While networking is important, founders yearn for deeper relationships built on shared values and mutual support. This requires a shift in focus from transactional interactions to authentic connections that foster trust and collaboration. Essentially, networking is about collecting contacts, while meaningful connecting is about cultivating relationships. Let's compare across some important variables:
Focus
Networking focuses on the quantity of contacts while meaningfully connecting focuses on the quality of relationships.
Goal
The goal of networking is to expand one's professional circle while the goal of meaningfully connecting is building trust and mutual support.
Depth
Networking is more superficial and more transactional while meaningfully connecting is deeper, based on shared values and interests.
Timeframe
While the timeframe for networking is short-term with immediate gains, meaningfully connecting is longer term and about sustainable relationships.
Outcome
The networking outcome is increased visibility. The outcome for meaningfully connecting is collaborative opportunities, referrals, and advocacy.
Effort required
Networking requires minimal effort as it is often transactional. Meaningfully connecting requires investment in time and emotional energy
Be mindful of whether your efforts are in line with networking of meaningfully connecting in order to reap the benefits you seek.
Networking activities focus on quantity of contacts, and include activities such as attending industry conferences and trade shows, award shows, joining professional organizations, participating in online networking platforms, attending industry-specific events, exchanging business cards and following up with emails.
Meaningful connecting prioritizes quality interactions and relationship building, and include activities such as joining industry-specific forums, communities, being part of a curated ecosystem of like-minded people in your sector, participating in collaborative projects or initiatives, seeking mentorship or becoming a mentor, engaging in open and honest conversations, attending industry conferences with a specific goal of building deeper relationships, participating in volunteer work or community activities related to your industry.
Networking is often seen as a numbers game, aiming to accumulate as many contacts as possible. It is often transactional, with a focus on immediate gains. Meaningful connecting is about building genuine relationships based on shared values and mutual respect. It requires a deeper investment of time and emotional energy but yields more substantial and long-lasting benefits.Ultimately, meaningful connections are more likely to lead to sustainable success than superficial networking.
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