talented people who inspire me daily.

I try to stay in touch, exchange ideas, information, and perspectives, and support them in their challenges and successes. I've learned from them about how parts of the industry and world work beyond my narrow experience and focus. They have propelled me in my career, but more importantly in my life.

And, each was only possible because I took the time to get to know them without business on my mind.

So, by all means, go and "network" but go with an open heart and mind. Be curious about the journey people have taken to arrive at that place and the point in time where you encounter them.

They might just surprise you with the same level of curiosity about the path you've taken.