Networking Got Me Nowhere. Here's the Smarter Alternative.

"Stop trying to be interesting. Instead, be interested. I used to feel pressure to impress people. I thought the point of networking was to showcase my wins, my product, my story. It wasn't disingenuous; I was proud of what I'd built, but I was constantly in 'performance' mode."

"Understand that relationships are grown (not hacked) and that one honest conversation beats ten superficial ones. People want to help - but you have to make it easy. When someone says, 'Let me know how I can help,' they mean it. But you have to clarify what that help looks like."

"Connection capital compounds. Every authentic relationship you invest in can yield returns years down the line in the form of introductions, collaborations, ideas and support."

Authentic connection surpasses traditional networking in building meaningful professional relationships. Rather than attending events to showcase accomplishments and collect contacts, focusing on genuine curiosity about others creates deeper bonds. People naturally want to help when asked directly and specifically. Relationships compound over time, generating introductions, collaborations, and support years later. Shifting from performance-mode self-promotion to interested listening transforms both professional outcomes and personal fulfillment. One honest conversation produces more value than numerous superficial exchanges. Making it easy for people to help by clarifying specific needs strengthens connection capital.

Read at Entrepreneur