EPISODE · Apr 17, 2026 · 15 MIN
Real Networking: Moving Beyond Business Cards to True Connections
from Modern Ideas for Business · host Paul Duren
Is your idea of networking collecting business cards and stacking up LinkedIn connections? According to Paul Duren, a professional with over 40 years of experience in banking and 25+ years in business development, "That’s not networking."In this video, Paul shares insights drawn from observing the best (and worst) networkers at thousands of events. He breaks down the difference between a transactional and relational mindset and explains how to move beyond superficial interactions to build relationships that create real opportunities.You Will Learn:The Power of In-Person: Why trust forms faster face-to-face in a digital world.The Right Mindset: How shifting from "Who can help me?" to "How can I create value?" changes everything.Preparation Tactics: How to spend 5 minutes preparing so you’re useful, not transactional.Starting Better Conversations: Why "What do you do?" is an ineffective opener, and what questions to ask instead.Graceful Exits: How to end a conversation with courtesy and elegance so you can move with intention.The Concept of "Weak Ties": How your network’s network provides access to ecosystems of opportunity you could never reach alone.Becoming a Connector: The powerful habit that makes you invaluable.Effective Follow-Up: How to turn a short interaction into a long-term relationship.Networking is part skill, part energy, part timing, and a big part is just showing up. Stop collecting contacts and start building trust.Special Event Mention:Paul also announces the CalCPA ABC Spring Networking Event on May 12th (4:30 - 7:30 PM) at Gordon Biersch Brewery. Registration and early bird discount details are available at calcpa.org.If you found value in this video, please give it a thumbs up and let us know your thoughts in the comments!#NetworkingTips #BusinessNetworking #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalDevelopment #BuildingTrust #PaulDuren #NetworkingTips #BusinessNetworking #CareerAdvice #PaulDuren #ProfessionalDevelopment #CalCPA #BusinessGrowth #BuildingRelationships
What this episode covers
Is your idea of networking collecting business cards and stacking up LinkedIn connections? According to Paul Duren, a professional with over 40 years of experience in banking and 25+ years in business development, "That’s not networking."In this video, Paul shares insights drawn from observing the best (and worst) networkers at thousands of events. He breaks down the difference between a transactional and relational mindset and explains how to move beyond superficial interactions to build relationships that create real opportunities.You Will Learn:The Power of In-Person: Why trust forms faster face-to-face in a digital world.The Right Mindset: How shifting from "Who can help me?" to "How can I create value?" changes everything.Preparation Tactics: How to spend 5 minutes preparing so you’re useful, not transactional.Starting Better Conversations: Why "What do you do?" is an ineffective opener, and what questions to ask instead.Graceful Exits: How to end a conversation with courtesy and elegance so you can move with intention.The Concept of "Weak Ties": How your network’s network provides access to ecosystems of opportunity you could never reach alone.Becoming a Connector: The powerful habit that makes you invaluable.Effective Follow-Up: How to turn a short interaction into a long-term relationship.Networking is part skill, part energy, part timing, and a big part is just showing up. Stop collecting contacts and start building trust.Special Event Mention:Paul also announces the CalCPA ABC Spring Networking Event on May 12th (4:30 - 7:30 PM) at Gordon Biersch Brewery. Registration and early bird discount details are available at calcpa.org.If you found value in this video, please give it a thumbs up and let us know your thoughts in the comments!#NetworkingTips #BusinessNetworking #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalDevelopment #BuildingTrust #PaulDuren #NetworkingTips #BusinessNetworking #CareerAdvice #PaulDuren #ProfessionalDevelopment #CalCPA #BusinessGrowth #BuildingRelationships
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Real Networking: Moving Beyond Business Cards to True Connections
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