I can spot a business networking shark from across a crowded room.

He confindently strides up to you with his business card in hand and says “Hello. I'm Douche Bag. So nice to meet you. I help people with *insert crap evelvator pitch here that goes on far too long.*” Grabs your business card and scurries away.

Then the calls begin. Mr. Bag calling you to sell his service.

UGH! I hate that guy. Don't you?

He clearly has missed the point of networking.

Networking is NOT all about you!

Recently, I've been doing a lot of business networking. I actually enjoy a lot of the structured networking events. I love meeting people and chatting with them about their dreams, goals and where they want to take their business.

To me the most wonderfabulous thing about business networking is NOT generating leads.

It's NOT finding a new client.

It's NOT having an opportunity to promote my business.

It's being able to help at least one other person.

I was at a business networking event and chatted with a lovely woman. We talked about her current business. She casually mentioned that the other business that she wanted to start would take at least five years. I was curious about her other business. She told me casually that her goal was to help ranchers get their grass-fed beef to consumers. Very cool! Even cooler, I have a friend who helps small producers do that exact thing. I set them up.

Being able to do this was a HUGE rush for me. I felt helpful.

How can I help you?

When I walk into a business networking event, I typically have zero expectations. I'm just there to meet people.

I do have one goal: To genuinely connect with one person and try to help them.

I believe in business networking karma. If I do my best to help other, it will come back to me.

Do you have a networking success story to share? How have you connected other people? Let me know!