Stop Networking Like a Marketer. Start Connecting Like a Human

⏳ Read Time: Less than 4 min.

I’m pumped to have you back for another round of The Winning Edge. If you’re tired of surface-level advice on success, communication, and leadership—you’re in the right place.

This week, we’re tackling networking—but not the kind you’re thinking of.
Forget the business-card hustle or “working the room.”
The most successful people in any industry?
They don’t network. They build strategic trust capital.
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This Week’s Insights

✅ Why Traditional Networking Might Be Hurting Your Reputation
✅ The 2 Questions That Instantly Deepen Professional Relationships
✅ The Invisible Skill Most Executives Overlook
✅ AI Tool of the Week – A new tool that writes connection-driven follow-ups using your voice
✅ The “Slow Burn” Relationship Strategy That Pays Off Big

THE MAIN EVENT
🎤 Stop Networking Like a Marketer. Start Connecting Like a Human.

Here’s the unpopular truth:
Networking events rarely lead to meaningful relationships.
Why? Because everyone’s there trying to be seen, not trying to see others.

👀 Flip Your Focus:

Instead of asking:

Ask:

That subtle shift turns a fleeting contact into a lasting connection.

🧠 The Two-Question Technique

Want to move from surface-level to substance in one conversation? Use this:

1️⃣ "What’s something you're working on right now that excites you?"
2️⃣ "What’s one challenge you're navigating that nobody really talks about?"

You’ll instantly shift into a space of relevance and vulnerability—which is where trust begins.

QUICK HITTERS: Fast Wins for the Week

💡 Tip of the Week: Don’t introduce yourself with a job title. Instead, say, “I help [insert benefit/result] for [type of audience].” It’s memorable and value-forward.

📊 Stat of the Week: According to LinkedIn, only 38% of professionals follow up after an initial meeting—but 79% of high-level deals come from second or third touches.

🎭 Power Move: End every networking conversation with this line:
"Would it be helpful if I introduced you to someone in my circle?"
Most people never forget the person who opened a door for them.

📖 Recommended Read: Give and Take by Adam Grant — A data-backed guide on how givers win in the long game of influence and connection.

WEEKLY DEEP DIVE
Strategic Relationship Building: The Invisible Skill Most Executives Overlok

There’s a huge difference between collecting contacts and building capital.
Social capital. Trust capital. Relationship ROI. Whatever you call it—it’s built slowly, but compounds fast.

Here’s how high-level professionals actually build lasting relationships:

💬 1. Invest Before You Need Anything

If your first email after 2 years is “Hey, quick favor…”—you’ve already lost.
Keep a shortlist of high-value people you admire and send them value once a month.
A quick article. A note of congrats. A thoughtful insight.

🎧 2. Listen Like a Surgeon

Most people listen to reply. But master communicators listen to diagnose.
They notice what’s not being said. They ask thoughtful follow-ups.

Next time you’re in conversation, count how many times you speak vs. listen.
Then ask: Did I create safety, or just fill space?

🔄 3. Be the Connector Without an Agenda

This is the secret weapon.

Become known as the person who says:

No commission. No favor bank. Just generosity.
The most respected people in every industry are also the best connectors.
That reputation creates invisible pull.

AI TIP OF THE WEEK

📌 Tool: Warmly – Your AI-powered relationship radar

Warmly integrates with Zoom, Gmail, and LinkedIn to give you contextual cues before and during meetings—like shared connections, mutual interests, and talking points you’d never think to ask.

It even drafts custom follow-ups based on the tone and takeaways of your conversation, using your own writing style.

🧪 Pro Tip: Let Warmly auto-generate a recap email 5 minutes after a virtual coffee chat. You’ll follow up faster—and smarter—than 99% of your peers.

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

✅ Challenge: Choose one person this week and send them a non-transactional, value-packed message. No ask. Just a nudge of goodwill.

💬 Community Question:
What’s the best networking tactic you’ve ever used—or the worst one you’ve ever seen? Hit reply. I’d love to feature some of your stories.

P.S.
Next week, we’re shifting gears into Presentation Mastery—but with a twist. I’ll share one high-stakes speaking tactic that most keynote pros never use—and why it works like magic.

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