Dec. 19, 2025
You’re Networking Wrong: How Real Business Connections Actually Happen | CEO Lounge Ep. 2
Most people don’t struggle with networking because they lack effort — they struggle because they’re doing it wrong.
In Episode 2 of The CEO Lounge, Derrick Thompson and co-host Joselyn Flores break down why traditional networking advice fails entrepreneurs — and what actually builds real business relationships.
If you’ve ever:
- Left a networking event exhausted with nothing to show for it
- Collected business cards that went nowhere
- Wondered why some people always get the call back
This episode is your blueprint.
Instead of chasing contacts, this conversation dives into:
- Why real networking rarely happens in crowded rooms
- How timing, value, and intention matter more than small talk
- A real story of how one fundraiser conversation turned into a high-level business connection
- When to follow up — and when not to
- How to add value first without sounding salesy or desperate
This isn’t theory. It’s real-world strategy from entrepreneurs who’ve built businesses through relationships, trust, and long-term thinking.
The CEO Lounge is your blueprint for success — designed to help aspiring founders, startups, and seasoned entrepreneurs make smarter moves without wasting years learning the hard way.
🎧 New episodes drop the 1st and 3rd Fridays
📅 Episode 2 is live now
📌 Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next
🔑 KEY TOPICS COVERED
- Business networking strategies
- Entrepreneur networking tips
- How to follow up with executives
- Relationship-based marketing
- Building trust in business
- Startup mistakes in networking
- How to add value before asking
DOWNLOADABLE DOCUMENTS:
Visit our website at https://www.theceolounge.net to obtain two Blueprint Documents that align with this episode!
Blueprint 1 | The Connection Connection Momentum Map
Blueprint 2 | The Connection Follow Up Tracker
https://www.theceolounge.net
If this episode helped you rethink networking, drop a comment below or share it with someone who needs to hear this.
In Episode 2 of The CEO Lounge, Derrick Thompson and co-host Joselyn Flores break down why traditional networking advice fails entrepreneurs — and what actually builds real business relationships.
If you’ve ever:
- Left a networking event exhausted with nothing to show for it
- Collected business cards that went nowhere
- Wondered why some people always get the call back
This episode is your blueprint.
Instead of chasing contacts, this conversation dives into:
- Why real networking rarely happens in crowded rooms
- How timing, value, and intention matter more than small talk
- A real story of how one fundraiser conversation turned into a high-level business connection
- When to follow up — and when not to
- How to add value first without sounding salesy or desperate
This isn’t theory. It’s real-world strategy from entrepreneurs who’ve built businesses through relationships, trust, and long-term thinking.
The CEO Lounge is your blueprint for success — designed to help aspiring founders, startups, and seasoned entrepreneurs make smarter moves without wasting years learning the hard way.
🎧 New episodes drop the 1st and 3rd Fridays
📅 Episode 2 is live now
📌 Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next
🔑 KEY TOPICS COVERED
- Business networking strategies
- Entrepreneur networking tips
- How to follow up with executives
- Relationship-based marketing
- Building trust in business
- Startup mistakes in networking
- How to add value before asking
DOWNLOADABLE DOCUMENTS:
Visit our website at https://www.theceolounge.net to obtain two Blueprint Documents that align with this episode!
Blueprint 1 | The Connection Connection Momentum Map
Blueprint 2 | The Connection Follow Up Tracker
https://www.theceolounge.net
If this episode helped you rethink networking, drop a comment below or share it with someone who needs to hear this.
