death to empty networking

I write weekly about the strategies, habits, and tactics around cultivating the connections that matter to you.

Picture this: You're standing in a hotel ballroom, clutching a lukewarm drink, while someone pitches you their "business opportunity" without once making eye contact – they're too busy scanning the room for their next victim.

If that made you cringe, congratulations – you're human.

Let's be honest: the term "networking" has become about as appealing as a dentist appointment scheduled for Monday morning. It conjures images of sleazy card-traders, forced small talk, and that guy who definitely wants to tell you about his crypto¹ portfolio.

Warren Buffett has a favorite mental model: "Invert, always invert." Instead of asking what good networking looks like, let's first identify what it isn't. That clarity alone might be worth more than another LinkedIn connection.

Real relationship building isn't about:

• Collecting business cards like they're Pokémon cards

• Keeping score of favors exchanged

• Treating people like walking ATMs

• Sending generic LinkedIn connection requests with immediate sales pitches

• Pretending to care about someone's kids just to land a deal

Instead, let's talk about what it should be: Intentionally investing time and effort in relationships that matter. Building trust. Actually giving a damn about the human being on the other side of the conversation.

Taking Action:

1. Audit your current approach. Are you treating relationships like transactions? Be honest with yourself.

2. Next time you meet someone, forget about what they can do for you. Instead, be curious about who they are. (Yes, even if they can't "help your career.")

3. Follow up meaningfully. Don't send that "let's grab coffee sometime" message unless you actually intend to grab coffee sometime.

4. Share something genuine about yourself. Vulnerability builds trust faster than any elevator pitch.

Remember: The goal isn't to build a network – it's to build relationships. The kind where you actually try to remember their kid's name because you care.

Most people won't do this. They'll keep playing the numbers game, collecting cards, and wondering why their "network" feels empty. But you're not most people, are you?

Until next week, Zvi

P.S. If reading this made you think of someone you've been meaning to reach out to – not to sell them something, but just because you genuinely want to connect – maybe now's the time.

P.P.S. Fun fact: I wrote this while drinking my third matcha of the day. Don't judge.

P.P.P.S. ¹ - I do have a crypto portfolio, I just choose not to annoy you about it.

On YouTube: The Hidden Reason You’re Failing at Networking (And How to Fix It)

Building a strong network isn’t about awkward small talk or handing out business cards—it’s about real connections. But too many people hold themselves back with self-doubt. Let’s break down the four biggest excuses keeping you from reaching out and how to move past them!

Topics Covered:

✅ The biggest myths stopping you from networking

✅ Why it’s never too late to reconnect with someone

✅ What to say when you don’t know how to start

✅ How to overcome the fear of seeming salesy

✅ A simple mindset shift to make networking feel effortless

You can see all my videos and interviews on my channel! If you find these helpful, I’d appreciate a like, subscribe, and share with a friend, colleague, or enemy.

If you found this valuable, you might love Relatable. It’s the CRM built from the ground up to help you grow your network, not your business pipeline (but it does that too).