Networking is an activity in which people focus primarily on increasing their odds of meeting someone who can do something for them.
In pursuit of these outcomes, networkers fall in the trap of attending mislabeled soirées where everyone is looking for a "plug," where self-importance is the leading quality, and no one is vulnerable about their shortcomings. Networkers are the new speed daters. Lots of conversations, no meaningful relationships.
Contrary to this, those who seek longevity in relationships aren’t concerned with short sales and being plugged—they care for the quality of their bond, not the utility of their network.
The question being asked is not, “What can you do for me?” but “How aligned are our values and what do you care about?” By connecting and working strictly and solely with those who overlap in values, the likelihood of mutually beneficial opportunities—personal and professional—exponentiates over time. Trust reinforces this.
If you stop trying to network and start building genuine connections with people, listening to them, learning to trust them, helping them get what they want, and you do these things consistently, eventually those same people will help you get what you want, and your circle will grow to include other aligned minds.
Do this long enough despite setbacks, and you will always receive every opportunity you seek. Because you will be surrounded not by people who can take you where you want to go, but by people who want to go to the same places, who understand that no one gets there alone. These are also the people you can ask help to because you mutually have each other's back. A circle of influence is built on a foundation of trust.
Most people want to climb their summits so badly, they negate the value of forming a trusting tribe along the way. That’s where the actual value is, after all. So stop trying to “network.” Focus on finding your tribe.
Woman holding her child's clothing.Marla Branyan / @marla_branyan
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.