Quality v Quantity
Depth v Numbers
Connecting v Networking
When we present options, often in the form of couplets like the 3 above, we make our choices easier. Is it this one or that one?
When we have many options, we’re more likely to get balled up in making decisions to make decisions.
When you’re thinking about your relationships, your business, your efforts and pursuits in life as we know it, think about it this way:
Value, not Volume
Connections and connecting is action oriented. It’s all about make the choice of purpose, depth, meaning. Of value, never volume; of meaning not metrics.
When I ask someone if they like to network, they usually say yes (wait for it). When I explore further and ask them why, they invariably state, “Because I like connecting with other people.”
[insert record scratch here]
Let me make this superdupercrystalclear:
Connecting is NOT Networking. Networking is NOT Connecting.
They are separate and not equal animals.
If you want to connect, your mindset must live in One At A Time Land, focusing on being hypercurious about other people, in the seeker-mindset space. the focus of networking is conventionally to help ourselves get ahead, not serve someone else.
In fact, I was reading a book excerpt this week which sadly reinforced that networking is all about the ME, not the THEM.
“Networking is about making contacts with people who can help you do your job better – or help you find a better job.”
This frightens me!! And it should frighten you too. That’s networking at its worst – as a vampire to take, take, take…. Connecting is all about the give.
Shift your language today if you’re still using the networking word. if you are, you’re still in the me me me mindset. language is a manifestation of our thinking; thinking is a manifestation of our beliefs. And beliefs are as changeable as our pants.
Focus on the Connector’s Mindset. One of giving first, being hypercurious, being interested not interesting. This is the value of connecting and the best way to purposefully create and foster new, truly meaningful and fruitful relationships that last.
Value, never volume.
If you want more useful insights you can apply right away to help you and your team shift your mindset to Connecting, you can get your copy of the Connectivity Canon today.