Authentic Networking

Many people think that successful networking is collecting as many business cards one can from every networking opportunity available.  However, if you take a poll of those individuals who focus on this practice of “networking,” you will find that they have not made true, authentic connections with the people they have encountered, nor do they have a true “network” of professionals to work with.  Authentic networking happens when you focus on the sincerity of the encounters, rather than number of encounters made.  Instead of thinking about networking success in terms of the number of people you meet at events (or getting a big number of followers on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook), think about authentic networking as making real connections with people that you would actually like to stay in touch with.

Stay in touch with your new acquaintances because you share a real reason to be connected.  This is the most successful and effective way to both grow and build real value into your network. Genuine connections are formed when a relationship is built on sincerity and true interest.  Keeping consistent contact with people is the most important part of neworking.  This is how you put value into your network.  Meeting someone new has absolutely no value if you don’t put forth a genuine effort in growing the relationship!

This authentic networking approach works well at networking events.  Attend networking events looking for specific people to add value to your network.  You will soon realize that when you network with a purpose, you will end up creating a strong network of business professionals.  Surrounding yourself with people who share your same goals and interests will help you make true and authentic relationships.

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