Networking That Doesn't Feel Gross

⏳ Read Time: Less than 4 min.

Welcome back to The Winning Edge—your weekly dose of performance psychology, persuasive communication, and leadership strategy.

Here’s a question most people never ask:

Are your connections actually converting into opportunities?

This week, we’re breaking down the real art of networking—without being transactional, cheesy, or awkward. Think less “grab coffee” and more “build strategic gravity.”
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This Week’s Insights

✅ Magnetic Networking—The mindset shift that builds instant rapport
✅ Strategic Generosity—How to give without getting burned
✅ The Follow-Up Formula—3 – 3 simple steps to never be forgotten
✅ AI Tool of the Week—A contact intelligence tool that makes you look brilliantly thoughtful

THE MAIN EVENT
🎤 Networking That Doesn’t Feel Gross

Let’s be honest: most networking advice is outdated or cringe.

The best relationships aren’t built through business cards or small talk. They’re built through value, relevance, and energy alignment.

Here’s the framework used by elite connectors:

🔹 1. Play Long Game, Fast

Forget “What can I get?” Instead, think, “Who do I want in my circle 5 years from now?”
Now act like it’s already true.

🔄 Long-term mindset. Short-term action.

🔹 2. Be Specific in the Follow-Up

After a great intro or event, send a message that proves you listened:

“You mentioned you were struggling with onboarding—here’s a tool I thought of after our chat.”

Specific > generic every time.

🔹 3. Be the Connection Hub

Introduce two people who would benefit from knowing each other—even if you don’t benefit directly. This creates relational gravity. People remember who opened doors for them.

🎯 Key Shift: Don’t try to be impressive. Be useful and memorable.

QUICK HITTERS: Fast Wins for the Week

💡 Tip of the Week: Ask better opening questions. Instead of “What do you do?” try, “What’s lighting you up right now in your work?” You’ll spark real conversation.

📊 Stat of the Week: Only 11% of professionals follow up after initial contact—and 80% of valuable connections are made in follow-ups. (Source: Forbes)

🎭 Power Move: Create a simple “give-first” habit: once a week, make a no-strings-attached intro, recommendation, or share a useful link.

📖 Recommended Read: “Never Eat Alone” by Keith Ferrazzi – A modern classic on building real professional relationships that matter.

WEEKLY DEEP DIVE
Strategic Relationship Building: Less Hustle, More Magnetism

Networking isn’t about being everywhere—it’s about showing up in the right places with the right energy.

Let’s break it down:

1️⃣ Shift from Transactional to Transformational

Most people approach networking like a to-do list. The pros treat it like a garden—plant, nurture, harvest.

Instead of “what can I get,” try “how can I create value, context, or connection for this person?”

2️⃣ Build a Relationship Ledger

No, not in a creepy spreadsheet way—but have a running mental (or digital) list of:

• Who you’ve helped

• Who’s helped you

• Who you admire but haven’t connected with yet

Then, take one small action every week from that list.

3️⃣ Use the 3 x 3 Follow-Up Formula

After you meet someone:

• Connect within 3 hours (so you don’t forget)

• Send something useful within 3 days

• Circle back in 3 weeks with a quick note or update

This makes you unforgettable—without being annoying.

🧠 Relationships compound. Make the first move, then stay in motion.

AI TIP OF THE WEEK

📌 Tool: Clay.earth – The Personal CRM for Relationship-Driven People

What it does:
✅ Automatically syncs with your calendar, email, and LinkedIn
✅ Reminds you when it’s time to reconnect
✅ Helps you remember key details and past convos

🔗 Try it at clay.earth

🧠 Why it matters: Relationships are capital. Clay helps you manage that capital with class.

WINNING WITH AI: The Future of Sales Proposals and Presentations

AI isn’t just for tech geeks or big corporations—it’s transforming how we sell, present, and communicate. The best sales teams are already using AI to:
✅ Generate compelling, tailored proposals in minutes (not hours).
✅ Turn data into engaging, visual stories that capture attention.
✅ Automate tedious tasks so they can focus on closing deals instead.

This isn’t the future—it’s happening right now.

Get your copy of my ebook here!

ACTION STEPS & COMMUNITY QUESTION

🎯 This week’s challenge:
✅ Reach out to someone you haven’t connected with in 30+ days.
✅ Be specific. Be helpful. Don’t ask for anything.

Then hit reply and tell me: What changed when you reactivated a dormant connection?

P.S.
Next week, we’re going deep on Presentation Mastery—how to hook your audience in the first 10 seconds, hold attention like a pro, and end with clarity and punch. If you ever speak, pitch, or persuade... you’ll want this one.

Keep building your edge—one conversation at a time.

YOUR OPINION MATTERS!

If you have more feedback or just want to get in touch, respond to this email, and we’ll get back to you!

Thanks for reading!

Until next week!

Mary Beth