It’s easy to see where this myth comes from. Business networking brings people into a room with their companies, products, and services in mind, so the assumption is that you need to pitch hard and sell yourself at every opportunity. But the reality is very different…
Conversations that feel like sales pitches are the ones people remember for the wrong reasons. They shut down curiosity and make the other person feel like a target. What leaves a stronger impression is showing genuine interest, by asking questions, listening closely, and responding to what the other person shares. That’s what opens the door to trust.
Trust is the currency of networking. It doesn’t come from clever slogans or polished lines, it comes from moments when people feel heard. Over time, those small signals of care build relationships that actually lead to opportunities.
So, the next time you walk into a networking event, think less about selling yourself and more about starting conversations that matter. You’ll find the connections you build this way last longer, and mean more than any quick pitch ever could.
You might also enjoy How to Network Without Feeling Salesy or Pushy, which explores how to make networking feel natural and productive without slipping into pitch mode.
