Networking is about building strong relationships.
That starts and hinges on effective communication skills.
Talk to strangers. Make connections, Build trust and mutual interest.
George Torok, communications coach for executive leaders is interview by Micheal A Forman on the podcast, Network Unleashed – the podcast about Mastering Networking.
Highlights from this conversation about leveraging your communications skills for more effective and less painful networking.
Key insights from my conversation with Michael A. Forman
1. networking is not about collecting contacts — it’s about intention
“Most people don’t struggle with networking because they’re shy — they struggle because they don’t know what they want to say or why they’re there.”
2. clarity beats confidence every time
“You don’t need more confidence. You need a clearer message. Confidence usually follows clarity.”
3. people remember how you make them feel, not what you say
“When someone feels heard, they relax — and real conversations start there.”
4. effective networking starts with listening, not pitching
“If your first instinct is to explain what you do, you’ve probably already missed the opportunity.”
5. most professionals talk too much and say too little
“Long explanations don’t make you sound smarter — they usually make your message disappear.”
6. a strong introduction opens doors long after the event
“Your introduction should invite a conversation, not end it.”
7. people trust those who speak with purpose
“When your message has intention, people sense it — even if they can’t explain why.”
8. networking anxiety is often a messaging problem
“If you’re nervous about networking, it’s usually because you haven’t done the thinking in advance.”
9. better questions create better connections
“The quality of the conversation improves the moment you ask a thoughtful question and stop talking.”
10. communication skill is a career advantage, not a soft skill
“People who can communicate clearly advance faster — not because they work harder, but because they’re understood.”
Listen to the conversation when George Torok interviewed Michael Forman on the podcast, Your Intended Message.