In professional circles, the term “networking” might bring to mind things like structured events, name tags and cocktail hours. While these can serve a purpose in helping professionals meet new people, they do not always offer the most ideal setting for building authentic, lasting relationships that will truly drive value for your network. Through my professional experiences, I've found that genuine connection is less about structure and more about meaningful, everyday interactions.

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Traditional networking environments like chamber mixers and industry luncheons can feel intimidating, and in some cases, exclusive, leaving some of us wondering where we fit in. That’s why it’s time to break the networking mold and lean into the idea that “networking” can – and does – happen anywhere, at any time.

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Broadening your definition of where networking happens can open doors to deeper relationships and more impactful conversations. Think about the person you sit next to at your child’s soccer game, someone you meet at a workout class, or the person seated next to you on a plane. These chance encounters might just lead to the most organic and meaningful connections within your circle.

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In my opinion, one of the biggest mistakes professionals make is overthinking networking. When it becomes forced, we lose the natural curiosity and openness that help us form real relationships. Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply be present, without a rigid agenda. Grab coffee with someone. Invite a colleague for a walk. Ask the person next to you what they do for a living and why they chose that path. These conversations don’t need to be punctuated by a transaction or an exchange of value. Strong relationships, professional or personal, are built on trust, not agendas.

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Authenticity is the key ingredient. That means showing up as your whole self every day; the person you are in a business meeting should be the same person your family spends time with on vacation. Personally, I’ve found that my natural curiosity helps me connect with people across all areas of life. I love asking what people do and why, not just in networking situations, but everywhere. In the elevator. When I'm traveling. On the sidelines of a game. When you ask enough of these questions, you start to identify opportunities to connect – or to help others connect – when you might least expect it.

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Several years ago, I was invited (by someone I crossed paths with in my professional life) to attend a new church and decided to give it a try. Soon after, I was invited to grab coffee with a small group and despite being the only woman and the youngest person there, I said yes. That decision led to me meeting and forming a lasting friendship with a wonderful man named Mark, who happened to work in a similar industry as me. One day, over coffee, I opened up to Mark about my dad, a retired car salesman who had taken a long-haul trucking job that was starting to take a toll on our family. After hearing my dad’s story, Mark looked at me and said, “Medley, we’re getting your dad off that truck this weekend—he needs to meet my brother Joe.” Fast forward, my dad now works for Joe, loves what he does, and is back to being present for our family. That connection didn’t happen at a networking event. It happened over coffee … through a relationship that I built because I showed up and put myself out there to connect with new people.

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The Takeaway: Networking isn’t about making a pitch or sealing a deal. It’s about human connection. And when you stop overthinking it, step outside the traditional formats, and lead with authenticity, you’ll find your network becomes stronger, more supportive, and more dynamic.

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Remember, you don’t always need a formal meeting or a scheduled follow-up. Sometimes, just being open and curious is more than enough. That’s the essence of Elavaire: A community built on authentic relationships that go deeper than job titles or industries. And it all starts with being genuinely curious – and being yourself.

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