128 - Elevate Your Networking Game: How to Offer Value Beyond the Handshake

Be the best version of yourself because people will be able to tell when you're being fake. If you're genuinely yourself, people who like you will resonate with you. - Rasean Hyligar Rasean Hyligar, the host of Motivate Grind Succeed: The Podcast, has a story that many professionals can relate to. Like many others, he used to view networking as a tedious and uninteresting task. But all that changed when he discovered the power of offering value in networking. It was a game-changer for him. Rasean realized that networking wasn't just about acting interested in everyone at parties or making small talk. It was about making a genuine connection and providing something of value to others. He learned that by seeking to give, he could make a lasting impression on people and open doors to new opportunities. Rasean's own experiences taught him the importance of being genuine and staying true to oneself. He discovered that being the best version of oneself is far more impactful than trying to copy someone else's success and through diversifying his circle and attending events with a purpose, Rasean expanded his network and created meaningful relationships with professionals from various fields. Now, Rasean is on a mission to share these valuable insights with his listeners. By offering practical tips and strategies, he aims to help professionals enhance their networking skills, strengthen their relationships, and ultimately succeed in their careers.   Resources Check out my coaching program at https://www.mgs.coach/b/foundationalpillars Ask me a question on the Wisdom App and get an audio response at https://wisdom.app/motivategrindsucceed/ask Want more MGS content? Sign up for our email list here at https://motivategrindsucceed.eo.page/92777  (super cool GIFs are included!)   Details of Value Discover the Power of Networking Networking is a powerful tool that offers opportunities for both personal and professional growth. By attending diverse events and establishing a broad range of connections, individuals can gain a wider perspective and increase their knowledge in various fields. More than just exchanging business cards and LinkedIn profiles, effective networking is a proactive and strategic endeavor that leads to valuable relationships, collaborations, and future opportunities.   Learn How to Give Value When Networking Adding value in every networking interaction is key to nurturing and sustaining meaningful professional relationships. This entails identifying the needs of others you meet and offering tangible solutions without necessarily expecting something in return. The act of giving, like sharing expertise, offering insights, or helping in problem-solving goes beyond a casual handshake and can establish goodwill, trust, and a strong foundation for a beneficial working relationship.   Uncover the Importance of Being Genuine In the world of networking, authenticity sets the stage for forming real relationships. Being genuine facilitates meaningful conversations and sincere exchanges, thus promoting mutual respect and understanding. It’s important to remember that networking is not a platform to don a facade or impersonate someone else – expressing oneself honestly heightens credibility and leaves a lasting positive impression.   Actionable Steps Attend a video editing conference or a conference related to your field of interest to meet potential networking contacts. Offer to show your past video editing projects to someone who expresses a need for a video editor at a networking event. If someone is interested in your work, offer to edit a video for them for free to showcase your skills. Be genuine and true to yourself when networking, as people are more likely to resonate with and trust the real you. Diversify your circle by connecting with people from different fields and industries to expand your network and potential opportunities. Attend various events, such as TEDx Talks, networking events, conventions, or meetu