TIN #066 - Meet The World's Best Networker: Secrets Of A Networking Pro
His Approach To Networking May Surprise You!
Hey there, fellow introverted networkers!
Today, I want to introduce you to someone you've probably never heard of, but his networking prowess is truly awe-inspiring.
His name is Adam Rifkin, and back in 2011, Fortune magazine crowned him the "World's Best Networker."
Now, what makes him the best?
Let me tell you…
This issue takes about 4 minutes to read.
But Before We Get Started…
Each week, I post a new podcast with tips you’ll find in the weekly newsletter and bonus stories, wisdom, and motivation. The Introverted Networker podcast is like the weekly newsletter but with additional narration and thoughts from me. Be sure to listen to this week’s podcast and check out the previous episodes of the podcast as well.
The video version of the podcast is available on my YouTube channel.
Who Is Adam Rifkin?
Adam Rifkin, a shy engineer from Silicon Valley, made it to the top of the networking game.
About 12 years ago, Fortune Magazine recognized him for having more first-degree LinkedIn connections to Fortune 500 CEOs, tech geniuses, and brilliant minds of the Fortune 40 under 40 than anyone else at that time.
Impressive, right?
So, what's his secret?
Well, first, Adam's approach is more relatable than you might think.
He's not a social butterfly, and he's not out to gather the most LinkedIn connections or followers.
He focuses on quality over quantity.
The Power of Dormant Ties
One of Adam's key strategies is something we call "dormant ties."
These are people you've lost touch with over time, people from your past.
We’ve talked about this before in the first issue of this newsletter (here’s the link if you want more details on dormant ties).
Adam keeps up with his network and in turn they introduce him to new people to keep his network growing.
As for your own dormant ties, the people you know but have lost touch with over the year, reach out to them, rekindle that connection, and see if there's an opportunity to help them.
It's about maintaining and nurturing the connections you already have to create opportunities to meet new people.
The Five-Minute Favor
Another golden nugget from Adam is the "five-minute favor."
It's all about giving before you expect to receive.
Keep it small, something you can do in five minutes or less, like making an introduction or providing a quick recommendation.
This builds goodwill and paves the way for others to want to help you.
We’ve talked before about giving to others to make networking less awkward (TIN #004 - How To Make Networking Feel Good).
I’ve told you to give AIR:
Advice
Introductions
Recommendations
All of these fit within Adam’s five-minute favor concept.
And if it works for the world’s best networker, it will work for you as well.
Embrace “Pronoia”
Lastly, Adam believes in "pronoia," the belief that people genuinely want to help you succeed.
It’s the opposite of paranoia - the belief that everyone is out to get you.
Instead, believe that most people genuinely want to help you.
Changing your mind about this will help you overcome your own self-limiting beliefs that stop you from reaching out to others.
Instead of thinking, “I don’t want to bother someone with my networking email or message,” think:
“I bet this person and I can help each other. Let’s connect!”
This mindset shift can remove barriers and make you more open to giving and receiving help from your network.
What You Can Learn
The essential takeaway from Adam Rifkin's story is you don't need thousands of connections.
Be intentional with your networking.
Know where you want to go and who can help you get there.
Focus on those people.
It's about building a meaningful network that aligns with your goals.
Adam Rifkin's approach is not about being famous but about being effective in networking.
Apply these principles to your own journey, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a fantastic networker.
If you run into any networking challenges, reach out to me in the comments or via email. I’m here to help you become a better networker!
Until next time, keep meeting fascinating new people, and always be connecting.