Start chasing the crayon colored connections that color more than just a firm handshake symbolizing empty opportunities.

Remember that episode of fairly odd parents when the pixies took over and everyone and everything was grey? Yeah that’s you trying to network in a system that favors pens over crayons. Safe, uniform and grayscale— but when has magic ever catered to being a clean cut reality? 

Leave the traditional networking alone. You’ll start coming off as a Sims character with your scripted dialogue and body movements. It’s time to network based on your aligned path and interests that actually make you feel whole inside.

Uncheck the invisible boxes 

Everything from approaching the “right “ folks to being poised carefully can be left in the dust. You are not a robot. You’re not meant to format yourself based on commands. That fake smile that you keep doing, although you want to scream—has to be dropped. The professional outfit that screams sterile corporate when you’re a colorful soul? Also to be left behind. 

  We’re led to believe that all of these steps are the proper way to network—but what if there is no proper way? You’re training for a system that was never built for you. A system that tolerates you until it’s time to replace you. Being disposable is a fate destined for you before you even sign those W-2 papers.

Start Showing Up As You. The Real You.

You are not a walking pitch so there’s no need to sell something that even you wouldn’t buy if you won the lottery. Let the joy of how you talk with friends, going on vacation, or eating your favorite ice cream lead to how you present yourself .Networking is like the threshold of being on auto pilot. Let your magic speak for itself. You’ll start attracting people who actually see you. Not the HR lady sizing you up like a TSA agent either. The real you is the right way to network . When you wear a mask, you internally sell yourself short as you only believe that half of you is worthy of opportunities that start feeling half-assed. 

Why not show up as your full authentic self? That boss you’re trying to connect with probably loves smoothies and pop music just as much as you. The thing is you wouldn’t know because you’re allowing your magnetism to be stifled and stamped in a box that rewards conformity. 

Unpolished Quality Is Your Best Quality

You’re only human so you don’t have to slide in LinkedIn DMs like a spam mail trying to sell you a package (Boy have we all been there!). Don’t just be “open to work”. Be open to receiving roles that wouldn’t  be another episode of surviving adulthood. Aren’t you tired of that show already?  Be open to people who get you, companies that value you and spaces that don’t feel like a pool constantly being cleaned with bleach. 

Don’t start detaching parts of yourself like a mechanical project either. Being valuable isn’t synonymous with palatability. Your resume is not the final dictator of who you are. It’s just a hard copy that works in highlighting your best qualities. Not the other way around. 

Shift Your Expectations

Traditionally we are led to believe that those in certain roles can offer us something that may change your trajectory over night. First off, how something occurs should have no particular poster look. You’re looking at the guy in the crisp Navy suit or the lady with the sharp Louboutin heels. The most valuable connection might just be the assistant in the room who may have the keys to your aligned fit. 

Let go of how networking is supposed to look and feel because there is no rule book of how events transpire. It’s like reaching over for a silver platter only to find dry broccoli and vomit worthy pasta under the lid. Keep your expectations open because rigidness will only detract you from connections that aren’t a direct comparison to disappointing food. 

Here’s The Final Caveat 

Fuck how you’ve been taught to network. Forget subconsciously fitting a mold that is running out of edges to shape. 

Stop shapeshifting into what’s safe—because what’s set in stone is a fluke that needs to be challenged.It’s almost like traveling just to eat McDonalds because you’re scared to try new cuisines. You’re trying something new. It’s okay to leave the chicken tenders and fries alone. You’re conditioned to be palatable to secure opportunities that are handed on a silver platter with strings and  restrictions. 

You don’t need to be digestible. You just need to be you. And if being you isn’t enough, then networks will need to gag on your undeniable presence. 

This isn’t a blog, it’s a portal.

Wanna be seen and kept in the loop? Subscribe to the newsletter now!