Make a human connection, not a "quid pro quo" proposition

Have you ever been contacted by someone and felt like they were making a "quid pro quo" proposition? The term, from Latin, means "something for something" and often carries a negative connotation. What if we approached it differently? 

This article explores how to make a "quid pro quo" proposition in its original meaning: a barter or a win-win exchange. Instead of assuming the other party needs something from us, let's focus on making a human connection first. Building a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding can create a foundation for a successful exchange that benefits both parties. 

Motivation

When I lived in Chicago, I ran a Google Technology Developers Community. I organized and often presented at over a hundred conferences and developed a relatively large network of over 13,000 LinkedIn contacts.

I love having all these connections, but it comes with a burden, too; many people are reaching out with "cold" offers.

I want to interact with my social network more pleasantly and beneficially.

Cold contacts

People initializing cold contacts are usually hungry for quick success.

They think that if they get to the point quickly, they will appear professional and efficient and will not waste each other's time.

I appreciate brevity. People who work with me know that I often say, "OK, let's move on," in meetings.

Yet, this "cold" approach to email communication and via Social Networks like LinkedIn, Meetup, etc., is totally wrong.

What do we really care about?

I have quite a few people with whom I am happy to chat.

Here are my five characteristics of positive professional relationships:

1. Seeing Beyond Immediate Goals:
It's essential to approach others as individuals rather than as opportunities. Seeing beyond the immediate gains will foster a connection that leaves a lasting impression.

 

2. Sharing Personal Interests and Aspirations:
By opening up about our lives, we invite others to be similarly open, paving the way for mutual connection and understanding.

 

3. Asking the Right Questions:
Genuine curiosity makes us stand out. It shows we care about the person, not just the potential benefits. It gives the other person the pleasure of becoming a mentor. This is important as we all wish others would find us interesting and useful.

 

4. Building Mutual Trust and Understanding:
Trust can't be rushed. It's cultivated over time and creates the foundation for deeper connections.

 

5. Respecting Each Other's Time:
Our time is precious, as is that of others. Demonstrating respect for each other's time underscores our sincerity.

Building trust relationships

Trust comes with profound rewards. Through the gradual development of the relationship and trust, our cold messages transform from white noise to welcomed communication with a trusted person.

Once the relationship and trust are established, asking how I can help you, what company you work for, and so on is natural.

Conclusion

In the end, successful networking is more about the quality of our connections than a quid pro quo exchange. While cold contacts may seem efficient, the time and effort spent in building genuine relationships yield far greater results. Our messages become not just another email to be ignored but a communication from a respected and trusted contact. Our networking truly blossoms in this space of trust and connection.

Please share.

This post was also published on Medium.com

Anthropology

I chose the above text as an entry page to my anthropology topic. 

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