Five Steps to Fruitful Networking: Part III

The third step to fruitful networking is Being Relational. If you’ve been to very many networking opportunities, you have likely met the people who are more transactional in nature.

They are the ones who are slinging cards to anyone who will take one and seizing every opportunity to promote their services. You won’t typically see them quietly talking with someone one one-on-one at length, trying to build a relationship.

We all typically prefer doing business with people we know and trust. The best way to build that trust is by building personal relationships. Proverbs 22:11 says, “One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.”

Establishing lasting networking relationships typically only works if the relationship has a foundation of friendship. No one wants to be bartered or hustled. Relational networking builds friendship, community, and solid business ventures. A real friend will be far more beneficial to you in the long run than a business partner.

Fruitful networking requires being vulnerable, trustworthy and graciously willing to share about yourself. You can only expect to receive as much as you give.

Questions For Reflection

• What is your attitude at networking events? What information are you looking to gather from the people you speak to? Does your interest come off as personal or professional?
• What was the best networking event you attended? What made it so? What do you like least about networking events?