Intimate Networking: Be A Trust Leader!

I was reminded recently how much I love Intimate Networking.  I was invited to a potluck get together with a group of amazing women I have networked with over the past few years. It was an evening of good food and wine, fun music, big laughs and great conversation about anything and everything.

Spending time with people in a non-formal networking atmosphere allows everyone to let down their guard and just “be”.  There is no shuffling of business cards or flyers and no scripted pitches. It’s just people with people, being who they are in the real world and not a business persona. It’s a breath of fresh air not to be “on”.

Intimate networking is one of the most effective ways to deepen connections with the people you network with.  Whether its a potluck dinner at someone’s home, an evening of drinks at a local pub, an early morning coffee, or nine holes on the golf course - spending some quality time with the people you network with is crucial for business growth.


Networking is not just about handing your business cards to people, it's about taking the time to get to know someone. Becoming better acquainted with the people you will be referring others to or getting referrals from is important if you want to make the right connections - every time!

I only refer people to those people I trust will provide quality service and products to those I refer to them.  I never recommend to my clients to refer people to a business card they have collected.  It's important to realize it’s your reputation you are putting on the line when you make a referral, so make sure you trust whom you send people to.

Make your referrals to people, not business cards. Take some time to get to know the people in your networking circles. Make a point of having that intimate networking experience a minimum once a month, bi-weekly, or even weekly if you can. Invite someone or accept an invitation that comes your way. If you can’t do lunch or coffee because of your heavy schedule, set up a face-to-face social media connection. I use Zoom. It's a great tool to have a face-to-face encounter and connect with people anywhere in the world.  I have coffee chats, lunch chats, and cocktail hour over zoom. Find what works for your schedule and make it happen.

Intimate networking creates connecting. Connecting creates likability.  Likability creates trust. Trust brings referrals. Referrals build your business. So, wouldn’t you say that having an intimate networking experience would be a good business practice to have? 

I'd love to connect!

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