The Mood Booster Podcast

49. Friday Focus: Why building an authentic social network matters

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The Home of Wellbeing and Joy 

In this Friday Focus episode, we take Monday’s reflections on networking and turn them into clear psychological understanding, research grounded insight, and practical tools for building an authentic social network that supports wellbeing and growth. 

We begin by clarifying what authentic networking really is. Rather than being strategic, transactional, or pitch led, authentic networking is value aligned, curiosity driven, long term, and human. It prioritises connection over extraction and relationships over immediate return. 

Drawing on Self Determination Theory, we explore why authentic networking feels better and works better. Humans thrive when their needs for autonomy, competence, and connection are met. Authentic networking supports all three, while transactional networking often undermines them by encouraging performance, self-monitoring, and pressure. 

We then ground this in research. We discuss evidence showing that networking is associated with higher salary growth and career satisfaction over time, but also research demonstrating that the quality, authenticity, and supportiveness of social networks are strongly linked to life satisfaction and happiness.  

This episode is about understanding why how you network matters just as much as who you network with, and why approaching relationships with honesty and curiosity is not only more ethical, but more effective. 

🛠 Practical Advice for Listeners 

  • Show interest in values rather than labels
  • Follow curiosity instead of usefulness
  • Think long term rather than immediate return
  • Be honest about who you are and who you are not
  • Give without keeping score 

    • This episode is about shifting networking from something draining and performative into something grounded, meaningful, and genuinely joyful. 

    📍 Pillars Explored 

    Community and Connection, Introspection and Inspiration, Wellbeing and Joy, Presence and Gratitude 

    📚 References Cited in This Episode 

    • Huang, K., Yeomans, M., Brooks, A. W., Minson, J., & Gino, F. (2017). It doesn’t hurt to ask: Question-asking increases liking. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 113(3), 430–452. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000097  
      • Huang, X., Western, M., Bian, Y., Li, Y., Côté, R., & Huang, Y. (2018). Social Networks and Subjective Wellbeing in Australia: New Evidence from a National Survey. Sociology, 53(2), 401–421. https://doi.org/10.1177/0038038518760211  
        • Park, Y., Bailey, E. R., & Kuwabara, K. (2024). Why does it feel so fake? Overcoming authenticity challenges in professional networking. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 18(12). https://doi.org/10.1111/spc3.70027  
          • Rossignac-Milon, M., Pillemer, J., Bailey, E. R., Horton, C. B., Jr, & Iyengar, S. S. (2024). Just be real with me: Perceived partner authenticity promotes relationship initiation via shared reality. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 180, 104306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obhdp.2023.104306  
            • Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017). Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological Needs in Motivation, Development, and Wellness. Guilford Publications.  
              • Wolff, H., & Moser, K. (2009). Effects of networking on career success: A longitudinal study. Journal of Applied Psychology, 94(1), 196–206. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0013350 

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                The Mood Booster PodcastBy Charlie and Marcus