My 5-Step Networking Framework

read on: themovementmemo.com

read time: 6 minutes 

Welcome to The Movement Memo, a bi-weekly newsletter where I share actionable tips to help you live your best day ever, every day.

Today's Programming 

• Movement: 2 part strength endurance 

• Quote: Carnegie on building relationships 

• Lesson Learned: My five-step networking framework

• Youtube: Training for hyrox championships

• Optimization: Fueling what moves me

Today's Movement 

Complete as a 12-minute EMOM (every minute on the minute): 

• 12 cal eco bike

• 12 burpee box jumpovers

• 12 handstand push-ups

Complete every 3 min x 15 min: 

• 15 cal ski + 20 bar facing burpees.

• Rest for the time remaining. 

Accessory work: 

• DB Shoulder Press 4 x 12

• Bent Over Reverse Flys 4 x 15

• Front Raises 4 x 15

Today's Quote

You can build stronger relationships faster by showing genuine curiosity about others than by trying to impress them with your own achievements.

People are naturally drawn to those who take an interest in their lives, ideas, and experiences. Shifting your focus outward creates a sense of connection and trust that can’t be forced. Instead of seeking to be interesting, seek to be interested.

Authenticity shines through when you ask thoughtful questions and listen intently.

Today's Lesson Learned:

My 5-Step Networking Framework (how I build authentic connections in 20 minutes): 

Building meaningful relationships shouldn’t feel forced or fake. 

With a thoughtful and intentional approach, you can create genuine, long-lasting connections in just 20 minutes. Most people undertake networking with a “what’s in it for me?” mindset, which is exhausting and ineffective. It’s easy to feel like you’re wasting time or leaving meetings without any real value.

The harsh truth: transactional networking leads to shallow relationships.

People can sense when you’re not authentic; that reputation will not get you where you want to go.

Reframe Your Intention: Make It About the Relationship

The best connections come when you shift the spotlight away from yourself and focus on the other person.

Real relationships are built on trust, shared values, and a mutual desire to support each other. Think of networking as planting seeds for long-term growth. It’s not about instant results—it’s about creating a foundation for future opportunities.

Many of my current business ventures came from people I met years ago when we had no idea we would work together one day.

Instead of a “What can I get?” mindset, lead with curiosity and generosity.

This approach ensures your meetings are impactful and authentic, leaving both parties better off – the point of a “networking meeting” is to be mutually beneficial. 

Here’s how I make it happen: 

STEP 1: Show Up Prepared

Preparation is non-negotiable. 

When people are generous enough to give you their time, do not waste it. Every minute they give you is one more minute they can’t be home with their family. And if you are meeting with someone who is successful, because you want to learn from them, ask yourself what their hourly rate might be.

How often do you give someone you don’t know a gift of $500?

That is what their time may be worth – and they are giving you this as a gift.

So, do your homework – it shows respect – and ensures your meeting is meaningful. Before you meet, take 20 minutes to learn about the person you’re connecting with. Here’s what you can do:

• Check out their LinkedIn or Instagram to see what they’re passionate about.

• Look for mutual connections or shared interests to break the ice.

• Take note of recent wins, projects, or posts they’ve shared.

Pro Tip: I keep a “VIP List” of people I want to stay connected with. Before a meeting, I review my notes about their interests or past conversations to ensure I’m adding value. I try to remember races they're training for, spouses’ & kids names, or big product launches. 

It’s these little pieces of information that most people don’t remember where you differentiate. 

Key Takeaway: Preparing in advance shows respect and sets the stage for a meaningful conversation. 

STEP 2: Start Strong with Gratitude and Purpose

First impressions matter. (And you never get a second chance to make a first impression).

Always start with gratitude. It sets the tone. Aim to be warm, sincere, and direct.

1. Begin by thanking them for their time. Acknowledge their busy schedule.

2. If you asked for the meeting, recognize that the responsibility is on you to drive it.

3. Share a specific reason why you admire their work and what you hope to get out of your time together.

A Common Mistake: All your meetings do not need to be scheduled – many of the best opportunities come from chance encounters.

In September 2023, I was at Runningman, when I noticed Rich Roll (whom I have been a long-time fan of) walking by. I complimented a recent podcast episode that resonated with me, and it sparked a deeper conversation where I got to learn about his process for storytelling and we started to build a relationship.

Key Takeaway: A strong start builds trust and sets the tone for collaboration.

STEP 3: Ask Questions That Go Deep

If you want to connect with someone, ask questions that show you care.

People love to share their stories and passions when they feel heard.

In a 20-minute networking meeting, I aim to ask 5 questions… well really 3. (The last two are the same every time.)

Here are 5 powerful questions to guide a first conversation. You can use these if you don’t know where to start, but I find I enjoy asking questions more specific to their industry and knowledge. 

