Networking — What did we learn in 2024?
The last Mind Shift Forum of the year… and perhaps ever?
(More about that at the end.)
We learned a lot about networking this year.
A lot of people find networking salesy and inauthentic. So, I wanted to flip that on its head. What’s a more authentic way to build a community of connections… of friendships?
My core argument was: Networking done well can be incredible for our mental health as we build connections and help each other grow.
So, here are all the Mind Shifts we learned about networking this year:
Jan: Start With Self-Awareness — The Networking Quiz
We measured your networking skills, strengths, and attitude across 7 categories that include drive, self-perception, and engagement. (The quiz will run until the end of the year at least.)
Feb: Forget Metrics — Build Friendships
Real networking happens when a friend introduces a friend.
Mar: Don’t Sell — Be “Happy To Help”
Don’t sell yourself. Help others succeed and you’ll open the doors of opportunity.
Apr: Don’t Go It Alone — Dream In Public
Isolation is the dream killer, so don’t try to do everything by yourself. When talking about what you’re going after, share these two things:
your dream
the obstacle
People will find a way to help if they can.
May: Status Disconnects — Story Connects
When it comes to introductions, don’t fall in the trap of status signalling. Instead, tell the story of why you joined and why you stay. Job titles peg your place on the social hierarchy, but story leads to connection.
June: Don’t Ignore Curiosity — Learn Their Story
When you notice something interesting and unique about a business, be sure to ask: “What’s the story here?” You’ll make friends with people who are doing something creative, unique, and different and feel part of their story.
July: Be Less Of A Guest — Host Others
Hospitality is your best networking practice. Cultivate forums for great conversations and make space for meaningful connections.
Aug: The Big Lie — And My Real Agenda
I said this year was about networking. It was a lie. Networking was a Trojan horse. My true goal was to get people to care about each other.
Sept: Loneliness Is a Health Risk — Invest In Your Social Fitness
Continuing from last month — you only need about 3 or 4 close friends to avoid the severe health risks of loneliness. In fact, research has shown that strong relationships matter more than anything else.
Oct: Stop Trying To Impress — Focus On Enjoying Yourself
If you pressure yourself to make a good impression, you show up performing to be liked. Instead, a better mindset is to focus on enjoying yourself when with others.
Nov: Image Making Is Branding — Authenticity Is Emotional Awareness
People often present an image of something they’re not. Wheras true authenticity is awareness of what you feel and why you feel that way. When you practice self-understanding, you become more comfortable in your skin wherever you are.
Dec: What did you learn?
I have a favour to ask.
I have a great idea for MSF 2025 — to talk about ambition — but, honestly as it currently stands, after 5 years, we plan to wind this project up and invest my time in other things.
➜ If you would like Mind Shift Forum to continue…
Email me with one "golden nugget" you learned about networking (or building connections) this year. Or just say: “I read these. Keep going!”
If I get enough responses, that’s all I need to know to continue the project.
If not, I’m grateful for the messages and conversations we’ve shared together. It’s been fun! Thank you for coming on this journey with me.
Kind regards,
Peter
Mind Shift Forum 2024
