I know a fair amount about networking.  I have been doing it for a long time.  If you ask people what Hank Blank does, many will say “He’s a Networker.”  Before they say he is an Agency Review Consultant, or a Marketer or a New Business guy.

I have spoken on networking across the country and Canada to numerous AAF and AMA Chapters and other groups. I have spoken to many student groups. While you were sleeping, I was driving to speak at a breakfast networking event often asking myself why I am doing this?

I have numerous videos and blog posts on networking as well as a number of Hankisms.

I think networking will explode after the pandemic and social gatherings are safe.  This is kind of contrary to usual behavior.  Usually networking attendance grows when things are bad.

During the Great Recession networking exploded. It was fueled by LinkedIn which launched at the same time. Everybody was out there looking for their next opportunity.

Then things improved and attendance dropped off.  People say I have a job.  I am busy.  I do not need it anymore.  And the biggest rationalization of them all, “Only people in transition go there.”

But this time it will be a little different.  Oh, sure many people will attend because they are looking for their next gig or opportunity, but many people will network for connection.   Networking will shift from networking for financial currency to networking for social currently.  Both are fundamental benefits of networking.

There is no doubt people miss social interaction.  What we blew off in the past we wish we could have today.  This is a Global need.  You can read content from around the world and people say they miss the human touch, the interaction, the conversation, the laughter, the connecting, the socializing.  People miss people.

It is a primal need we all have, and it has been cut off.  I know that when people ask me “How are you doing?”  The first thing that comes into my mind is not how the Pandemic may have impacted my business but the fact that I miss networking and all that it entails.  Networking is my oxygen.

Oh sure I have been on numerous networking meetings on Zoom.  I get some interaction, but it is not the same.  Its high tech but not high touch.  You miss a lot.  The conversation that can start at a live networking event when somebody notices your shoes, or what you are wearing.  The accents that often takes me on a Global journey fueled by my Canadian connectivity.  The discussions that are a dance in many ways.

Networking in real life is much better at building pipeline, gathering intelligence and building long last relationships.

When networking returns it will be different.  For the immediate future when we can meet the people at the reception desk will probably we wearing masks and there will be hand sanitizer everywhere.  Events will be outside if possible.

Will people wear masks?  Probably when they arrive.  Then they will lose them.  There will be little handshaking.  I think business cards will still be exchanged with those who bring cards.  People will remain lousy at bringing cards.

Networking will change in another more important way.  They will be more genuine.  It will be hard to be Mr. or Mrs. Martini Person asking for an immediate order.  People will just walk away from those types of encounters.   And that’s a good thing.

I can’t wait to get out there.  How about you?