Reverse Networking – It’s Not About You
I read a great piece in the Harvard Business Review by Jodi Glickman about networking that I wanted to share. A self proclaimed 
communications guru, Jodi found herself at a networking event not in the mood to schmooze and hobnob. While she considered bolting altogether, she instead did some mental furniture rearranging and decided on the spot that this event was not about her.
Her new attitude of tackling the event without the pressure of advancing her career or meeting new and influential people allowed her to focus on being generous to others. She was on a mission to connect other people in the crowd and became an active listener in conversations, soaking up authentic information about other people and asking genuine questions. Imagine that – reverse networking to assist others!
Jodi’s experience allowed her to have fun and meet some fabulous people. By making it about other people, she took the pressure off herself and made really great connections that she still maintains today. By paying it forward and helping to connect others, she was still able to make valuable connections for herself but the approach was much more palatable.
For those who despise the concept of working a room or navigating a professional crowd, consider Jodi’s reverse networking concept and make it about the other people in attendance. By serving as a connector, you can take the stress out of the event and you just might enjoy yourself in the process.
February 12, 2013 @ 12:46 pm
The advice shared by both Jodi Glickman and Caroline are spot on. Whether you’re a Chamber Member, a SBDC advocate, or just a business owner wanting to connect, make sure you spend equal time caring about others as you do about yourself or your company. It’s amazing to see how people react to those who engage and listen versus just pitching. Remember, communication is a two way street. Sometimes you just need to pull over and let others pass while giving them a friendly wave!
February 12, 2013 @ 3:37 pm
Great idea!! It really is amazing, when you change your expectations of a situation, what can come out of it. I wouldn’t be surprised if, paradoxically, she actually made some contacts, as the pressure was off.
Kara
February 16, 2013 @ 6:01 am
To learn more about “Reverse Networking” please interview the inventor of Reverse Networking Matt Whitman of Halifax Nova Scotia. Matt developed the philosophy ovver the past 21 years and has been teaching the lifestyle since 2000. More details at http://www.MattWhitman.ca Also you can google PRNA orthe Professional Reverse networking Association. Matt is now an elected official representing Hammonds Plains St Margarets Bay in Nova Scotia Canada.
February 16, 2013 @ 6:39 am
A gentleman by the name of Matt Whitman in Halifax has labeled the phrase reverse networking and has been doing it for 5 years now here in Halifax Nova Scotia, Canada. It is one of the most revolutionary ways to promote business, and the best way to grow your network, without the hangups of traditional networking.
In 2009, we launched a small business publication called Mingle Magazine (http://minglemag.ca/), which promoted those principals, and we have had tremendous success using this exact same model. It is not about you, it is about helping others. We now host our own networking events and the demand keeps growing in our region because of one man who saw the need to help first.
February 19, 2013 @ 1:47 pm
Thanks Caroline, love your take on the piece and especially like the term “reverse networking” I may use that one… look forward to staying in touch. best, jodi
May 8, 2013 @ 7:38 am
“Act Like a Host” is one of the ten commandments of How to Network a Mixer. Stop trying to impress others and reach out to others, connect them and practice “Givers Gain” When you stop thinking about what you want and help others in the room feel comfortable you will find that people want to be connected to you. Givers are sought out, takers are avoided.