I had a networking lunch this week with a new connection.
During the conversation, I emphasized our business focus, and to my surprise, the individual we met with wholeheartedly agreed.
Essentially, we concurred that if there’s a mutually beneficial opportunity for us to collaborate, resulting in the exchange of value for remuneration, it would be a logical step to nurture our professional relationship and facilitate reciprocal referrals.
Conversely, if our networks do not show genuine interest in engaging in business transactions, it would be unproductive to invest significant time and effort in an unfruitful endeavor.
Why is this surprising, you might ask?
Well, in my experience over the past 20 + years, about 95 out of 100 individuals, particularly those from certain professions such as banking, have not shared this perspective.
For many, networking serves as an excuse to step away from the workplace, engage in idle conversations, and report to their superiors that they were out “networking,” with no genuine business interactions taking place, merely a complimentary meal being the highlight.
Let me clarify, I am not dismissing the importance of fostering genuine friendships in business.
However, at its core, business fundamentally revolves around the exchange of goods and services.
If your network is not contributing to this essential aspect, it might be worthwhile to explore other professional circles where the focus aligns more closely with your business objectives.
Ultimately, business is meant for conducting business.