We invited Andrew Third to speak at our business networking event in October. The topic was ‘my number one networking tip.’ See what Andrew had to say below.
Business networking can feel daunting, especially for those of us who are neurodivergent. When asked to share just one tip for business networking, it can feel impossible to condense all those thoughts and experiences into a single piece of advice.
Driving up to the event from Hornsby, I was deep in thought, mentally rehearsing and refining my points. Despite my preparation, stepping in front of an audience brought back memories of school days. I was the kid who avoided speaking at all costs, dreading the teacher's call to "speak now." Yet, here I am, years later, embracing the opportunity because I’ve come to see the personal and professional growth it offers.
From Corporate Comfort to Entrepreneurial Reality
When transitioning from a corporate environment to the business world, I initially thought I had it all figured out. I attended workshops, perfected my pitch, and believed I was ready to conquer business networking. But when conversations didn’t lead to immediate results, I felt puzzled. Why weren’t people interested? Why wasn’t I making connections?
The reality hit: I was approaching networking with a self-focused mindset—talking all about me, my services, and my goals. What I didn’t realize was that business networking isn’t about broadcasting; it’s about building relationships.
Shifting to an Open Mindset
You’ve likely heard about “open” versus “fixed” mindsets in personal development podcasts or books. At first, I thought I was open-minded because I was showing up and talking to people. But true openness goes deeper—it’s about genuinely understanding the diverse personalities, experiences, and journeys of the people you meet.
Every individual you encounter has a unique story, shaped by their background and circumstances. Some people may be open and eager to connect, while others may seem closed off. And that’s okay. It’s not about forcing connections; it’s about respecting where they are and being open to learning from each interaction.
Business Networking Through the Four Levels of Mind
In my journey, I’ve come to understand four levels of mindset in conversations:
- Open: When you enter a conversation ready to listen and share.
- Closed: When someone isn’t ready to connect or engage—and that’s fine.
- Confident: When someone resonates with your ideas, nodding along, considering how they might apply them.
- Belief: When trust and alignment form, creating meaningful connections and collaboration opportunities.
It’s important to note that people can shift between these levels, even during the same conversation. Someone who believes in you today may become closed tomorrow due to life’s ups and downs. And that’s okay too.
Focus on Relationship Building
When you attend business networking events, approach each conversation with the mindset of serving others. Instead of showcasing what you offer, ask yourself:
- What’s in it for them?
- How can I help them with their goals?
Sometimes the connection might not lead to immediate outcomes, but that’s the beauty of business networking—it’s a long game. You never know who someone knows or how they might remember you in the future. They may change roles, start new ventures, or even circle back years later because of the impression you left.
Wrapping Up
My single piece of advice would be: approach business networking events with an open mindset. Embrace the diversity of personalities and stories, and focus on building genuine relationships. It’s okay if someone isn’t ready to connect or if things don’t immediately click. Keep showing up, listening, and offering value.
It takes effort to bring people together, and your work has inspired others, including our LinkedIn Local Northshore community. So, let’s continue to connect, share, and grow—one conversation at a time.