The Power of a Genuine Connection
By: Chris Goldby ∣ Hickory Algorithm
Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards—it’s about planting seeds. Sometimes those seeds grow immediately, and sometimes they take a little longer to sprout. My story with Savannah is proof of that.
I first met Savannah at a local networking event. She had recently moved to Hickory from Georgia with her children, stepping into a new town, new job, and a new community. Our first interaction? Honestly, it wasn’t electric. Not a bad impression, just one of those quick handshakes and “nice to meet you” moments that networking events are famous for. The truth is, connections don’t always click on the first try.
Over time, though, I began to see Savannah at more and more local events. Each time, the hello felt a little warmer. The quick conversation became a genuine one. That’s the beauty of showing up consistently eventually, people notice, and relationships begin to grow in ways you might not expect.
One day, I invited Savannah to join one of our “How I Eat My Pop-Tart” videos—
-a fun little project where local business owners share their own quirky ritual of eating the classic snack. To my surprise (and delight), she brought her children along. As it turned out, she wasn’t the only one. A couple of other business owners had their kids with them, too.
That event, which started as just another creative way to get to know Hickory’s business community, turned into something bigger. While the adults were chatting, the kids started talking among themselves: many of them already knew each other from school. Suddenly, the networking event wasn’t just about professionals building relationships. It became a community gathering where families connected as well.
That’s when I realized the true power of a genuine connection in business Networking isn’t always linear—it’s not just “I meet you, you hire me, we do business.” Sometimes it’s slower, more organic. It’s about layers (yeah, I thought of the Shrek quote too 🤪): professional, personal, and community. The more we invest in those layers, the stronger the bonds become.
Savannah and I have since built a real friendship. What started as a quick “hello” has grown into a connection rooted in trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to helping others. Without networking—and without the patience to let those connections develop—this friendship, and the opportunities that have come with it, might never have happened.
This week’s podcast is built on that story. It’s not just another episode—it’s the product of showing up, reaching out, and building trust one interaction at a time. Networking events can feel rushed, sometimes even transactional, but when you step back, slow down, and invest in people, you realize they aren’t just connections… they’re bridges.
So here’s the reminder for you today:
Show up, even when you don’t feel like it. The right connections rarely happen on the first try.
Stay consistent. Familiarity builds trust.
Be open to community, not just commerce. You never know when a Pop-Tart will lead to a podcast or when your kids will end up introducing you to your next big opportunity.
Networking, at its best, isn’t about chasing business cards. It’s about creating spaces where people can connect, grow, and thrive—together.
#fortheloveofthegame
Previous in the Hickory Algorithm Newsletter
From last week’s newsletter
4 clips - when you need a little pick me up:
Work ethic (Saban)
Living fully (Valvano)
Creating without fear (Rubin)
Clarity in relationships and business (Robbins)
These videos are in my algorithm, when I need a pick me up.
Last week’s Newsletter here
Events:
📆 August 22nd - 🎹
Link to the Facebook Event Page HERE
If you haven’t been to a dueling patio event, you should. I used to go every Wednesday night in a land far away in a farther distant past time. 🎹
Get ready for the one of the most fun nights of the year at Novel Taproom. We haven’t had a dueling piano show in some time and these guys are going to knock you out all night. There will be a $10 cash cover and we likely do some table reservations as well. Likely those will be in an up front VIP section.
📆 August 22nd - 🍅
Link to the Facebook Event page HERE
The Tomatoes this year have been awesome! I cannot wait to go to this!
📆 August 23rd - 🍿
Link to the Facebook Event Page HERE
Saturday Screenings are presented by Jay Brown, Realtors® and hosted by the City of Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department in partnership with the Footcandle Film Society.
Lowes Foods City Park is located at 306 Main Avenue NW in Hickory.
For more information about Saturday Screenings, please contact the Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department at 828-322-7046.
This movie is underrated. I’ll see you there!
📆 September 27th - 🚍
Tickets Available Here
📆 October 18th - 🧙♂️
Link to Facebook Event Page Here
Moonjoy Meadery Presents: The Fellowship of the Ring Hobbit Party!
This one is selfish because I’m hoping to attend.
Embark on an epic quest through Downtown Lenoir on Friday, October 18th, from 1 PM to 6PM, as Moonjoy Meadery hosts a "Fellowship of the Ring" Hobbit Party!
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🦋 Content that Connects. Connections that matter. 🦋
Things I use:
Google Workplace 🕸️
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Oura Ring 💍
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