4. From Awkward to Awesome: Networking Tips That Build Real Connection

Hey there, welcome back to our little corner of the internet that's making a good ripple effect!

Today, we’re spilling the beans on a topic that, honestly, gets way too much bad press: Networking. Yep, you heard right. Networking. That thing we love to hate but can't seem to escape. But here’s a little secret: It doesn’t have to be the awkward, sweaty-palmed experience we’ve all come to dread.

Remember those cringe-worthy networking events? Standing alone with a drink, trying to muster up the courage to talk about, well, anything that isn’t the weather? Been there, done that. But what if I told you that networking could actually be your superpower? Yep, I said it. Your superpower.

Back when I started my own gig, I realized something pretty game-changing: Networking is all about connection, real, genuine connection. Not just swapping business cards or adding a new name to your LinkedIn network, but actually connecting. It’s about finding your tribe, one conversation at a time. And it starts with asking the right questions. Not the “How are you?” kind, but the “Where are you from?” kind that opens doors to real stories.

Jerry Seinfeld once shared a nugget of wisdom about asking specific questions to really get to know someone. So, taking a leaf out of his book, I started experimenting. And guess what? It works like a charm. Suddenly, those awkward silences filled up with laughter, stories, and yes, connections.

So, the next time you find yourself at one of those events, skip the small talk. Dive deep. Ask about the book they’re reading, the place they grew up, or even their pet peeves and remember what I share on this episode! Before you know it, you’ll be networking like a pro, making genuine connections, and actually enjoying the process. Remember, it’s not about collecting contacts; it’s about building connections. Let's flip the script on networking, making it less about what you can get and more about what you can share. 

Together, we can turn networking from a dreaded chore into an opportunity for growth, learning, and, most importantly, connection. Because at the end of the day, it’s the connections we make that truly shape our world! Hit play now!

Links:

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Book Me For Your Next Event: https://www.lisaeven.com/speaking

 

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:30 - Debunking the myths around networking
• 1:14 - Lisa's journey to discovering networking as a superpower
• 5:14 - Leveraging specific questions for deeper connections
• 8:24 - Tips to eliminate awkwardness in casual conversations
• 10:33 - Identifying valuable insights ("gold") in every discussion
• 2:16 - The pivotal moment of transition to virtual networking
• 3:22 - Setting a personal mission for connection
• 6:30 - Jerry Seinfeld's advice on specific questioning
• 9:06 - Applying networking strategies beyond professional settings
• 11:49 - A worksheet for networking success and an invitation to share experiences