Learning to Learn From Others

Some people think of networking as going into a crowded room, making small talk, and shaking as many hands as possible. Sometimes it must be done, but I find it to be unproductive and inefficient. I’d rather have a genuine conversation with 5 people, than collect business cards from 50. I also just dislike superficial small talk and gladhanding, so maybe that colors my approach. Business isn’t so different from the rest of our lives - our goal shouldn’t be to meet people, but to get to know them. Networking is just getting to know people, and you should do it with purpose.

Don’t ask for something on your first interaction with someone

I try to be generous with my time, when people are generous with me. It might sound superficial, but if I see they’ve previously commented on a post of mine/my company’s, or their activity on LinkedIn shows a history of smart comments and questions, it really does matter…if done in a genuine way. Examples of productive comments: 

• To an individual: “This product launch resonated with me. Was there a specific insight about your customers that drove your work?” or “I see you moved from marketing to product management. Is that a path you’d recommend?”

• To a company: “I love your new product, XYZ - you knew I needed it before I did! Great job by your product team” or “I’m a business student, and I’m always looking to understand how my studies apply to the business world. You seem to be executing so well, ABC Inc. should be a case study in my classes!”

Contrast this with the spray & pray approach: spamming generic comments to volumes of people and companies, hoping one responds. My response is to ignore/delete/block.

An important note: if you aren’t actually interested in the person, their company, or what they do…it’s a waste of their time and yours. Don’t cosplay a curious person, be a curious person.