Stop Networking. Start Connecting

Maybe we’ve been going about this all wrong, writes Eric Dewey in 7 Reasons Networking is Dead ... or should be. Maybe we shouldn’t be focused on networking, but rather on connecting:

“Networking is very [What’s In It For Me?]. If you've ever been on the receiving end of this type of interrogation, you know the feeling it creates. And you’ve made a mental note to avoid this person in the future. On the other hand, connecting is about how to help each other. Connection requires you to give something, your advice, your thoughts, maybe only your genuine participation in the conversation or a sympathetic ear.”

Read the post, and think about how you can better connect with the people you meet. Because you’re not speed dating and you don’t need an elevator pitch develop a meaningful relationship. You need to connect.