Do you hate networking? Or do you love it?
The quick and transactional "hey, how are you, who are you, what can you do for me... here's what I can do for you... should we keep talking? Oh! Our time is up, nice to meet you."
What if there was a better way to network?
What if networking was "hey, I'm Trevor, here are the questions I love to explore... are any of these questions you're trying to answer? What questions are you thinking about?"
Networking focused on "here's what I can do for you" forces us to decide whether or not the other person can do something for us now. "I have a need now, you have what I need, let's talk."
Versus..
Networking focused on questions moves us away from transaction and into partnership. "ooh, that person is answering a question similar to the one I am trying to answer, let's explore that together and help one another."
"Oooh, I've answered that question before... or knew someone that had... here's what they learned on their journey. Can I connect you?"
I'm starting to think networking events could be more... they could be events where fellow travelers come together, share what journeys they're on, and recruit fellowship for road - like Lord of the Rings, but without wizards and goblins.
