TIN #136 - How One Networking Conversation Changed My Life
The Power of Listening in Networking
Have you ever had a single conversation that completely shifted your perspective or opened a door you didn’t even know existed?
That’s exactly what happened to me a few months ago, and it all started with a casual networking connection.
Here’s the story about how one chat led me to a surprisingly transformative experience.
And why networking is about so much more than just finding new jobs or clients.
This issue takes about 5 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.
From LinkedIn Connection to a New Path
Late last year, I connected with a guy on LinkedIn named Gus.
His profile says he’s an “"Icebreaker and Friendmaker."
That immediately caught my attention (and why your LinkedIn headline is ultra-important).
Whether I reached out to him or he commented on one of my posts doesn’t matter—the point is, we connected.
Gus stood out because of his background in improv and how he uses it to help people build confidence, improve executive presence, and enhance communication in corporate settings.
As someone who speaks to companies about internal networking and employee engagement, I found this fascinating.
What started as a LinkedIn exchange quickly turned into plans for coffee.
Gus lives about an hour away, so we met halfway and had a great conversation.
We talked about our work, our goals, and shared advice on navigating professional growth.
I was especially curious about his improv journey, and he recommended a group in Denver that offered classes.
That simple recommendation planted a seed that would grow into something much bigger.
The Power of Networking Beyond Work
Networking often gets associated with career advancement—finding a new job, client, or business lead.
But that conversation with Gus reminded me that networking can also enrich your life in unexpected ways.
Gus’s recommendation wasn’t just about improv; it was about connecting me to a resource and community I would have struggled to find on my own.
When someone you trust makes a recommendation, it carries weight.
You don’t have to endlessly research or second-guess your decision.
Gus’s expertise in improv gave me the confidence to take the leap and sign up for my first class.
This experience underscored an important truth: networking isn’t just about opportunities—it’s about learning from others and growing in ways you hadn’t imagined.
Diving Into Improv: A Lesson in Listening
So, I signed up for an Improv 101 class.
Walking into that first session was exhilarating and nerve-wracking, but it turned out to be an incredible experience.
The class was two and a half hours filled with laughter, learning, and growth.
None of us had done improv before, but we were all there to develop skills like thinking on our feet and presenting with confidence.
The most surprising takeaway?
Improv isn’t just about quick wit or saying the next thing—it’s about truly listening.
The key to great improv is paying close attention to what others are saying and building on it.
As I reflected on this, I realized how much this parallels networking.
The best networkers aren’t the ones who dominate conversations; they’re the ones who listen intently, understand what others need, and respond thoughtfully.
Whether in improv, networking, or everyday life, listening can transform interactions and create meaningful connections.
Why Networking Should Be About Curiosity
If you’ve been hesitant to network because it feels transactional or intimidating, consider this: networking doesn’t have to be about landing a job or sealing a deal.
It can be about learning something new, gaining a fresh perspective, or simply connecting with someone interesting.
By approaching networking with curiosity instead of an agenda, the process becomes less stressful—and way more rewarding.
When I reached out to Gus, I wasn’t looking for anything specific.
I just wanted to learn more about him and his work.
That curiosity led to a conversation that pushed me out of my comfort zone and into a new experience.
And who knows where this improv journey will take me next?
What I do know is that it all started with a single conversation.
Takeaways You Can Apply Today
Networking is about learning, not just job hunting. Approach conversations with an open mind and a desire to grow.
Listen more than you talk. Whether in improv or networking, good listening builds trust and keeps the conversation flowing.
Follow your curiosity. Don’t hesitate to reach out to someone simply because you find their work or perspective interesting.
Trust referrals from your network. A trusted recommendation can save you time and lead to quality opportunities.
Say “yes, and” to new experiences. Be open to trying something outside your comfort zone—it might just change your life.
Final Thoughts
This week, I challenge you to have a conversation where your only agenda is to be curious and listen.
Don’t overthink it—just reach out, listen, and see what you can learn.
Networking isn’t about immediate results; it’s about planting seeds that may grow into something unexpected and transformative.
And remember, whether it’s in networking, improv, or life: listen first, speak second, and always be curious.
If you’re interested in learning more about improv or want to share your own networking stories, feel free to connect with me.
Let’s keep the conversation going.
And as I always say, go out there and always be connecting!