Key facts
- Networking should focus on making the other person feel memorable, not just making oneself memorable.
- Effective networking involves asking genuine questions driven by curiosity about the other person's experiences.
- Identifying a person's unique passion or 'brisket' outside their profession can create a memorable connection.
- Follow-up actions, even small ones, demonstrate genuine listening and memory of the conversation.
- Using a database to record interactions is crucial for maintaining relationships.
The author, who hosts a podcast and runs a company, admits to historically struggling with traditional networking events, finding them filled with superficial conversations. Instead of focusing on making oneself memorable, the author suggests that the goal of networking should be to make the other person feel memorable. This involves asking questions that stem from genuine curiosity, rather than pre-rehearsed queries. For instance, if someone has been in real estate for 20 years, asking about the challenges they faced over time is more insightful than asking about recent sales figures. The author also advises looking beyond a person's profession to find their unique passions or 'brisket' – a hobby or interest they are truly enthusiastic about, which makes them more memorable than their job title alone. The author emphasizes that genuine curiosity, not a desire for conversion, should drive these deeper inquiries. Finally, the author suggests that a good conversation should lead to a concrete follow-up action, either for the other person or by the speaker, demonstrating that the conversation was truly heard and remembered. This approach, coupled with diligent use of a database to record interactions, is presented as a more effective way to build lasting professional relationships.