Networking can make or break your career.
It’s an art form, and mastering it requires more than just knowing people. It involves understanding the dynamics at play and recognizing the genuine connections that propel you forward.
Months ago, I was having a coffee with a chatty male. Among all of the non-sollicited advices, this was stands out for its stupidity:
“Follow the pretty women to find the important people.”
Let’s unpack why this advice is not just misguided, but potentially damaging.
The illusion of strategy
Networking isn’t a game of finding the most glamorous route to success. When your approach hinges on superficial attractions, you're treading on thin ice.
High-level executives, sharp and perceptive, can see right through this facade. Using such tactics signals a lack of depth and sincerity in your intentions.
Let’s face it: meaningful connections aren’t built on the superficial. They are cultivated through respect and shared values.
It's a narrow path, and that leads nowhere
Thinking that following "pretty women" is the secret to networking success is akin to following a (bad) movie script - cliché and unrealistic.
This misguided tactic highlights a narrow mindset that says more about the follower than anyone else.
Relying on stereotypes not only limits your potential reach but also blinds you to the rich opportunities present in more diverse interactions.
Substance over surface
The core of networking is substance. It’s not about who looks good in the room but who thinks deeply, who innovates, and who makes tangible decisions.
When your networking strategy revolves around superficial markers, you risk overlooking true influencers: the ones driven by intellect and integrity, not by appearances.
In environments where decisions carry weight and stakes are high, navigating wisely means understanding these core dynamics, not chasing after illusions.
The next time you're advised to follow the "glamorous" route, remember that true success isn’t found in the visible and flashy. It lies in the power of genuine connections based on respect, intellect, and shared experiences.
Embrace the complexity. Find your way through the grey zones with intention, and unlock doors to meaningful relationships.
Because, in the end, it’s the substance that defines your network, not the surface.
And if you want to learn how to network - just like a spy: check out our courses.