1. What inspired you to start doing what you do?

2. What challenges have shaped your journey so far?

3. Are there any lessons you’d share with someone starting out?

4. What’s exciting you most in your work right now?

5. What’s the biggest challenge you or your company are currently facing?

Pro Tip: Keep a running document of insightful answers you hear from different meetings. These nuggets of wisdom often resurface as valuable advice for your own journey.

This next question is one that you should ask every time you meet someone new. 

Is there anyone in your circle you think I should meet who can help me with {X}? *Be specific about what you are struggling with. 

Referral is the most powerful form of connecting. If you follow this framework, people should feel comfortable connecting you with others, and successful people like helping others become successful.

Key Takeaway: Asking thoughtful questions creates memorable and meaningful discussions.

STEP 4: Ask How You Can Add Value

This is where the magic happens.

Once you’ve listened and learned, it’s your turn to contribute. (And this is what most people skip).

Every time you have a networking meeting, this should be the last question you ask: “Great, thank you so much for your time and insight. Now, how can I be valuable to you? How can I help?” 

I promise if you do this, you will stand out. You will see some people’s jaws drop because they weren’t expecting that. But by focusing on how you can help them, not only the other way around, you build goodwill.

Sometimes you may be able to connect them with someone you know or offer insight based on a problem they’ve shared.

Other times, they will not have an immediate ask. That’s okay too, but your goal should be to leave them with the impression that they should reach out if and when that changes.

Key Takeaway: Every networking meeting should be mutually beneficial to both parties. 

STEP 5: End with Clear Next Steps

Wrap up the meeting on time. 

I’ve had thousands of networking meetings over the years, and I have found 20 minutes to be the sweet spot. Any shorter and you don’t have time to get into in-depth discussion. Any longer and I notice that attention starts to waiver.

The goal of one of these meetings is not to learn everything about the other person – it is to start a long, meaningful relationship for years to come. 

Never leave the next move unclear—be intentional about how you’ll follow up.

Here’s a simple framework I follow:

• Send a note thanking them again for their time and insight. Handwritten notes are better than email because they take time and don’t scale. But do not wait more than 24 hours – any longer and it feels like an afterthought. 

• Summarize key takeaways and follow through on commitments. For example: If you said you were going to share an article about brand partnerships and connect them with [name], do it. 

• Let them know how you’d like to stay in touch, whether through LinkedIn or email, etc. 

But this last bullet is more art than science. You want to avoid being a nuisance at all costs. Over time, you will develop the “feel” for what cadence is right based on the relationship.  

Pro Tip: If you can, schedule a follow-up in your calendar for 30 days later. Relationships grow through consistent touchpoints, not one-off interactions. And you always want to book your next meeting from the current call. 

Key Takeaway: Following up with clear action builds long-term connections.

Networking doesn’t have to feel forced. 

If it makes you feel “slimy” or “salesy”, you are not doing it right.

Remember: you have value to provide for the person on the other side of the table. They should benefit from having you in their network just as much as you do from them.

By following these five steps—preparing ahead of time, starting with gratitude, asking meaningful questions, offering value, and ending with clear next steps—you’ll build authentic relationships that last.

Today’s YouTube:

Today’s Optimization

Fueling What Moves Me

There’s something about pushing through the grind of life—whether it’s the last mile of a run, a cold plunge after a workout, or showing up for that 7:00 a.m. gym session when no one else does. Those moments build confidence that keeps me going.

But life is not just about movement—it’s about the connections I build along the way.

Some of my best friendships were forged on a bike trail or in the sauna after a long workout. We bond over the effort, the sweat, the challenge. And when I’m not chasing a new PR or planning the next adventure, I need fuel that helps me stay ready for whatever comes next. That’s why recovery matters so much to me.

I’ve learned that fueling right isn’t just about nutrition—it’s about showing up fully for the people and moments that matter. Whether I’m jumping into a last-minute ride, a CrossFit session, or simply grabbing coffee with a friend after a workout, I want to feel my best.

That’s why Equip Prime Protein fits my life. 

It’s simple, clean, and keeps me moving forward without the gut issues I’ve dealt with in the past. But really, it’s just part of a bigger picture—fueling the things that matter most: movement, connection, and growth.

So here’s my challenge: Show up today. Meet someone new. Move your body. (Code: erichinman for 20% off!)

And if you’re looking for something simple to keep you going, start with one scoop and see how it fits into your rhythm.

Know friends, training partners, or co-workers who would take value from weekly tips on a healthier lifestyle, enhanced accountability, and improved routines? Thanks for sharing!

WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU? Sign up here!

QUESTIONS OR THOUGHTS? Reply to this email!

Publisher: Eric Hinman

Editor-in-chief: Bobby Ryan