The Authenticity Advantage: A New Way to Network
If the word “networking” makes you feel a little awkward, you’re not alone. We often associate it with forced conversations and the pressure to "sell yourself"—an activity we dread until we urgently need a favor.
Let's change that narrative. What if networking could be reframed as the art of building genuine bridges, long before you ever need to cross them? There's a powerful leadership framework called From Here to There (FHT) that shows us how. It shifts the goal from short-term transactions to long-term trust, transforming an anxiety-inducing chore into a fulfilling career practice.
FROM: The Starting Point of Trust
Authentic connection begins not with an "ask," but with a genuine "share". The "From" is the starting point of your story—it’s where you’ve been and what has shaped you. Traditional networking often fails because it skips this crucial step, jumping straight to the request. However, today we would like to suggest that sharing a piece of your identity as your first step in building trust.
For instance:
"I am a firm believer that a company's greatest asset is its people. This conviction has been the guiding principle throughout my career in human resources, shaping how I approach everything from talent development to creating an inclusive culture."
HERE: The Decision to Change
"Here" is your present moment. It answers the question, "Why are you connecting with me, right now?" This element frames your current state not as a place of desperation, but as a point of transition and curiosity. It’s the challenge you're tackling, the question you're pondering, or the dissatisfaction you're ready to act on. For example, instead of saying "I need a job," you might share,
"Having managed technical programs for years, I am now wondering what it's like to actually build products".
Sharing your "here" demonstrates self-awareness and shows that you are actively engaged in your own journey, inviting the other person to engage with your current exploration.
THERE: Painting the Picture of Your Future
"There" is your vision for the future. It’s the impact you want to make or the future you want to create. When you share your "there," you elevate the conversation beyond a simple transaction. You’re not just looking for an opportunity; you’re inviting someone to connect with your purpose. This provides direction and inspiration, giving them a reason to become invested in your journey.
Your "there" paints a picture of what drives you. It could be to "lead a product team that revolutionizes the e-commerce experience for small businesses" or to "transition my marketing skills into the non-profit sector to drive social impact". This vision is what makes you memorable and motivates others to support you, not just because of what you can do now, but because of where you are going.
TO: The Path to Authentic Connection
Finally, "To" is the bridge. It clarifies how the person you’re speaking with can help you get to your "there". But this is not a transactional ask. Instead, it’s a bid for their contribution, goodwill, or perspective. It’s the authentic, curiosity-driven question that makes the connection meaningful. It sounds like:
"I see that you've moved from product management to development, and I am wondering what that was like?
"I'd like to chat with you about your experience at ABC company, because I read an article about your innovative approaches…"
This approach honors the other person's expertise and invites them to share their wisdom, transforming a networking request into a collaborative and respectful conversation.
How Coaching Can Help
Understanding the FHT framework is one thing; putting it into practice is another. This is where a coach can be an invaluable partner. As a coach, I can help you:
Gain Clarity: We’ll work together to define what authentic networking looks like for you, aligned with your values and purpose.
Overcome Limiting Beliefs: We can identify and challenge the fears and "Saboteurs" that hold you back from reaching out and building connections.
Build a Sustainable Strategy: We'll create a simple, actionable plan that makes networking feel less like a chore and more like a natural part of your professional life.
Ready to start building bridges that will support you throughout your entire career? Let's chat. Schedule a free 45-minute consultation today, and let's explore how you can build your network with authenticity and confidence.
