Can Networking be Transformational?
I think we give far too few things the opportunity to be transformational.
We save a personal transformation for a HUGE event. Even for me, some of those events have included getting divorced, becoming a mom, finding my passion, experiencing grief.
But what if some of those every day things we do could be transformational as well?
This is post 1 in a series of every day business things that COULD be transformational…if we only look at it the right way.
A Definition of Transformational
You know how I love to start with a definition. According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of transformation is, “ of, relating to, characterized by, or concerned with transformation”. Well…that’s not super helpful.
Let’s try transformation; “an act, process, or instance of transforming or being transformed.” Now we’re getting somewhere ;)
How about we look at what it means to transform; “to change in character or condition”.
Ok, that’s something we can work with.
Any interaction with another human can allow us to change in character, assuming we are open to it.
A Definition of Networking
The definition of networking is a little easier to find: “the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions, specifically for the the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business”.
I love the part about “cultivating productive relationships”.
Wouldn’t a productive relationship, by nature, provide us with the opportunity to change in character?
As in, if we honored this part of the definition, every networking opportunity could be transformational?
The Problem with Modern Networking
Unfortunately, in a lot of networking spaces people leave it at, “the exchange of information or services” and forget about the part around cultivating productive relationships.
Yes, cultivate; or, in other words, “to foster the growth of”.
We focus on getting people into the same room.
But just like a seed won’t turn into a plant without the right amount of nurture in the right environment, nor will networking turn into a productive relationship without a focus on continually cultivating the relationship.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve attended LOTS of networking events that just put seeds in a room.
So, the key to creating an actual opportunity for transformation is in the effort behind cultivating the relationships.
Turn The Beat Around
What we need to do is create our networking spaces with the INTENTION of allowing for a change in character.
How can we do that?
Well, we need to first explore what drives a change in character. And one thing that comes to mind is LISTENING.
When I think of listening, I immediately think about my friend Oscar Trimboli and his 5 Levels of Listening. Where we normally stop in basic networking is Level 2 - Listening for Content. We hear what someone says their business does. But it doesn’t do anything to connect us with the content. Which means, we don’t retain it either.
But what if we created networking spaces built on Levels 4 & 5 - Listening to the Unsaid, and for Meaning.
This is where we build heart connections with other humans.
And THIS is where transformation is available. Because you allow another person to change you.
Which reminds me of another key component to transformation…
You have to be OPEN to it.
Opening Yourself Up to Transformational Opportunities
It’s always possible for us to stop ourselves before transformation occurs. And a lot of us have a TON of practice in this area.
Which means, if you want to open yourself up to transformational networking, you need to PRACTICE doing that instead.
And unfortunately, there aren’t that many opportunities to experience transformational networking. Which does make it more complicated to practice.
But there is at least ONE place where you can get this…within the Your Business Peeps community 💕
We have Open Networking events at least twice a month, and practice this skill weekly within the community. If you’re interested in checking out a free event, connect with me on LinkedIn and let me know! I’ll make sure you’re on the invite list 😉
