Exploring the intersection between digital connection, community strategy, local communities, belonging, permaculture principles, sustainability, and psychology. My work analyses the systems that prop up our current networking practices and looks at practical steps we can unlearn to build stronger networks that serve both people and the planet.
How can we cultivate more connection?
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Hello friend, Heads up—I'm starting something new: a weekly newsletter featuring three ideas on how to cultivate connection in your life. These will range from big concepts to small tips, sometimes just adding a bit of fun to build into your week. Some ideas will resonate with everyone who attends events, while others will speak directly to event organisers. I'll cover both offline and online interactions, some LinkedIn-specific insights (because that's my jam!) and other ideas applicable to any platform. As my own connection efforts evolve, I'll share those learnings too. This isn't your usual networking advice with scripts, formulas, or automated approaches. Instead, expect fresh perspectives from my LinkedIn training experience, community consulting, building #LinkedInLocal, and interests in sustainability, permaculture principles, and psychology. My goal is to help you see connection differently, unlearn some habits, and embrace the beautiful awkwardness of genuine human connection. This isn't an advice column or meant to be preachy—just simple ideas you can incorporate into your life if they resonate. 🕰️ Why now? Last year, I wrote a few essays on reimagining networking. I started many more that haven't yet made their way into the world. While I remain deeply passionate about these ideas, the reality is that the effort going into writing doesn't always translate to keeping the lights on in business. It's the creator's quandary, isn't it? Can you relate? I'll still occasionally share long-form essays on why we're getting networking wrong. To go a little deeper, I believe our approach to building communities and networks is heavily influenced by early 20th-century management culture and language, combined with modern playbooks for building brands and audiences online. These two mostly male-dominated forces have created circumstances that aren't serving most of us well. (The full exploration probably needs a book, and I'm not sure I have another book in me right now!) Small, simple ideas each week feel lighter and more sustainable. This rhythm feels more supportive, and the length is something people can actually find time to read, unlike longer essays. I want to acknowledge that this series has been deeply inspired by Jodi Wilson, who writes five short weekly tips on practising simplicity. It's worth checking out if you need more simplicity in your life. My new newsletter is just that - simple enough for me to commit to right now and hopefully simple enough for you to engage with. Look for the first edition this Monday (or Sunday if you're in North or South America), offering fresh inspiration to start your week. I'll also publish these on LinkedIn, so feel free to leave comments there (or as always, reply directly to say hi!). See you again very soon, Anna |
Networking: A New Manifesto
Exploring the intersection between digital connection, community strategy, local communities, belonging, permaculture principles, sustainability, and psychology. My work analyses the systems that prop up our current networking practices and looks at practical steps we can unlearn to build stronger networks that serve both people and the planet.
Here are 3 ideas to help you cultivate more connection in your life this week 👇 1️⃣ Selling services on social media If there is one trend I’ve seen growing over the past few years, it's the reluctance of people to buy from service-based businesses solely based on social media. While products on social media still seem appealing, service-based businesses need to look beyond socials. Relationships, and that means networking, are key. A post might generate likes and engagement, but ask...
3 Ideas to Help You Cultivate More Connection This Week 👇 1️⃣ Champion the Authors You KnowBooks have been on my mind this week, specifically books by people I know. After almost 8 years creating content on LinkedIn, I've had the pleasure of getting to know several authors. I also co-authored a self-published book nearly five years ago, so I understand the work, love, and sometimes pain that goes into writing. One lesson I learned from my co-author Nicole Johnston (who sadly passed away last...
✨ Here are three new ideas to help you cultivate more connection in your life this week ✨ 1️⃣ Stop "Networking" – Start Community BuildingIf the word "networking" makes your skin crawl, you're not alone. The term has become loaded with expectations of forced small talk and transactional relationships. Here's the thing: you can drop it entirely. Not the activities, drop the word.Instead, think of it as community building. This reframe will help you approach it differently. Community building...