In a world where traditional networking often leaves professionals feeling perplexed and disconnected, Sahil Bloom’s “The Anti-Networking Guide” emerges as a game-changing solution. With insights grounded in experience and a refreshing perspective, this guide offers a triumph over conventional networking strategies, promising a seamless path to success.
Ready to revolutionize your networking approach and unlock unparalleled opportunities? Dive into the full article to discover the transformative power of anti-networking!
Table of Contents
- Recommendation
- Take-Aways
- Genres
- Summary
- Review
- Networking has evolved. It’s now more concerned with relationship building than schmoozing.
- To build meaningful relationships, seek out places where you will rub shoulders with like-minded people.
- Pose captivating questions.
- Raise your listening game.
- Follow up on your conversations.
- About the Author
Recommendation
If the mere thought of networking with a room of strangers is enough to make you feel nauseated, blogger, entrepreneur and investor Sahil Bloom, a self-professed socially anxious introvert, has put together a brief, useful “anti-networking” guide to making connections. Happily, the realm of networking has evolved, and transactional schmoozing has given way to relationship building. If you are moving to a new area, starting a new job, or attending a networking event — or if you just want to make friends — Bloom’s guide will give you the confidence you need to connect with new people.
Take-Aways
- Networking has evolved. It’s now more concerned with relationship building than schmoozing.
- To build meaningful relationships, seek out places where you will rub shoulders with like-minded people.
- Pose captivating questions.
- Raise your listening game.
- Follow up on your conversations.
Genres
Self-improvement, Networking, Career Development, Professional Growth, Personal Branding, Communication Skills, Relationship Building, Entrepreneurship, Success Strategies, Productivity
Summary
Sahil Bloom’s “The Anti-Networking Guide” challenges conventional wisdom surrounding networking, advocating for a more authentic, intentional approach. By prioritizing genuine connections and value creation over transactional interactions, Bloom offers a fresh perspective on building meaningful professional relationships. With actionable insights and practical tips, this guide empowers readers to cultivate authentic connections that drive long-term success.
Review
Bloom’s article presents a compelling argument against traditional networking methods, offering practical strategies for professionals seeking to forge genuine connections. By emphasizing authenticity and value creation, the author provides readers with actionable steps to navigate the networking landscape with confidence and purpose. Overall, “The Anti-Networking Guide” is a valuable resource for anyone looking to cultivate meaningful professional relationships and advance their career trajectory.
Networking has evolved. It’s now more concerned with relationship building than schmoozing.
A Harvard study discovered that “relationship satisfaction” at age 50 is the factor that most accurately predicts a person’s physical health at age 80. Thus, enjoying a long, healthful life hinges on your ability to build relationships. But how can you instigate meaningful relationships? “Networking” has become a dirty word associated with amalgamating masses of shallow, transactional connections. Instead, take the “anti-networking” path to building authentic relationships. Anti-networking has four core principles: “find value-aligned rooms, ask engaging questions, become a level 2-3 listener, and use creative follow-ups.”
To build meaningful relationships, seek out places where you will rub shoulders with like-minded people.
To meet like-minded folks, visit places where you are most likely to encounter people who share your interests and values.
“You can increase your odds of meeting people with whom you will connect by putting yourself in the rooms where several levels of filtering have already occurred before you even arrive.”
For example, if your canine companion is your passion, you’ll meet other dog lovers at a local dog park or on popular walking trails. If you enjoy diving into the world of books, you’ll find potential pals at a local book club. If you are looking to expand your professional network, attend industry-specific conferences or events. By putting yourself in the right place, you’ll be primed to make new connections.
Pose captivating questions.
To start a conversation and spark a connection with someone you’ve never met before, start by saying hello and smiling. This helps you and your interlocutor relax. Avoid asking, “What do you do?” You’ll receive a boring, generic response. Instead, ask a thought-provoking question that signals a genuine interest in your conversational partner. Asking, “What are you most excited about right now?” or “What’s your favorite book?” can take your conversation to unpredictable places.
If you are shy or socially awkward, asking questions removes the spotlight — and the pressure to be interesting — from you and gives your conversational partner an opportunity to shine.
Raise your listening game.
Listening has three levels:
- “Me listening” — This is the default mode for most people. While others speak, your internal monologue is busy relating what you hear to your own life. Instead of truly listening, you’re thinking about the next thing you’ll say.
- “You listening” — In this mode, you listen intently to the other person without waiting for an opportunity to speak. You listen to learn something new.
- “Us listening” — As you listen, you form a deeper understanding of how life experiences have framed your conversational partner’s outlook on life and the world. You consider the depth of what your interlocutor is saying — and not saying.
If you want to build deep, authentic relationships, you must employ Level 2 and Level 3 listening.
Follow up on your conversations.
Once a conversation has wrapped up, don’t try to prolong it. Politely exit the conversation by saying, “It was so great meeting you. I look forward to seeing you again soon.” If appropriate, exchange contact information. After the conversation, jot down any relevant information you learned about your new contact, such as hobbies and interests, and think about a novel way you could get in touch in the coming days.
“Playing ‘hard to get’ is for children. Invest energy in building new, genuine relationships, and you will be rewarded.”
For instance, if you spoke about your favorite book, you could send your new acquaintance a copy of the book. Or you could share a link to a podcast or article that you have reason to believe that person would enjoy. Moreover, you could offer to introduce your new contact to another friend with a shared interest. Reaching out in this way shows that you were listening and that you are keen to deepen the relationship. So stop networking and embrace anti-networking. You’ll enjoy the benefits to your health and well-being for many years to come.
About the Author
Investor, entrepreneur and blogger Sahil Bloom is the writer of The Curiosity Chronicle newsletter.