After deciding to focus a little on career transitions I decided to read "Superconnector" by Ryan Paugh and Scott Gerber. It’s all about ditching the old-school networking game and building real, meaningful business relationships. Of course, these tips do not just apply for business and can also be considered in your personal life too.
Here’s the gist of it:
Ditch Traditional Networking: Forget about just collecting business cards. Instead, think about becoming a "superconnector," someone who forms deep, genuine relationships.
Change Your Approach: Focus on quality over quantity. It's more about how you can help others rather than what you can get from them.
Be Real: Show genuine interest in people. Listen to them, be present, and really engage in your conversations.
Add Value: Always look for ways to help people. This could be making introductions, sharing useful resources, or offering support.
Build Communities: Don’t just think about individual connections. Think bigger—bring people together and create opportunities for them to collaborate.
Use Tech Smartly: While face-to-face is super important, also use social media and other digital tools to keep your connections strong.
Follow These Tips:
Identify key people you want to connect with.
Follow up and keep in touch in a genuine, non-intrusive way.
Host events that encourage real, meaningful interactions.
Stay Honest: Always be ethical and maintain integrity in your interactions. Trust is everything.
Grow Personally: Being a superconnector isn’t just about networking. It’s about becoming a better person and growing both personally and professionally.
Here’s How to Become a Superconnector:
Shift Your Mindset: Focus on deep, meaningful relationships, not just growing your contact list.
Listen and Engage: Show real interest in others' stories and needs by practicing active listening.
Help Out: Find ways to add value to others’ lives, whether it’s through introductions, resources, or support.
Create Community: Bring people together and foster a sense of collaboration and community.
Use Technology Wisely: Keep your relationships strong by leveraging social media and digital tools.
Be Ethical: Always maintain integrity and build trust in your interactions.
Focus on Personal Growth: Continuously work on your interpersonal skills and aim to be a better connector and friend.
So, the big takeaway is to move beyond just networking and start building relationships that really matter. It’s not just good for business, but it’s also a great way to grow as a person.
Buy your copy here.