I’ve been attending a lot of networking events. I like them.

Networking events are often the “sip and goes” of the business world. In many cases, despite a shared connection and decent chat, very little takes place other than people becoming peers on Linkedin.

The events can be informal or formal, but in general consist of people with goods or services to provide others. Some people are like me. They love talking and meeting new people and in the process meet others who help them grow professionally and personally.

But it wasn’t until one event recently that I faced outright sales pitches.

The event started with a seminar about how to use Facebook as a better and more solid marketing tool. After the seminar, it was time for speed networking. Face to face and business card to business card, we had two minutes to talk before moving on to the next person.

I heard a lot of comments like, “XYZ Insurance/ Car Sales/ Dog Walkers offers a 10% discount to all first time buyers.”

But, here’s the thing. Although I remember all the people and consider them part of my network, they’re kind of blank to me.

I best remember the people who exposed part of themselves.

I remember Codie who stands on the street and spins long rectangular signs. He uses his good nature and attitude to advertise for others. When I was telling him about Sip and Go Girl and where I wanted to take the venture, he told me the importance of doing something that feeds the soul. He said his work is a calling, just like mine is a calling. He’ll never get rich being a sign spinner but he trusts God.

I remember Kimi who stared in contemplative silence for the longest time at my business card. “I thought about being a journalist,” she said. She emanates great lovely energy. She sells insurance for a living but I suspect Kimi likes the people-part of the job the most. The insurance is just “business.”

I remember people like Codie and Kimi because they’re authentic. They’re more concerned about connecting with others, growing, and learning than about selling something to me.

They have their Facebook and Linkedin presences, but there’s something real about them. I don’t see the fabricated phrases “optimize production” and “team player.”

I see truth.

They’ll be the first people I call when I need a sign spinner or insurance.