How to Network & Communicate Better w/ Emily

In this episode, Emily and I explore networking and communication strategies. Emily shares her journey of building connections, starting from her post-high school days when she first discovered her natural curiosity about people. She emphasises the importance of having genuine interest in others as a foundation for networking.

We discuss practical ways to meet new people, including regularly visiting the same cafes and restaurants to build relationships with staff and regulars. Exercise groups, particularly run clubs and activities like parkrun, emerge as excellent networking opportunities. Emily highlights the value of shared interests and the 'take it or leave it' approach to organizing activities.

The conversation shifts to comparing online versus in-person communication. We both agree that face-to-face interactions provide more energy and better outcomes than digital alternatives. Business meetings, in particular, benefit significantly from in-person engagement rather than virtual connections.

We examine various communication methods - email, text, voice notes, video calls - and their appropriate uses. The discussion touches on controversial topics like calendar booking links and voice messages, noting how different people react strongly to these tools. We emphasise the importance of choosing the right communication medium for each situation and being mindful of people's time.

A key takeaway is the power of direct communication, especially in challenging situations. Phone calls often resolve issues that might escalate through email exchanges, particularly with difficult clients.