The Art Of Authentic Networking With Nisiar Smith | Convos With Friends

In this conversation, I sit down with Nisiar Smith, aka Nas, to explore something that doesn't get talked about enough: the art of building genuine relationships and the power of your network in shaping who you become.

Nas shares his journey from corporate America to founding Courtside Wealth Partners, a financial planning firm serving athletes, entertainers, and entrepreneurs. But what makes this conversation special isn't just his professional success—it's how he got there. Through intentional relationship-building, authentic connections, and genuine curiosity about people, Nas has built a network that has transformed his life and career.

We dive into the real mechanics of networking—not the transactional, business-card-collecting kind, but the human kind.  Nas breaks down his five principles for cultivating meaningful relationships: give without expecting anything back, stay curious about people, add value quietly, protect your reputation, and play the long game. These aren't just platitudes; they're practices he lives by daily.

We also tackle the harder side of relationships: knowing when to let them evolve or end. Nas walks through his annual practice of auditing his friendships—not in a cold, calculating way, but with intention and honesty about who he's growing with and who he's outgrown. It's a reminder that not everyone in your life is meant to be there forever, and that's okay. Sometimes people serve their purpose in a season, and freeing up that space allows new, more aligned relationships to enter your life.

Throughout our conversation, you'll hear the genuine brotherhood between Nas and me. We joke, we challenge each other, and we speak honestly about the work it takes to build authentic connections in a world that often values surface-level networking over real relationships.

Takeaways

- The importance of networking and genuine relationships.
- Building trust is a key component of successful networking.
- Curiosity about others can lead to deeper connections.
- Relationships are a form of capital that can be more valuable than money.
- It's essential to give without expecting anything in return.
- Letting go of relationships that no longer serve you is crucial for growth.
- Small gestures can have a significant impact on building relationships.
- Playing the long game in relationships is important for future success.
- Authenticity is vital in forming genuine connections.
- Your network can evolve, and it's okay to outgrow certain relationships.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nisiar Smith
01:00 Journey to Independence in Financial Services
02:59 Founding Courtside Wealth Partners
05:56 The Importance of Networking and Relationships
08:59 Building Genuine Connections
11:52 The Value of Relationship Capital
15:06 Long-Term Relationship Strategies
17:48 Cultivating Trust and Mutual Support
20:55 The Impact of Relationships on Success
23:55 Maya Angelou's Wisdom on Relationships
29:33 Building Authentic Relationships
36:12 The Importance of Curiosity
42:20 Navigating Relationship Dynamics
49:02 Evaluating Friendships and Relationships
56:37 Letting Go for Growth