7 answers
Annabelle
Student
Williamsburg, Virginia
2
Questions
Asked
448 views
How can we transform our networking motivation from that of selfish intentions to genuine interest in those around you ?
As a business student, networking is crucial, but I often see people network purely for their own gain- they don't actually care about the people they are talking to, they just want to advance their career. I've found this makes our industry appear quite disingenuous and it is difficult to assess when you've actually made a friend in your field versus when someone wants something from you. How can we approach networking so that we are truly interested in meeting new people, allowing opportunities from connections to arise naturally? How can we balance maintaining integrity in that way with seeking out career growth?
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7 answers
Nichole Palmer
Global Black Belt, AI
2
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Nichole’s Answer
Networking is often seen as a transactional activity, but it doesn't have to be that way. To build genuine connections, approach networking as you would any other relationship. This means investing time and effort into getting to know the person, finding common interests, and nurturing the relationship over time.
When you meet someone new, look for people who are doing something you admire or have skills you want to learn. Express your admiration and interest in connecting with them. Instead of focusing solely on what you want to gain, seek out commonalities such as shared interests, experiences, or values. These commonalities can serve as a foundation for a deeper connection.
As you get to know them better, you'll naturally learn more from them and find ways to support each other. This approach not only helps you grow professionally but also builds meaningful relationships that can last beyond immediate career goals. Remember, networking is about mutual growth and learning, not just advancing your own career.
By treating networking as a genuine relationship-building process, you'll find that opportunities arise naturally, and you'll maintain your integrity while seeking career growth.
When you meet someone new, look for people who are doing something you admire or have skills you want to learn. Express your admiration and interest in connecting with them. Instead of focusing solely on what you want to gain, seek out commonalities such as shared interests, experiences, or values. These commonalities can serve as a foundation for a deeper connection.
As you get to know them better, you'll naturally learn more from them and find ways to support each other. This approach not only helps you grow professionally but also builds meaningful relationships that can last beyond immediate career goals. Remember, networking is about mutual growth and learning, not just advancing your own career.
By treating networking as a genuine relationship-building process, you'll find that opportunities arise naturally, and you'll maintain your integrity while seeking career growth.
Michelle M.
Actress
2522
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Annabelle !
I understand what you mean. I have seen quite a lot of what you've mentioned in my own field of work and it can have deep impact and make you almost bored with networking. I always found networking as an actress to be really phony, calculated and no one is really interested in friendship in the career world.
However, that being said, real networking happens when you don't even realize you're doing it ! I can draw upon my own experience in the most dreadful networking scenario there is - being an actress. I could never in my life be motivated to use people, so this was a weak point of mine once I started the real career, however, some professional experiences will end up being leads and contacts that get you work. I highly advise keeping your Networking for Business on campus and possibly doing volunteer work. You shouldn't ever have to force it now or in the future. You're correct. Friendships happen naturally by having a mutual interest in one another. The contacts I made while on campus as a student proved to be the most important contacts I ever made.
Something you may want to do is look into any business related groups or organizations on campus. ones that do projects and have activities. That is a more natural setting to get to know people. You do not have to go around town making connections, stay on campus. If there's a student lounge in the Business Department, hang out there. Sometimes classmates end up being important contacts. Seek out on campus entrepreneurship clubs, marketing clubs, business fraternities and honor societies. Connect with the American Marketing Association because they have ideas for student on campus group opportunities,
Most of all, don't feel guilty for how you feel. I understand totally. I know how it feels to be a friendly person who really wants to meet new people as people, but like-minded in careers, and some seem very disinterested unless they think you can further their career. After a while, this is not going to bother you because you'll meet people your own way and feel better about it. And when it comes to Business, you are free to start or make your own opportunities, too.
So, know that your are not alone with your concern. Be yourself, focus on people and activity on campus and know that you can create your own business activity for meeting new people and those who showed no interest when you tried other ways will be the ones missing out.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best !
I understand what you mean. I have seen quite a lot of what you've mentioned in my own field of work and it can have deep impact and make you almost bored with networking. I always found networking as an actress to be really phony, calculated and no one is really interested in friendship in the career world.
However, that being said, real networking happens when you don't even realize you're doing it ! I can draw upon my own experience in the most dreadful networking scenario there is - being an actress. I could never in my life be motivated to use people, so this was a weak point of mine once I started the real career, however, some professional experiences will end up being leads and contacts that get you work. I highly advise keeping your Networking for Business on campus and possibly doing volunteer work. You shouldn't ever have to force it now or in the future. You're correct. Friendships happen naturally by having a mutual interest in one another. The contacts I made while on campus as a student proved to be the most important contacts I ever made.
