Networking doesn't have to be icky, transactional, and zero-sum. We discuss network structures, a philosophy centered around generosity and curiosity, and how to create systems to grow relationships
4. First principles of relationship building
● It’s always about the person in front of you
● Always operate from a place of authenticity
● Curiosity is the secret weapon
● It’s not even about the long game; it’s the infinite game
5. Can you answer
this question
“Would I act this
way if no one ever
knew and nothing
ever came of it?”
7. Understand network structures
● Cohesive (or hierarchal) vs. distributed (or bridging)
● The power of weak ties
● Find super connectors and shadow power
● Understand lineages and history
8. What gifts do you have to offer?
● Time
● Expertise
● Inspiration
● Introductions
● But most importantly … perspective
9. How do you present yourself?
● What’s the first thing people do - duh, they google you
● Everyone needs some sort of personal brand
● Blogging is an incredible form of leverage
10. How do you decide who to meet?
● Start with your gifts? Who would benefit from receiving them?
● Align along interests, which isn’t necessarily work
● One degree connections are best for in-person
● Twitter is a powerful interest platform
12. How should you prepare?
● Don’t be a creep, prepare but don’t overshare
● Best prep is empathy-based, what do they care about?
● Life transitions are great conversation starters
● Revisit lineages
13. How about the logistics?
● Approach with humility
● With people of higher seniority, just say yes! (Figure the rest out)
● Confirm the night before and exchange phone #s
14. During the meeting
● Listen! (aim for 90%)
● Eye contact (5-6 seconds unbroken)
● Memorization (association) and paraphrasing
● Non-linguistic persuasion
● “How can I be helpful”
● Dinner table test
15. The follow-up
● Send a thank you email within 24 hours
● Consider a hand-written thank you card (esp for “favor meetings”)
● Reference 1-3 things that were discussed in the meeting
● Propose next meeting?
18. Create a system, a personal CRM
● Categorize their interests (skill, sector, hobbies, superpower)
● Take a few notes (kids names)
● Who would they be interested in meeting?
● When should you follow up
● Possible tools: Google Sheets, FullContact, Airtable, Zoho Contacts, Hubspot
20. How to accelerate serendipity
● Understand the network effect: 20 people = 190 pairs of meetings
● MBI = Mutually Beneficial Introductions
● Organize dinners, gatherings (focused on weak ties)
● Create mini-email lists (and give participants option to see each other)
21. A few words of warning
● Fake authenticity is completely transparent
● Be careful of burnout: You cannot give that which you don’t have
● Be on the look-out for takers; (Give em one free sample)
● Fight the natural tendency to think about how people as means to an end
22. To Recap
● It starts and ends with human connection
● Take yourself out of the equation
● Connection jetfuel: curiosity, empathy, and care
● Systems will let you scale your giving
● Always be on the lookout for serendipity
23. How you can help
● Continue to help our community grow
● Provide feedback on this webinar
● Share, share, share!
● Support us via Patreon!