Genuine Intentions Lead to Successful Relationships.
6 Things I learned “Networking” means over the last 4 Months.
In the past several months, I have been on a mission with my partner, Sarah, to get our company Usspire off the ground. My approach was, has been, and will continue to be, meet as many great people as possible.
Being in NYC comes with the whole Uncle Ben (Spider man reference here) “great power, great responsibility” mantra. You can’t squander the opportunity given to you everyday to meet the next person that might change your life entirely.
So, Uncle Ben taught me a little something there. I work during the day, go to an event almost every night - in the process, meeting over 400 great people over the past months. Through it all, staying relentless in the pursuit of greater connectivity.
From the outside looking in, the NYC “trenches” seem intimidating; in the foxhole however, you truly feel like the master of your own success. You can do it, but only if you genuinely want to.
The Definition of Genuine Invention:
- You must be passionate about the community:
As I have personally experienced in another viral community, Reddit, genuine passion for the community is intrinsically linked to success. Excluding this is a direct line to failure.
2. You cannot come to take:
I have seen a great number of people jump into a community to see what they can gain right away, positive net on the back end immediately. When they are ready to launch a startup, need funding, or want to meet high profile people, they come to an event or two and expect something in return.
What I have learned is that this usually ends in two ways; either the community simply does not accept you, or you leave because very obviously no one goes out of their way for someone in it simply for themselves.
3. You have a passion for people:
The people I have found succeed in network building are “Problem Doctors”. These are people that have a passion for helping others in addition to remedying their own problems. They love the assist, and feel a veritable value in aiding those around them, knowing they become better in turn.
In a phrase, selfishness doesn’t pay.
3 Ways to Get an “In” and Make The World Better While You Do It:
- Give Give Give: Give whatever you have to give. Do not give to take, but give because you can, because you want to. Whatever it may be, time, money, venues, advice, your personal network, opportunity. The modern world, even more so in the business world, is cutthroat. When people see you’re looking out for them, you don’t become just another value, another stepping stone, but you’re seen for your humanity.
- Invest: Invest in people, even if it’s beyond your direct reason for connection. Try to get to a more in-depth level of relation. Look for common ties in family, upbringing, interests or passions that don’t necessarily directly relate to either of your goals.
- Love: Try to love EVERYONE. One of my favorite verses is: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” 1 John 4:18. Religious or areligious, this idea holds value; the way to more genuine connections is to go beyond people’s barriers. Love is the key.
The next time you make a connection, I sincerely hope it’s a genuine one.
Talk you soon!
#ContagiouslyProductive, Always
Mina Salib @Usspire
Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success -Henry Ford
This is a link to some people that truly exemplify what I speak about above. We featured them on our first newsletter.
If you are interested sign up on our site usspire.com for all future updates.
S/O to my friend @DarenMcKelvey who has taught me so much, in so little time.
