EPISODE · Oct 21, 2025 · 1H 11M
Why Is Networking So Awkward? AI Slop Is RUINING Connection! Let's Change How We Come Together... | Mike Adams, Super Connector and Founder
from Lost and Searching with Seven Jacobs · host Seven Jacobs
Most of us dread networking events - the awkward small talk, the transactional feel, the pressure to "sell yourself." But what if networking could actually be joyful? What if it was less about what you can get and more about what you can give? Mike Adams has cracked the code after attending over 1,000 networking events and transforming from a shy programmer into a master connector.👉 Find the full playlist of episodes HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO6l9CNQoSFdYrSofAAHBcTdsnpYk8iYg Mike Adams is a seasoned serial networker and founder of IntroStars, a platform that rewards business introducers for successful referrals. With 30 years of experience in sales and marketing at leading tech companies such as HP, Apple, and Zoom, Mike has attended over 1,000 networking events and transformed from a shy introvert into an expert connector passionate about helping people build meaningful business relationships. His startup IntroStars is a unique two-sided referral marketplace that allows professionals to earn referral fees by making warm introductions that lead to deals, thereby monetizing the value of their networks.Today, expect to learn:• How Mike transformed from a shy programmer into a networking expert who's attended 1000+ events• Why most people approach networking completely wrong and what mindset shift changes everything• The practical strategies that work best at networking events (including where to stand and what questions to ask)• How AI and digital spam are making authentic face-to-face connections more valuable than ever• Why curiosity and genuine interest in others beats any sales technique• How introstars is revolutionizing referral marketing by paying people for warm introductions• The ethical framework Mike uses to build lasting business relationships• Why networking should feel joyful rather than transactional• How to monetize your network without compromising relationshipsReferral marketing operates on the principle that warm introductions are significantly more effective than cold outreach, with studies showing referral leads convert at much higher rates. The rise of AI-generated content and digital spam has created what experts call "message fatigue," making authentic human connections increasingly valuable in business contexts. This trend supports Mike's philosophy that genuine relationship-building trumps digital tactics.W H A T T O D O N E X T :GUEST LINKS ~WEBSITE: https://introstars.comLINKEDIN: https://linkedin.com/in/supermikeHOST LINKS ~WEBSITE: https://sevenjacobs.com SUBSTACK: https://sevenjacobs.substack.com SOCIALS: https://sevenjacobs.com/linksSHOW LINKS ~WEBSITE: https://sevenjacobs.com/lost-and-searchingYOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@lostandsearchingpodcastALL EPISODES (Spotify): https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/lostandsearchingALL EPISODES (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lost-and-searching/id1771369908
What this episode covers
Most of us dread networking events - the awkward small talk, the transactional feel, the pressure to "sell yourself." But what if networking could actually be joyful? What if it was less about what you can get and more about what you can give? Mike Adams has cracked the code after attending over 1,000 networking events and transforming from a shy programmer into a master connector.👉 Find the full playlist of episodes HERE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLO6l9CNQoSFdYrSofAAHBcTdsnpYk8iYg Mike Adams is a seasoned serial networker and founder of IntroStars, a platform that rewards business introducers for successful referrals. With 30 years of experience in sales and marketing at leading tech companies such as HP, Apple, and Zoom, Mike has attended over 1,000 networking events and transformed from a shy introvert into an expert connector passionate about helping people build meaningful business relationships. His startup IntroStars is a unique two-sided referral marketplace that allows professionals to earn referral fees by making warm introductions that lead to deals, thereby monetizing the value of their networks.Today, expect to learn:• How Mike transformed from a shy programmer into a networking expert who's attended 1000+ events• Why most people approach networking completely wrong and what mindset shift changes everything• The practical strategies that work best at networking events (including where to stand and what questions to ask)• How AI and digital spam are making authentic face-to-face connections more valuable than ever• Why curiosity and genuine interest in others beats any sales technique• How introstars is revolutionizing referral marketing by paying people for warm introductions• The ethical framework Mike uses to build lasting business relationships• Why networking should feel joyful rather than transactional• How to monetize your network without compromising relationshipsReferral marketing operates on the principle that warm introductions are significantly more effective than cold outreach, with studies showing referral leads convert at much higher rates. The rise of AI-generated content and digital spam has created what experts call "message fatigue," making authentic human connections increasingly valuable in business contexts. This trend supports Mike's philosophy that genuine relationship-building trumps digital tactics.W H A T T O D O N E X T :GUEST LINKS ~WEBSITE: https://introstars.comLINKEDIN: https://linkedin.com/in/supermikeHOST LINKS ~WEBSITE: https://sevenjacobs.com SUBSTACK: https://sevenjacobs.substack.com SOCIALS: https://sevenjacobs.com/linksSHOW LINKS ~WEBSITE: https://sevenjacobs.com/lost-and-searchingYOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@lostandsearchingpodcastALL EPISODES (Spotify): https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/lostandsearchingALL EPISODES (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lost-and-searching/id1771369908
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Why Is Networking So Awkward? AI Slop Is RUINING Connection! Let's Change How We Come Together... | Mike Adams, Super Connector and Founder
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