By Kate Hanson, Founder of Kate Hanson Co. and Co-Chair, Small Business Advisory Council, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
Before stepping into any networking opportunity, I encourage you to pause.
Not to rehearse your elevator pitch. Not to shuffle business cards.
But to ground yourself in the future you’re building.
Ask yourself:
What do I want? Who am I becoming? What does my most aligned version of success feel like?
This is clarity in vision, the most overlooked first step in intentional networking. When you anchor in your future self, the version already living your boldest vision, your energy shifts. And that energy speaks before you ever open your mouth.
Whether you’re a solopreneur, a sales leader or in a season of reinvention, networking isn’t about collecting contacts. It’s about connecting in alignment. You attract more powerful conversations, opportunities and support when you show up as your future self.
Who Are You Here to Connect With?
Next comes clarity in decisions. Once you have a vision, you can ask yourself:
- Who would help me grow?
- What gaps exist in my network or opportunities?
- Who do I want to learn from, collaborate with or serve?
This intentional approach makes networking more focused and fulfilling.
Dress for the Energy You Want to Own
First impressions happen before you speak. Wear something that helps you feel grounded and confident. Clean shoes, thoughtful details and a tidy car. It’s not about image. It’s about energy congruence.
And don’t forget your smile, posture and presence. Confidence is contagious and so is authenticity.
Be Interested, Not Just Interesting
One of my favourite reminders: “It’s more important to be interested than interesting.”
There’s a study where participants on an airplane were advised to only ask questions, never talk about themselves. At the end of the flight, their seatmates described them as fun, fascinating, even magnetic.
Yet they didn’t know a single fact about them.
Why? Because people love to talk about themselves. And more than that, they love to feel heard.
So next time, try asking deeper questions, listening with curiosity and reflecting back what you hear. That’s what builds real connection.
Make Real Time Plans
When someone energizes you, act. Set a coffee date. Exchange info with intention.
This is clarity in direction. Taking inspired action before the energy fades.
“The Universe loves speed. Don’t delay, don’t second guess, don’t doubt. When the opportunity is there, act.”— Joe Vitale
This isn’t selfish. Your clarity is a gift to others. When you’re clear on who you are and what you want, you give others permission to be, too. You become magnetic and boundaries become obvious.
Closing Thought
Get clear. Stay grounded. Move with purpose.
The room doesn’t need a perfect pitch. It needs your presence.
Your future self will handle the rest.
Kate Hanson is a keynote speaker, leadership strategist and founder of Kate Hanson Co. She helps high-performing professionals and entrepreneurs realign their success, so it feels as good as it looks. As the creator of The Alignment Method™ and The Executive Wellbeing Transformation Journey, Kate guides leaders to replace pressure with clarity and build sustainable success without burning out. Her work blends mindset, strategy and storytelling to help clients and audiences lead with confidence, clarity and calm, proving that ease isn’t the opposite of excellence, it’s the secret to it.