Something you may want to do is look into any business related groups or organizations on campus. ones that do projects and have activities. That is a more natural setting to get to know people. You do not have to go around town making connections, stay on campus. If there's a student lounge in the Business Department, hang out there. Sometimes classmates end up being important contacts. Seek out on campus entrepreneurship clubs, marketing clubs, business fraternities and honor societies. Connect with the American Marketing Association because they have ideas for student on campus group opportunities,
Most of all, don't feel guilty for how you feel. I understand totally. I know how it feels to be a friendly person who really wants to meet new people as people, but like-minded in careers, and some seem very disinterested unless they think you can further their career. After a while, this is not going to bother you because you'll meet people your own way and feel better about it. And when it comes to Business, you are free to start or make your own opportunities, too.
So, know that your are not alone with your concern. Be yourself, focus on people and activity on campus and know that you can create your own business activity for meeting new people and those who showed no interest when you tried other ways will be the ones missing out.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best !
Funny that you say that, because I am in a business fraternity and I am the Business Manager of my school's Student Marketing Association! I appreciate the tips, thank you!
Annabelle
You're welcome, Annabelle ! Keep up your good work !
Michelle M.
Monica S.
Finance
35
Answers
Savannah, Georgia
Updated
Monica’s Answer
Hi Annabelle,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. I understand what you are expressing and know how it feel. I find it wise to know where you stand in the field and what you are willing to allow.
Through experience you will discover the areas of expertise that YOU are best at and give the space to allow others to show up in the areas that they are best in.
Know that networking is business first and all else can be second. Take care!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. I understand what you are expressing and know how it feel. I find it wise to know where you stand in the field and what you are willing to allow.
Through experience you will discover the areas of expertise that YOU are best at and give the space to allow others to show up in the areas that they are best in.
Know that networking is business first and all else can be second. Take care!
Gaurav Rastogi
Organizational Culture Trusted Advisor
13
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Gaurav’s Answer
Great question. I agree—people are perceptive and can quickly sense when someone is only interested in advancing their own agenda. When that happens, they tend to tune out.
For me, networking is about expanding the realm of possibilities—for both myself and the people I meet. I try to approach every interaction with a mindset of curiosity and generosity, asking, How can I help this person? Who in my network might they benefit from meeting? Over time, I’ve tried to develop what I call my “connector superpower”—intentionally looking for ways to connect others.
When I do that, it becomes a win–win–win: the person I help wins, the person I connect them to wins, and eventually, I win too—often in ways I didn’t expect. It takes patience and trust in the long game, but I’ve found it makes networking feel more authentic and fulfilling.
For me, networking is about expanding the realm of possibilities—for both myself and the people I meet. I try to approach every interaction with a mindset of curiosity and generosity, asking, How can I help this person? Who in my network might they benefit from meeting? Over time, I’ve tried to develop what I call my “connector superpower”—intentionally looking for ways to connect others.
When I do that, it becomes a win–win–win: the person I help wins, the person I connect them to wins, and eventually, I win too—often in ways I didn’t expect. It takes patience and trust in the long game, but I’ve found it makes networking feel more authentic and fulfilling.
Shaun Collins
Project Management
10
Answers
San Mateo, California
Updated
Shaun’s Answer
HI Annabelle - Really a great question. When meeting someone you want to network with it's important to have good emotional intelligence. (Read Daniel Goleman's book on this one). It's important to know how to enter a conversation, what is an appropriate question and how to present yourself. I find that it's easier to start a conversation with something like a comment on what they are wearing, or something they had said in a talk or paper. This helps get the ball rolling. Introduce yourself and your interests, then let the other person talk. Ask them about their skills, what they like, their work, family, their background, etc. Just get them going with more clarifying questions and practice your listening and reflections skills. By reflection I mean reflect back what you are hearing with more questions. When it seems like the right time, make sure to exchange contact information, and suggest how you could be of service to them in the future and/or how you could use their help in your career. Don't be afraid to talk to people in high places. A lot of time, those people like talking with the youth and sharing their insight When you contact them again, use information you gleaned from your conversation like - how are your kids - or how is the book going? Show sincere interest in the person and show that you had listened to them. The other great book is an oldie by Dale Carnegie: "How to Win Friends and Influence People," Good luck. You're already asking the right questions!
- Shaun
- Shaun
Scott Stafford
Accounting - Quality and Risk Management
5
Answers
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Updated
Scott’s Answer
I think it is important to understand, that you receive through giving. What I mean is, it is very rare to build a relationship with someone by expecting them to bring a benefit to you first, such as a sales lead. Work hard to understand what they do, what are the challenging they are facing, and can you personally or do you know someone you can introduce them too that can help them with those challenges. Those efforts will eventually create positive opportunities for you. Also, always remember that network building is a lot like establishing a footprint in a given market or area - and the more things you are involved in - the larger that footprint grows and the more people will know you or your company as a result. That in and of itself - is success - so do not get discouraged if you do not get immediate return on your efforts.
Molly Newby
Payroll Manager
3
Answers
New Palestine, Indiana
Updated
Molly’s Answer
I'd recommend keeping a curious mind set! Sometimes you can learn things from networking that change your perception of the career. The goal should be to learn more about the work - it's much better to find out a career is not a good fit for you in the early stages than it is to find out after you've completed school and are already working in it!