The New Networking
Building Real Relationships, Not Just Contacts
Let’s be honest. Most networking is transactional, awkward, and instantly forgotten—more badge scanning and LinkedIn spamming than authentic connection.
At Un_Standard, “networking” is a team sport, built on bold, movement-level clarity—and designed to build trust, loyalty, and mutual growth.
Real networking means fewer business cards, more “aha!” moments, and a community you can actually call when you need clarity.
Why Traditional Networking Feels Fake and Falls Flat
- Everyone’s pitching, nobody’s listening.
- The surface-level exchange of “what do you do?” yields zero lasting impact.
- Most follow-ups die on the vine—“Let’s connect!” turns into inbox tumbleweeds.
The movement knows real relationships are about showing up—and standing out for the long haul.
Join The Movement
How to Network the Un_Standard Way
1. Go for Clarity Over Quantity
- Seek out three genuine conversations, not thirty business cards.
- Enter with purpose: What are you hoping to learn, change, or give—not just get?
- Swap “networking event” for “movement-building jam.”
2. Engage Like a Human—Not an Algorithm
- Ask weird, honest questions (“What’s the boldest risk you’ve taken this year?”)
- Share your manifesto and mission first; see who lights up, not just who scans your badge.
- Offer value: introductions, advice, or real conversation—skip the elevator speech script.
3. Build Community, Not Just Rolodexes
- Move good conversations to private group chats, micro masterminds, or collaborative projects.
- Turn advocates and partners into co-creators of your next experiment, panel, or content.
You want a tribe, not just traffic.
4. Make Feedback and Follow-Through a Ritual
- After every event, send a voice note or movement-packed email—call back to something YOU learned from them, not just what you want to say.
- Track introductions, offers of help, and creative responses—turn cold contacts into warm momentum.
Proof from the Movement
A founder stopped attending traditional mixers, instead hosting monthly “manifesto roundtables”—conversation led by shared values. Result: partnerships that converted, referrals that landed, and a community that grew faster than any cold reach ever could.
A consultant replaced LinkedIn “let’s connect” posts with handwritten notes and relevant intros—her pipeline became self-refilling with trusted, aligned opportunities.
The Movement Networking Ritual
- Once a month, audit your network: who’s moving you forward, who needs an invite to the next jam, and who might you serve before asking for help?
- Challenge yourself to say “yes” to one random invite each quarter—you never know which “unusual” conversation becomes your next big ally.
Un_Standard Takeaway
The best growth comes from connections fueled by generosity, intention, and clarity—not just being everywhere or speaking to everyone.
Ready to build a networking habit that grows your business and your movement? Let’s get clear, real, and unapologetically human.
Book a Networking Clarity Session With Un_Standard →
You might also like
David Garrard
Agent Provocateur & Chief Creative Officer at Un_Standard. David helps ambitious brands unearth clarity, break the rules that hold them back, and co-create movement-level growth. When not challenging the status quo, he’s in the kitchen inventing new flavors or chasing after his three cats: Hallie Tosis, Lester Een, and Jim G. Vitis. #BeUnStandard
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.