I really loved this. As an introvert, networking has always felt kind of… off to me, and you explained exactly why. So much of it feels superficial and transactional, like there’s this unspoken pressure to get something out of every interaction. That’s never sat right with me. And I love what you said about depth over volume. I’ve always been someone who prefers one real conversation over a bunch of surface-level ones, but I’ve kind of seen that as a weakness in “networking.” This made me realize it might actually be the opposite.
Just getting over the 150 mark has shown me one quality subscriber or follower who knows exactly who I am and has personal memory is worth 1000 people who are surface level skimmers. So I stopped skimming completely. I consider time as a gift. I have no expectations of return. For the little exposure, many have shared the measly four articles I popped out.
It is not give and take. It is give, and be blessed to give more.
I still have to resist what picks up Subscribers the fastest on Substack. Subscribe to more than you can chew. Send hasty notes. Like a void to fill. Then I reread some articles. Later went back and had something to add. Realized they all want to be seen, like a mini epiphany. The growth numbers leveled off the last two weeks people don’t unsubscribe and numbers don’t shift. Work feels over when it is done.
Thanks for helping others. The void can be filled. Attention is the pie filling 🥧
I love that in this article you mentioned that networking needs to be respectful of who you are. I’ve never heard it phrased that way, but it makes so much sense. Authenticity will make everything seem less like a chore and so much more enjoyable.
After all, isn’t networking just a friendly coffee conversation dressed in business attire? I have always gone about networking the way I go about meeting and connecting with anyone - here’s who I am, this is what I do, let’s see if we jive. This point of view also builds stronger connections - authenticity will always weave a tighter network because there are many more colors to mix and mingle. It will also weed out the people and flopportunities that may otherwise waste your beautiful, sacred, and hard earned energy. All of this if you truly listen and connect. authentically. Great piece! ✨ℳ
Irene, I really appreciate you adding this… and I’m so glad the “give before you ask” approach resonates with you too.
Your examples are spot on, especially the idea of going deeper with things like writing reviews or making meaningful introductions. Those kinds of actions take a bit more intention, but they’re exactly what make the connection memorable.
I also like how your suggestions focus on amplifying someone else’s work… it’s such a simple thing, but it changes the entire tone of networking.
Thank you for sharing this… definitely more than “two cents.” 🙂
This is such a refreshing way to talk about networking. I love the idea that real connection starts with curiosity and contribution, not pressure or a hidden agenda. It makes networking feel less like performing and more like paying attention to people properly. 💛
Yes exactly… The intention is for all of us to try to build genuine, long-term professional relationships rooted in trust, curiosity, and genuine contribution. Rather than a strategy for personal gain, which is cold and 99% is a one off transaction.
One thang you left out is the golf course where most of this type of “networking” is still active today. My Dad’s lifelong fascination with golf fueled his networking with clients. I know this becos as his caddy, I saw this networking every weekend growing up. Golfing with clients was very effective for Dad and his career. Despite my years as Dad’s caddy, I never picked up the game. Looking back over my career (I became Funemployed/retired in 2015), I made my connections by my performance in the field and by leading the way in Conferences by presenting Papers and dragging my colleagues into certain certifications that became essential to us working in the Haz-Waste Remediation Industry as it evolved in my 37 years of working and supporting my family.
There’s something about seeing those dynamics up close like that, you probably understood more than most without even realizing it at the time.
And I like what you pointed to at the end. There’s more than one way to build a path. Some people lean into those spaces like the golf course, and others, like you, build it through the work itself… showing up, leading, pulling others along.
Thanks a lot for sharing your view. I am sure it adds valuable insight to everyone.
Jest my two cents in amplifying and giving another view of this whole discussion about networking.
By the way, thanking you for posting this content cos it is important and cogent and applicable today as y’all move into these spaces where networking can be valuable.
This…I appreciate
Thank you 🙏
I really loved this. As an introvert, networking has always felt kind of… off to me, and you explained exactly why. So much of it feels superficial and transactional, like there’s this unspoken pressure to get something out of every interaction. That’s never sat right with me. And I love what you said about depth over volume. I’ve always been someone who prefers one real conversation over a bunch of surface-level ones, but I’ve kind of seen that as a weakness in “networking.” This made me realize it might actually be the opposite.
Thank you Andrea. I am glad it resonated and I hope it helps 😊
Just getting over the 150 mark has shown me one quality subscriber or follower who knows exactly who I am and has personal memory is worth 1000 people who are surface level skimmers. So I stopped skimming completely. I consider time as a gift. I have no expectations of return. For the little exposure, many have shared the measly four articles I popped out.
