4 Tips to Maximize Networking Conversations

At a recent networking event, I watched two very different approaches unfold. One attendee worked the room quickly, handing out business cards and delivering the same 30-second pitch to everyone he met. The other sat down with just a handful of people, asked thoughtful questions, and really listened to their answers. By the end of the event, the first person had a stack of cards—but little else. The second had made genuine connections, swapped stories, and even scheduled follow-up meetings.

This is the difference between surface-level networking and maximizing conversations. The real power of networking lies not in the quantity of interactions, but in the quality of conversations. A single, meaningful exchange can lead to opportunities that a dozen shallow interactions never could.

What I’ve Learned After One Year Running a Networking Group

When I first launched my local networking a year ago, I had a vision: to create a space where small business owners could connect, collaborate, and grow through real relationships—not just business cards and elevator pitches.

What we’ve built since then has exceeded anything I imagined.

Give, and you shall receive!

“More than the calf wants to suckle, the cow wants to nurse.” Talmud (Pesachim 112a)

Parents are natural givers.

They want to give even more than their kids want to take.

Which is why it’s so gratifying to be able to spend quality time with our kids and contribute to their happiness.

So, as much as my son was excited for me to join him at a camp water park a couple of weeks ago, I was happier to be able to bring him joy with my presence and participation.

This Talmudic principal, in my view, applies to teachers and coaches as well.

Your Net-Work is Your Net Worth

Every time that I share my story...

the pain and the suffering as well as the comeback and success...

multiple people tell me how inspired, motivated, uplifted, and empowered they feel.

4 Networking Tips For Introverts (and Extroverts, too!)

Do you go to networking events?

And are you an introvert?

If you are, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed. How will you manage in a large, crowded space?

Good news! It doesn’t have to be scary or impossible to navigate.

To those who say otherwise, I say “B.S.!”

No. Not THAT B.S.

Here are my 4 “B.S.” networking strategies for #introverts.

Be Still
Be Strategic
Be Seen
Be Sticky

Lessons from My School Leadership Mastermind

When I launched my School Leadership Mastermind for school principals and administrators back in June, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. It was my first time running a mastermind group of any kind and, while I had participated in and gained from other masterminds, running my own would be a totally different experience. Particularly in the throes of a COVID pandemic that had put school leaders back on their heels for months.

4 B.S. Networking Tips for Introverts

Do you go to networking events?

And are you an introvert?

If you are, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed. How will you manage in a large, crowded space?

Good news! It doesn’t have to be scary or impossible to navigate.

To those who say otherwise, I say “B.S.!”

No. Not THAT B.S.

Here are my 4 “B.S.” networking strategies for #introverts.

Be Still
Be Strategic
Be Seen
Be Sticky

Tips to Meet with More Great People

I recently went to Chicago where I was able to hook up with some really great people. We talked about where each of us is professionally, how we can help each other, and I even did some basic coaching as well.

This Thursday I have some more meetings scheduled in NYC, all with folks who have appeared on my podcast.

These are not just regular sit downs. Rather, they are with awesome people that I want to get to know better and either coach, collaborate with, and/or get referrals from.

For me, every meeting has to serve a purpose. It could be a total waste of time for one or both of us to meet without an agenda or underlying goal.

Are our phones to blame, or are we?

I used to think that our phones were making us antisocial. Go on a train or walk into a room with lots of folks and you'll see almost everyone trained on their screens. This is so disheartening. And so common. But then I see pics of folks 50-100 years ago going off to work or waiting in line, each with a newspaper open before them. No conversation. No connection. Times, they really haven't been a 'changin.

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