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Authentic Networking: Building Real Relationships That Grow Your Business

Posted on October 12, 2025 by Kole Finley, One of Thousands of Business Coaches on Noomii.

Build real relationships that fuel growth. Learn 5 smart moves to network with authenticity, influence, and impact.

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Building connections that last starts with genuine curiosity.

</figcaption> </figure> <h3 data-start="493" data-end="543">The Problem: Networking Has a Bad Reputation</h3> <p data-start="544" data-end="714">Let’s be honest—most people hate networking.  It’s become code for awkward small talk, business-card tossing, and forced “let’s grab coffee” invites that never happen.</p> <p data-start="716" data-end="828">The truth? Networking isn’t about <em data-start="750" data-end="772">collecting contacts.</em> It’s about <em data-start="784" data-end="826">building credibility through connection.</em></p> <p data-start="830" data-end="991">The best entrepreneurs and executives know this: you don’t grow a business or a career by knowing <em data-start="928" data-end="934">more</em> people—you grow by knowing <em data-start="962" data-end="973">the right</em> people, deeply.</p> <p data-start="993" data-end="1074">Authentic networking isn’t about being impressive. It’s about being interested.</p> <hr data-start="1076" data-end="1079"> <h3 data-start="1081" data-end="1116">Why It Matters More Than Ever</h3> <p data-start="1117" data-end="1344">In a world obsessed with personal brands, algorithms, and “followers,” genuine connection has become a competitive edge.<br data-start="1237" data-end="1240">People crave realness—and they can smell the difference between a pitch and a partnership a mile away.</p> <p data-start="1346" data-end="1504">When you build relationships rooted in trust, opportunities compound. Clients stay longer. Partners refer more often. Teams become loyal, not transactional.</p> <p data-start="1506" data-end="1559">The return on authenticity? Massive—and measurable.</p> <hr data-start="1561" data-end="1564"> <h2 data-start="1566" data-end="1624">The Playbook: 5 Moves for Building Real Relationships</h2> <p data-start="1626" data-end="1797">These aren’t your average “go to more events” tips.<br data-start="1677" data-end="1680">This is the playbook high-performing leaders and entrepreneurs use to build networks that actually move the needle.</p> <h3 data-start="1799" data-end="1844">1. Lead with Curiosity, Not Credentials</h3> <p data-start="1845" data-end="2008">Most people start with their résumé or elevator pitch. Don’t.<br data-start="1906" data-end="1909">Start with curiosity—ask genuine questions that reveal who someone <em data-start="1976" data-end="1980">is</em>, not just what they <em data-start="2001" data-end="2006">do.</em></p> <p data-start="2010" data-end="2032">One powerful opener:</p> <blockquote data-start="2033" data-end="2093"> <p data-start="2035" data-end="2093">“What’s something exciting you’re working on right now?”</p> </blockquote> <p data-start="2095" data-end="2191">Curiosity lowers defenses. It signals that you’re not there to sell—you’re there to <em data-start="2179" data-end="2189">connect.</em></p> <hr data-start="2193" data-end="2196"> <h3 data-start="2198" data-end="2251">2. Play the Long Game: Visibility Over Virality</h3> <p data-start="2252" data-end="2453">Forget being “everywhere.” Focus on being consistent where it matters.<br data-start="2322" data-end="2325">Show up repeatedly in the circles that align with your goals—industry events, thought-leadership spaces, or mastermind groups.</p> <p data-start="2455" data-end="2543">Leaders remember faces that return. Entrepreneurs remember voices that follow through.</p> <p data-start="2545" data-end="2614">Trust is built through repeated exposure, not one-time impressions.</p> <hr data-start="2616" data-end="2619"> <h3 data-start="2621" data-end="2676">3. Host Connection Tables (Not Networking Events)</h3> <p data-start="2677" data-end="2748">Networking events often die in a sea of name tags and self-promotion.</p> <p data-start="2750" data-end="2908">Instead, host small “connection tables” of 6–8 people—clients, peers, or cross-industry leaders—and make it a conversation about growth, not business cards.</p> <p data-start="2910" data-end="3109">Example:<br data-start="2918" data-end="2921">A client of mine in real estate began hosting monthly brunches where guests shared one win, one challenge, and one ask. It created a ripple effect of referrals—and lasting friendships.</p> <p data-start="3111" data-end="3149">The key: Facilitate, don’t dominate.</p> <hr data-start="3151" data-end="3154"> <h3 data-start="3156" data-end="3196">4. Turn Follow-Ups into Value Adds</h3> <p data-start="3197" data-end="3396">Don’t send a generic “great to meet you” email.<br data-start="3244" data-end="3247">Send something that adds value: a podcast link that fits their interests, an intro to someone helpful, or a quick insight from your own experience.</p> <p data-start="3398" data-end="3495">One executive client of mine landed a partnership because she sent a follow-up email that said:</p> <blockquote data-start="3496" data-end="3584"> <p data-start="3498" data-end="3584">“I read that report you mentioned—here’s a takeaway that connects to your strategy.”</p> </blockquote> <p data-start="3586" data-end="3651">That single act moved her from acquaintance to trusted advisor.</p> <hr data-start="3653" data-end="3656"> <h3 data-start="3658" data-end="3694">5. Audit Your Circle Quarterly</h3> <p data-start="3695" data-end="3811">Every three months, take stock of your circle.<br data-start="3741" data-end="3744">Who brings energy, insight, and accountability—and who drains it?</p> <p data-start="3813" data-end="4016">This isn’t about cutting people off; it’s about <em data-start="3861" data-end="3884">curating your inputs.</em><br data-start="3884" data-end="3887">If you’re surrounded by complainers, you’ll start to echo them. Surround yourself with builders, and you’ll naturally level up.</p> <p data-start="4018" data-end="4081">High-caliber relationships aren’t accidental—they’re audited.</p> <hr data-start="4083" data-end="4086"> <h2 data-start="4088" data-end="4112">The 7-Day Challenge</h2> <p data-start="4113" data-end="4307">In the next week, reach out to three people—<br data-start="4157" data-end="4160">★ One client or colleague you haven’t spoken to lately<br data-start="4214" data-end="4217">★ One peer you respect but haven’t collaborated with<br data-start="4269" data-end="4272">★ One mentor or leader you admire</p> <p data-start="4309" data-end="4402">Reach out with <em data-start="4324" data-end="4336">no agenda.</em> Just check in, express appreciation, or share something useful.</p> <p data-start="4404" data-end="4465">Relationships compound when generosity leads, not strategy.</p> <hr data-start="4467" data-end="4470"> <h3 data-start="4472" data-end="4489">Bottom Line</h3> <p data-start="4490" data-end="4628">Networking isn’t about who knows you—it’s about who <em data-start="4542" data-end="4550">trusts</em> you.<br data-start="4555" data-end="4558">Build real relationships, and business growth becomes the byproduct.</p> <p data-start="4490" data-end="4628"> </p> <p data-start="4490" data-end="4628">Want to learn more about how to network with authenticity, schedule Book a Discovery Call and let’s spend 15-20 minutes laying out your plan.  <a title="Book A Discovery Call" href="https://schedule.theunshakablemind.net/widget/bookings/discovery-call-with-kole" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CLICK HERE NOW</a> to book it.</p>

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