Suck at networking? Try a different mindset.

You see, I think Bill Nye nailed it. And just maybe, it’s the secret to successful networking. It’s how I approach my networking @theconnective.

Try this.

Leave your ego at the door. Open your mind. Be ready to… no, want to learn. Know that you’re not the only smart person with ideas and opinions. Or with a shit ton of experience. 

Know that often, there is no wrong way or right way, just different ways.

Listen. Be present.  

If you can’t engage with someone and be fully present, respectful, and believe they can enrich you, you will suck at networking.

If you do all those and engage fully, you will free the person to open up to engage at a deeper level. This is where real relationships start. 

If you don’t engage this way, it can’t work. 

The door we walk through hoping to connect as people, not as business prospects, that door to the emotional place where relationships begin, well, it slams shut.

Likely to never unlock.

People first, business second. Always.

Be a good listener, not just good; be an active listener. Start from a place of empathy and curiosity. 

Be prepared. Find commonality. Be a learner.

Show respect.

And mostly, just care.

Work for you?