It is not give and take. It is give, and be blessed to give more.
I like that… indeed it all starts with giving and supporting people… I agree with you and your approach
I still have to resist what picks up Subscribers the fastest on Substack. Subscribe to more than you can chew. Send hasty notes. Like a void to fill. Then I reread some articles. Later went back and had something to add. Realized they all want to be seen, like a mini epiphany. The growth numbers leveled off the last two weeks people don’t unsubscribe and numbers don’t shift. Work feels over when it is done.
Thanks for helping others. The void can be filled. Attention is the pie filling 🥧
Thanks for your kind words
I love that in this article you mentioned that networking needs to be respectful of who you are. I’ve never heard it phrased that way, but it makes so much sense. Authenticity will make everything seem less like a chore and so much more enjoyable.
Exactly… performing it’s not a thing I encourage… but authenticity it’s the best card to win people over
These are great tips for anyone not just introverts. I use some of these myself. Will be including others. TY for the great article.
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. I am happy that you found it useful
After all, isn’t networking just a friendly coffee conversation dressed in business attire? I have always gone about networking the way I go about meeting and connecting with anyone - here’s who I am, this is what I do, let’s see if we jive. This point of view also builds stronger connections - authenticity will always weave a tighter network because there are many more colors to mix and mingle. It will also weed out the people and flopportunities that may otherwise waste your beautiful, sacred, and hard earned energy. All of this if you truly listen and connect. authentically. Great piece! ✨ℳ
Yes Mae… that’s the right attitude and I do the same like you… I glad it resonated
Wow this really hit the spot for me, especially tips for introverts
I am so happy to read that… thank you Alison
Also the part about giving without expecting anything back :)
Great article Alexandria. The "give before you ask" method is something I've been doing — and teaching — for a long time.
You gave really great examples about sharing an article, referencing their work, and making thoughtful introductions.
Here are a few more ways to give first:
*Compliment and share their work
*Read their book and write a review
*Connect a perfect guest with a podcast host for an interview.
*Listen to their podcast and leave a heartfelt review
I hope you don't mind my putting in my two cents. 🙂
Irene, I really appreciate you adding this… and I’m so glad the “give before you ask” approach resonates with you too.
Your examples are spot on, especially the idea of going deeper with things like writing reviews or making meaningful introductions. Those kinds of actions take a bit more intention, but they’re exactly what make the connection memorable.
I also like how your suggestions focus on amplifying someone else’s work… it’s such a simple thing, but it changes the entire tone of networking.
Thank you for sharing this… definitely more than “two cents.” 🙂
Thanks Alexandra. I'm glad we connected. 🙏😊💛
This is such a refreshing way to talk about networking. I love the idea that real connection starts with curiosity and contribution, not pressure or a hidden agenda. It makes networking feel less like performing and more like paying attention to people properly. 💛
Yes exactly… The intention is for all of us to try to build genuine, long-term professional relationships rooted in trust, curiosity, and genuine contribution. Rather than a strategy for personal gain, which is cold and 99% is a one off transaction.
Definitely a poignant point to make in today’s world, utmost thanks for bringing it up!
Thanks Miles, I appreciate your feedback
One thang you left out is the golf course where most of this type of “networking” is still active today. My Dad’s lifelong fascination with golf fueled his networking with clients. I know this becos as his caddy, I saw this networking every weekend growing up. Golfing with clients was very effective for Dad and his career. Despite my years as Dad’s caddy, I never picked up the game. Looking back over my career (I became Funemployed/retired in 2015), I made my connections by my performance in the field and by leading the way in Conferences by presenting Papers and dragging my colleagues into certain certifications that became essential to us working in the Haz-Waste Remediation Industry as it evolved in my 37 years of working and supporting my family.
jest sayin’
Onward thru the Fog, as Oat Willie sez
There’s something about seeing those dynamics up close like that, you probably understood more than most without even realizing it at the time.
And I like what you pointed to at the end. There’s more than one way to build a path. Some people lean into those spaces like the golf course, and others, like you, build it through the work itself… showing up, leading, pulling others along.
Thanks a lot for sharing your view. I am sure it adds valuable insight to everyone.
Jest my two cents in amplifying and giving another view of this whole discussion about networking.
By the way, thanking you for posting this content cos it is important and cogent and applicable today as y’all move into these spaces where networking can be valuable.