TIN #128 - Why Networking And "Idea Sex" Are Perfect For Each Other
How to Use Networking for Creative Idea Generation
Hello, Introverted Networkers!
This week, we're talking about a concept that’s as provocative as it is transformative: Idea Sex.
Before your mind wanders too far, let me explain—this is about combining ideas to create something entirely new.
It’s a different name for brainstorming.
It’s a concept popularized by James Altucher, a podcast host and author, and it’s a fantastic way to rethink networking.
Here’s how you can use the principles of idea sex to supercharge your networking and leave every meeting with fresh insights and creative solutions.
Warning: If talking about Idea Sex makes you uncomfortable, I have 127 other issues of this newsletter. Feel free to stop reading and look for another issue that helps you address your networking questions or challenges.
This issue takes about 4 minutes to read…
Before We Get Started:
My online course, “5 Steps To Grow Your Professional Network,” is FREE for all my newsletter subscribers. Learn the process I use everyday to grow my professional network.
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 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for more networking tips and insights.
The video version of the podcast is available on my YouTube channel.
What Is Idea Sex?
Idea Sex happens when two (or more) ideas are combined to produce a completely new idea.
Back in 2015, I spoke at DisruptHR Denver about this concept and how it can be used in Human Resources. The video is below:
Every idea is a remix.
The two ideas give birth to a completely new idea.
Think of it as a brainstorming superpower.
When you bring ideas together, they procreate and evolve, leading to innovation.
Networking is one of the best environments for this, as it’s all about sharing and exchanging perspectives with others.
Why This Matters In Networking
Have you ever had a networking conversation where you and the other person gave each other status updates?
“What’s going on in your life?”
“How’s your job?”
“What are you working on?”
Of course, we all have had these conversations. That’s how most networking conversations go.
And that’s ok.
But if you want to take your networking conversations to the next level to get the most out of them, add in the concept of Idea Sex.
Taking your ideas and combining them with the other person’s ideas could lead to amazing ideas.
When you treat networking as an opportunity to innovate through idea sharing, it becomes exciting and rewarding.
You’re no longer just “catching up”; you’re collaborating to create something new.
Five Rules for Idea Sex in Networking
Here are the five guidelines I share in the video above about Idea Sex, applied to networking:
Start with a Lot of Ideas: If you want more ideas, you need to start with a lot of ideas. Get in the habit of writing down your ideas. Even if they are terrible, they might spark something unexpected in networking conversations.
Don’t Do It Alone: You have to share the ideas for Step #1. That’s where networking comes in. Networking is about connecting with other people. Meet people, share your ideas, and let them share theirs. Collaboration is where the magic happens.
Avoid Idea Inbreeding: Get outside your comfort zone. If you always network with the same people in the same industry, you’ll keep generating the same ideas. Seek out people with different perspectives and experiences.
Be Promiscuous (With Ideas): Meet as many people as you can and embrace a diversity of thought. The more varied your idea partners, the richer your creative pool will be.
Don’t Use Protection: Don’t shut down ideas too quickly with thoughts like, “This will never work” or “Legal won’t approve it.” Explore the wild, unfiltered possibilities first—you can refine them later,
How to Use Idea Sex in Networking
The next time you’re meeting someone, use the concept of Idea Sex as your framework for conversation.
Here’s a simple plan to get started:
Prepare in Advance: Write down three to five ideas you’ve been thinking about.
Ask About Their Ideas: Encourage your networking connection to bring their own ideas to the conversation.
Mix and Match: Together, explore how your ideas could combine. What new possibilities emerge?
This process transforms a typical networking meeting from small talk into a collaborative brainstorming session.
You’ll leave with not only a stronger connection but also new ideas to keep working on or to share in other networking conversations.
Your Challenge This Week
In your next networking conversation, do the three things I listed above.
If you need to give the person you are networking with more context, share this issue of the newsletter with them.
It’s brainstorming with a purpose and a great way to make your networking more dynamic and engaging.
If you try this, let me know how it goes!
And remember, networking isn’t just something you have to do—it’s something you can genuinely look forward to when you’re sharing and creating.