When someone invites you to a networking event, does part of you groan? How many times have you gone through the exchanging business card dance only to never talk with that person again? How much time have you wasted?

What if you began looking to start a relationship with someone instead of trying to sell something?

What if by finding ways to add value and serve others, you end up getting the best connections you’ve ever had?

I would rather create relationships with people and form real connections than add another name and email address to my gmail contacts. How about you?

This is part of what Joyce Layman’s new book, Your Connecting Advantage, is all about. I was able to interview her about connecting, social media, branding, and some of her favorite connecting hacks.

You can hear the entire interview here:

Joyce created a free resource called the 3-Steps Success Guide to Networking. If you’re looking to grow your business in 2016, I highly recommend you check it out.