The New Rules of Networking: How entrepreneurs are building meaningful connections in the digital age
- Nov 12
- 2 min read
By Stephanie Thoma
Think of networking as friend-making as an adult. Networking is nothing more than forging authentic relationships with other ambitious folks. You know that one coworker of yours who always seems genuinely happy and at ease at holiday parties? The one who seems to have no trouble asking for help on a project by inserting themselves in water cooler chatter? Interpersonal connection is at the root of networking for business, and when networking is done right, there’s little distinction between the two. Networking is simply another way to connect with people who just so happen to be ambitious and business-minded.
There are a variety of ways to meditate. The monk example from earlier is a form of Vipassana meditation, in which you observe the natural flow of your breath and keep your body posture completely still. A common introduction to this is a ten-day silent Vipassana meditation course, which I completed in January 2020.
Vipassana meditation is just one way to engage in the practice. Another way I regularly engage in meditation is through a breath awareness mindfulness technique. In this technique, we focus our attention on our breath with a relaxed and relatively (but not perfectly) still body.
To get started, here’s something you can try in twelve seconds to calm yourself. Take a deep breath that’s felt in the lungs, belly, and all the way into the back. Inhale through the nose for four counts, hold for four counts, and then exhale through the mouth for another four counts.
Repeat as many times as you need, ideally at least three times to feel the ultimate calming effect. You can also check out the meditation at stephaniethoma.com/meditation. Only do these meditations when you can devote your full attention to relaxation and not while operating a vehicle or any other machinery.
Meditate, if only for five minutes each day. When you first start building a habit of meditation, you may find you go through your entire bedtime routine and only remember to meditate when you’re already lying down, snuggled in bed. You might think, “Can I just do it lying down? Will anyone notice?” You could, but it’s not going to be the same. If you find yourself in this situation, get out of bed and say, “Five minutes,” aloud before setting a timer. If you’re trying to clarify your goals and if you experience anxiety, adding another thing to your plate may seem counterintuitive, but taking those moments to yourself can be so helpful in alleviating mental clutter and reducing feelings of anxiety.
If the thought of sitting still and silent for five minutes is too much to bear, try in-motion meditation. You can do this by focusing on your breath with a four-four-four rhythm as you walk to work from public transportation or your car. No headphones in or listening to music, just a mindful walk paying attention to all that’s around you. (Just keep your eyes open, please!)
Meditation lays the foundation for a sense of peace. It can turn a negative mental environment into a space of neutrality, laying the groundwork for instilling unwavering self-confidence.
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