In a world where professional success often hinges on relationships, building cool networking skills is more valuable than ever. Recently, a fascinating study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General article “Scientists define six traits that make a person ‘cool” that revealed six personality traits that define “coolness” across cultures: extroversion, hedonism, power, adventurousness, openness, and autonomy. These traits, identified from surveys of nearly 6,000 people in diverse countries, aren’t just about charisma, they’re powerful tools for building meaningful connections and providing real value to others.
As someone passionate about continuously improving my networking skills, I’ve found that embracing these traits has elevated my ability to connect authentically. Networking isn’t about collecting contacts; it’s about fostering relationships that benefit everyone involved. Let’s explore each trait and how it applies to effective networking.
1. Extroversion: The Spark of Engagement
Extroverted people naturally draw others in with energy and enthusiasm. In networking, this translates to initiating conversations, asking engaging questions, and making others feel valued. Practicing extroversion, even if it’s not your default, helps create memorable interactions. At events, be the person who introduces strangers or facilitates group discussions. This builds trust quickly and positions you as a connector.
2. Hedonism: Infusing Joy into Connections
Hedonism involves pursuing pleasure and enjoyment. Applied to networking skills, it means making interactions fun and positive. Share recommendations for books, events, or experiences that align with someone’s interests. Focus on mutual enjoyment rather than pure transactions. When networking feels enjoyable, people remember you fondly and are more likely to reciprocate value.
3. Power: Confident Leadership Without Domination
Power here refers to confidence and influence, not control. In networking, it means owning your expertise while empowering others. Share insights that help people advance, mentor newcomers, or connect them to opportunities. This creates a ripple effect: your network strengthens as you help others succeed. Powerful networkers challenge norms thoughtfully, turning conversations into collaborative growth.
4. Adventurousness: Embracing New Opportunities
Adventurous individuals seek thrills and risks. For networking, this encourages stepping outside comfort zones, attending cross-industry events, reaching out to admired professionals, or exploring new platforms. Share your “adventures” like innovative tools or workshops. Adventure keeps your network dynamic, introducing fresh ideas and preventing stagnation.
5. Openness: Welcoming Diverse Perspectives
Open people are receptive to new ideas and cultures. This is foundational for inclusive networking skills. Listen without judgment, embrace different backgrounds, and adapt to others’ views. Openness fosters deeper connections by showing genuine curiosity. In diverse groups, it sparks collaborations that blend unique perspectives for innovative outcomes.
6. Autonomy: Authenticity and Independence
Autonomous individuals think independently and stay true to themselves. In networking, authenticity attracts the right people. Share unique insights instead of conforming, and offer unconventional advice when helpful. This builds trust and draws in those who value realness over superficiality.
These six traits form a blueprint for elevating your networking skills. They encourage challenging conventions, inspiring change, and creating resilient relationships. The study’s cross-cultural consistency highlights how global influences have standardized “coolness,” making these traits universally effective.Personally,
Building cool networking skills in real life
I’m a proud member and strong advocate for Accelerated Global Connections (AGC), a premier networking group based in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. AGC hosts multiple events every month, including motivational talks, mixers, and structured networking sessions in the Twin Cities area. What sets AGC apart is its focus on accelerating meaningful connections through inspiration, education, and fun, perfectly aligning with these “cool” traits. Events encourage extroverted engagement, adventurous exploration, and open sharing of value in a supportive community.
Joining AGC has transformed how I approach networking, helping me provide ongoing value while building lasting professional relationships. If you’re ready to level up your networking skills and cultivate these traits, reach out to me. I’d love to share more about AGC and how you can get involved. As always feel free to contact me for more infomation.
