DONT'T NETWORK, CONNECT

Don’t Network, Connect

By Nick Ridpath

Nick is a personal trainer and online coach based out of DMV Iron Gym in Alexandria, Virginia. First introduced to fitness through sports, Nick played division I football before entering the coaching scene. Nick has worked as head of strength and conditioning for a private sports performance gym, as a trainer in PT clinics, and now runs his own in person and remote business. Nick believes in a principles based approach to provide results for his clients. You can best contact him on Instagram @nickridpath_

Your network is your net worth, or something like that. 

This is parroted in many industries, but for the most part it is incredibly relevant to business. 

The word “networking” by definition carries no negative connotation; however, its implications can rub some the wrong way. 

In these cases, “networking” is conducted in a purely transactional manner and is hard to hide. If the forming of relationships comes off as purely opportunistic many will see right through it. Thinking solely on what others can provide for us instead of forming a real relationship is what many would consider bad networking. 

Instead of approaching potential business relationships in a transactional manner, we should make a strong effort to connect with others.

What we know only matters to a certain point. Once we’ve reached that point, how others perceive us matters much more.

On a deeper level - do we care? Can they trust us? Would they want to spend time with us? 

Your friends are your fortune. 

This isn’t to imply that all business relationships should be formed with people who you see as friends, or even that all professional relationships need to be more than a professional relationship. This is more so to highlight the importance of forming connections that aren’t established purely on transactional merit. 

Trust carries momentum in business. Trust is built on connecting.  

When our clients trust us it creates buy in, that buy in delivers faster results.

When our superiors trust us, more expedient opportunities arise.

When our business partners trust us, it streamlines decision making.

Showing others that we genuinely care brings out their best. 

Showing them what we can provide gives a win/win option for both parties. 

Good business is about relationships. 

Bad networking, and by extension bad business, are predicated on transactional relationships.

Kissing ass or completing favors purely for the sake of receiving something in return. 

Heckling every member who walks in the gym instead of connecting with them - giving them a friendly interaction, and offering them help if they need it.

Running a high volume of clients but delivering a low quality service.

Being an inward thinking opportunist instead of an outward thinking collaborator. What can X person do for me should be reframed to what value can we provide each other? 

The list can go on and on, but that isn’t the point here. The point here is that connecting with others is going to be the foundation of meaningful relationships, and running a high quality service business. 

Thinking of what we can provide for others instead of what they can provide for us is going to not only create a win/win for both parties, but give us the best outcome at the end of the day. 

Networking is fine, but don’t allow it to be foundationally transactional. 

We should actively be thinking of what we can give, not what we can be given.

Look to connect, build relationships, build trust, build opportunities for yourself, and take advantage of the opportunities provided.