Networking is Dead
Long Live Networking
GM,
Networking, as we know it, is dead.
Gone are the days of shallow, transactional connections. Today, true success comes from fostering genuine relationships. Give without expecting anything in return.
Serve others selflessly. Create value for those around you.
In this article, I'll share principles for building genuine relationships, especially on Twitter, the modern networking playground.
Whether you’re starting a new job, progressing in your career, attending an event, or simply looking to make new friends, these principles will help. Let’s get to it.
Principle 1: Be Where Your People Are
The first step in building meaningful connections is to be where your people are.
Twitter is a great place for this. Think about your values, interests, and professional goals. Then, find and follow accounts that align with them.
For instance, if you're into DeFi, follow thought leaders, turn on notifications, and constantly engage.
If you’re passionate about marketing, identify the marketing gurus, participate in Twitter spaces, and most importantly… SEND THAT DM! (DM tips below).
The goal is to immerse yourself in communities that resonate with you. This naturally increases your chances of connecting with like-minded individuals.
Principle 2: Engage Authentically
Once you’ve found your people, engage with them authentically.
Start by liking and retweeting content you find valuable. Add thoughtful comments to their tweets. Share your own insights and experiences. Consistency helps (a lot).
Here are some tips for DMing:
Be genuine: Show a genuine interest in their work and passions. This leads to more meaningful interactions.
Build rapport: Focus on what excites them to create a connection and build rapport.
Keep it concise and clear: When you DM, make your message clear and to the point to increase the likelihood of a response.
Leverage any mutual connection you may have. Be sure to not waste their time.
Principle 3: Listen and Learn
Active listening is crucial for building genuine connections.
On Twitter, this means paying attention to what people are sharing. Understand their interests, challenges, and successes.
Respond thoughtfully to their tweets. Show that you’re genuinely interested in their perspective.
For example, if someone tweets about a problem they’re facing, offer a helpful resource or share your own experience with a similar issue.
Principle 4: Follow Up Thoughtfully
Building a relationship doesn’t end with a single interaction.
Follow up thoughtfully. If someone shared an experience, check in later to see how they’re doing. This shows that you care.
Be of value to them. Even if it’s just making them feel appreciated and important. That goes a long way.
These small gestures show that you value the relationship and are invested in it.
Final Thoughts
Networking isn’t about accumulating connections. It’s about building relationships.
On Twitter, and in life, be where your people are, engage authentically, listen actively, and follow up thoughtfully.
Invest in real relationships, and you’ll be rewarded with a rich network of genuine connections. Special shout out to Sahil Bloom for driving the motivation for this piece.
Till next time. 🫡
Your thoughts?
Love live networking. story of my life