👋🏻 Jacob here.
You know that networking sucks. And it shows.
What may be worse are the people who say they enjoy networking. Like yours truly.
What’s wrong with me? You’d think I’d learn that being a super connector is a slimy way to live my life.
Yet here we are.
With networking, everyone seems to want something. But nobody knows what to give.
Further – how often have you heard that networking is a numbers game? Yuck.
I think the numbers game is an excuse you tell yourself instead of admitting that you’re shit at building meaningful professional relationships.
Look.
Networking is not about activity and hustle. Networking is about psychology and habit.
Networking is a dance of empathy, persuasion, and reciprocity. It’s about grasping the subtle cues, understanding motivations, and crafting meaningful relationships by helping others.
Networking is about human connection and triggering our primal need to reciprocate for those who help us survive.
When done correctly, the world is yours for the taking. When you fail, the world is shut off from you. And you will become bitter.
As you network this week, remember:
- Listen 2x more than you speak.
- Give more than you expect in return.
- Be the one with more follow-through.
If you suck at networking — study psychology, not networking.
Stay fearless, friends.
See you next week.