In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Andy Lopata, a renowned specialist in professional relationships and networking. With nearly 25 years of experience, Andy has been recognized as one of Europe's leading business networking strategists by the Financial Times. He is an international speaker, podcast host, and author of six books, including the Financial Times Guide to Mentoring, co-authored with Ruth Gotian.

In this episode, Andy shares his insights on investing in relationships and creating a network of people who are willing to help and follow through on those intentions. The conversation delves into the importance of building, nurturing, and leveraging professional relationships, and how these elements contribute to executive success. Andy also discusses the concept of vulnerability in asking for help, and the interconnectedness of curiosity, listening, authenticity, and vulnerability in networking.

In this episode:

• Learn the three stages of building professional relationships: building, nurturing, and leveraging.
• Understand the importance of vulnerability in asking for help and how to frame your requests effectively.
• Discover why people are motivated to help others and the significance of liking and trusting in professional relationships.
• Explore the concept of the "curiosity cycle" and how it enhances networking and relationship building.
• Get practical tips on finding and engaging mentors, and the importance of reciprocity in professional networking.

00:00:00 - Introduction Melina Palmer introduces Andy Lopata and sets the stage for a conversation on professional relationships and networking.

00:01:45 - Andy's Background Andy shares his extensive background in networking and professional relationships, including his books and speaking engagements.

00:04:30 - Connected Leadership Andy explains the concept of connected leadership and the importance of professional relationships in executive success.

00:08:00 - Building and Nurturing Relationships Discussion on the stages of building, nurturing, and leveraging professional relationships and the challenges associated with each stage.

00:14:00 - Motivation to Help Andy explores why people are motivated to help others and the role of liking and trusting in professional support.

00:20:00 - Vulnerability in Asking for Help The conversation shifts to the importance of vulnerability in asking for help and how to frame requests effectively.

00:28:00 - The Curiosity Cycle Introduction to Andy's new model, the curiosity cycle, and its impact on networking and relationship building.

00:34:00 - Mentoring and Reciprocity Practical tips on finding mentors, engaging them, and the role of reciprocity in professional networking.

00:40:00 - Conclusion What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. 

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Connect with Andy:

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Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer
• Influence, by Robert Cialdini
• influence Is Your Superpower, by Zoe Chance
• You Have More Influence Than You Think, by Vanessa Bohns
• Invisible Influence, by Jonah Berger

Top Recommended Next Episode: Ruth Gotian Interview (ep 419)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

• Robert Cialdini Interview (ep 312)
• Social Proof (ep 87)
• Reciprocity (ep 238)
• Zoe Chance Interview (ep 308)
• Unity (ep 216)

Other Important Links: 

• Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter
• The Curiosity Cycle: Developing Trust and Engagement