Networking That Delivers
A lot of people “network,” but very few do it in a way that actually delivers results.
Here’s what I mean: Too often, networking becomes a blur of business cards, surface-level conversations, and connections that never go anywhere. You walk away with contacts… but no real opportunities, no trust built, no relationships that matter.
Effective networking is about creating value.
Here are a few things I’ve learned that change everything:
1. Go deeper, not wider. Five quality connections beat 50 handshakes every time. Ask real questions. Learn what keeps people up at night.
2. Give before you ask. Share a resource. Make an introduction. Point them toward something useful. Networking works best when it’s not transactional.
3. Follow up with intention. Most opportunities die because the connection ends at the event. A quick, thoughtful message afterward is where relationships start to grow.
4. Protect your energy. Not every room is your room. Choose spaces that align with your goals and values so your networking time actually supports what you’re building.
When you approach networking this way, it stops feeling like a chore and starts becoming a system that feeds both your business and your life.
Because your next client, collaborator, or opportunity probably isn’t coming from another hour behind your laptop. It’s coming from the right conversation with the right person.
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