Networking: It’s Just (Business) Flirting

You’re at a business event, clutching your drink like it’s a life preserver, scanning the room full of strangers. Your heart’s racing a bit, and you’re wondering if you should just head home and catch up on Netflix instead. Sound familiar?

Here’s a secret that might help: networking is just flirting, but for business. Think about it – you’re meeting new people, trying to make connections, and seeing if there might be chemistry for a future relationship (professional, in this case!). 

As Somatica practitioners, we’re already skilled at creating authentic connections. So why does networking feel so different? Perhaps it’s because we’re approaching it with our “serious business person” hat on, instead of bringing the same playful, authentic energy we bring to our personal connections.

Let’s break down how you can use your relationship superpowers to make networking feel more natural and fun.

Connect with your playful energy

Remember what it feels like when you’re having a great conversation with someone you just met at a party? You’re relaxed, curious, maybe even a little flirty. Your energy is open and playful. That’s exactly the energy you want to bring to networking!

Instead of approaching networking events with dread (“I have to make business connections”), try shifting your mindset to curiosity (“I wonder what interesting people I’ll meet today?”). When you’re genuinely interested in getting to know people, rather than trying to “sell” yourself, networking becomes much more enjoyable.

Stay attuned to yourself and others

Just like in flirting, attunement is your secret weapon in networking. Pay attention to how you’re feeling in your body. Are you genuinely enjoying the conversation? Is the other person matching your energy? Are they leaning in, asking questions, or looking for an escape route?

Being attuned also means knowing when to step back. If you’re feeling drained or the connection isn’t flowing, it’s perfectly okay to gracefully end the conversation and move on. Not every interaction needs to lead to a business relationship, just like not every flirtation needs to lead to a date.

Escalate gradually, with permission

Remember the last time you had a great flirting session? You probably didn’t start by asking them to marry you! The same principle applies in networking. Start with light conversation, maybe about the event you’re at or something you noticed about them. As you feel mutual interest growing, you can gradually move toward more business-focused topics.

Pay attention to the other person’s cues. Are they asking you questions about your work? Are they sharing their own business challenges? These are like the equivalent of flirting “green lights” – signs that it’s okay to take the conversation a bit deeper.

Own your (business) tease

In dating, your “tease” is what makes you uniquely attractive and interesting. In business, it’s your unique value proposition – what makes you different from everyone else in your field. Just as you wouldn’t hide your personality when flirting, don’t be afraid to let your authentic self shine through in networking conversations.

Share your passion for your work, your unique approach, or even a brief story about why you do what you do. When you’re genuinely excited about your work, that energy is contagious and attractive to potential business connections.

Present a clear invitation with next steps

Just like you wouldn’t end a great flirting session without some way to continue the connection, don’t let promising networking conversations fizzle out. If you’ve felt good chemistry and mutual interest, make a clear invitation for the next step.

This could be as simple as “I’d love to continue this conversation over coffee,” or “Would you be interested in exploring how we might collaborate?” Make it specific and actionable, just like you would when asking someone on a date.

Remember, it’s all about connection

At its core, both flirting and networking are about human connection. When we strip away the “serious business” facade and approach networking with the same openness, curiosity, and playfulness we bring to flirting, magical things can happen.

So the next time you’re at a networking event, try channeling your inner flirt. Be playful, stay attuned, escalate gradually, own your tease, and make clear invitations. You might be surprised at how natural – and fun – networking can feel when you approach it this way.

And remember, just like in dating, not every connection needs to turn into a long-term relationship. Sometimes a delightful conversation is enough. Trust that the right business connections will develop naturally when you show up as your authentic self.

Check out Somatica’s business mastery class taught by Raj and take your business and networking skills to the next level!