How to network like a human

Stop the cold emails

January 31, 2022

Hey there —

For many of us, just the idea of networking makes us shudder. It can make us feel “salesy” or “sleazy” to make connections or talk about work with new people.

And while some of you would rather get a root canal than go to a networking event, meeting people isn’t just a great way to land a job — it’s the secret to building a better life.

You never know where a single DM could take you – like this guy who emailed Matt and ended up being his go-to coffee guy.

Yes, sending messages to people you’ve never met can be awkward. But if you’re authentic, it can also be fun (and surprisingly effective). But what does “being authentic” even mean?

Ignore the buzzword. Here’s how to infuse realness into your networking:

Add value. Networking is only “salesy” when you’re trying to get something out of the connection rather than giving. Focus on what you can do for the other person, and people will respond.

Example: Instead of cold pitching your dream client asking for work, send them five new ideas for their blog, YouTube channel, or newsletter. Then watch what happens.

Talk like you talk. Would you ever say the words “synergy” or “omnichannel” to a stranger? Didn’t think so. Ditch the lingo and talk how you do IRL.

Example: A DM could say, “Hey, I’ve been digging your content lately. I read this article I think you’d vibe with,” instead of, “Hello, are you looking for data-driven content to enhance your customer’s journey?”

Give people a way out. You wouldn’t corner a person on the street and demand they speak to you. The same goes for sending an email. Turns out giving people an out actually increases your chances of getting a response!

Example: “Would love to send you some free coffee, but no worries if you’re not interested (or if you think this is kinda weird).”

As the saying goes, a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet. Networking is your bridge to new people. And since new ideas and fresh opportunities are attached to people, networking is still one of the best ways to get where you want to go.

So, send away. Just make sure you send the kind of messages you’d want to get.

Extremism Beats Moderation

Article | by Dan Reardon

If you Google “How to learn a new skill,” you’ll get thousands of articles advertising growth hacks and seven-step strategies to mastery.

But according to blogger Dan Reardon, the only way to truly learn something is through good ol’ fashioned immersion.

Dan makes the case that it’s only when we’re thrown into the deep end that we get the motivation to build long-lasting, positive habits.And while extremes aren’t something we usually recommend at Slow Growth, immersion highlights the importance of working in short, meaningful sprints (rather than hustling 24/7).

Sleep Technique Used by Salvador Dalí Really Works

Article | by Yasemin Saplakoglu

You know that feeling when you’re about to doze off? Your breath slows down, the fabric of time unravels, and your thoughts get weird (but in a good way).

Turns out, this semi-lucid state of mind does wonders for creativity. Just ask, surrealist artist Salvador Dalí.

In this article, Yasemin Saplakoglu explores the creative side of lucid dreaming to see if it’s hype or a creative habit worth cultivating.

Scribble

Game | by Andrew Badr & Eve J. Weinberg  

Bored?

Introducing Scribble, a lil’ game where your mission is to decode a hidden message from an unknown alphabet.

It looks straightforward, but don’t let it deceive you. We tried to crack the code here at Snail Mail and couldn’t manage. If you figure it out, you’ve got some skills.

Written by Alice Lemée