We’ve all heard it: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” But in today’s world, that saying couldn’t be truer. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional looking to climb the corporate ladder, or even someone just starting out, building strong business relationships is the key to unlocking opportunities you may never have imagined. But here’s the catch: Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards or shaking hands at events; it’s about building genuine, lasting connections.
So, how do you move from making superficial connections to forming meaningful relationships that can propel your career or business? Let’s dive in!
1. Shift from “What Can I Get?” to “How Can I Help?”
One of the biggest mistakes people make when networking is thinking too much about themselves. Yes, you want to build your business or advance your career, but if you approach networking with a “What can I get out of this?” mindset, it’ll show. People can smell self-interest from a mile away.
The secret? Flip that script. When meeting someone new, ask yourself, “How can I help this person?” It could be something as simple as making an introduction, offering a resource, or sharing valuable information. When you give first, you plant the seeds of trust and goodwill. This is how authentic relationships start. It also makes you memorable—people love connecting with those who care about helping them succeed.
2. Make It Personal—Not Transactional
Let’s be honest: Business relationships are often built on common goals or mutual benefit, but that doesn’t mean they need to feel transactional. The key to long-lasting connections is making them more human. Take time to learn about the person behind the title. What are their passions? What do they care about outside of work? Maybe they’re passionate about a cause you’re involved in, or perhaps they share your love for travel or sports.
Building rapport on shared interests can turn a professional acquaintance into a trusted ally. And remember: Follow-ups aren’t just about “checking in” on a business deal. Sending a quick note to ask how someone’s family is doing or to share a book recommendation shows you’re thinking of them beyond the next transaction.
3. Consistency is King
You’ve made that initial connection—great! But that’s only step one. Relationships, business or otherwise, take time and effort to maintain. Imagine your network like a garden. If you don’t water the plants regularly, they’ll wither.
Make an effort to stay in touch with people consistently, even when you don’t need anything from them. Send occasional emails, schedule a coffee meet-up, or comment on their social media updates. These small touchpoints keep the relationship alive. And when the time comes that you do need advice or support, you won’t feel awkward reaching out because you’ve nurtured the connection over time.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Vulnerable
We often think we need to project confidence and success at all times to make a good impression. But sometimes, being a little vulnerable can be a powerful tool in building trust. Admitting when you don’t know something or when you’ve made a mistake shows authenticity, which is a huge trust-builder in relationships.
You’d be surprised how many people are willing to help when you’re honest about your struggles. It opens the door for others to share their experiences and creates a deeper, more meaningful connection.
5. Leverage the Power of Follow-Up
Here’s the thing: Even the most inspiring initial conversation can fade into a distant memory if you don’t follow up. Think about the last networking event you attended. You probably exchanged a few cards or LinkedIn connections, but how many of those contacts led to something meaningful? That’s right—it all depends on the follow-up.
A thoughtful follow-up shows that you’re serious about the relationship. But don’t just send a generic “It was great to meet you” email. Personalize it! Mention something you talked about during your conversation or follow up on a topic of mutual interest. This will set you apart from the countless other “nice-to-meet-you” emails flooding their inbox.
6. Show Gratitude and Acknowledge Others’ Wins
One of the most underrated aspects of networking is showing gratitude. If someone helps you—whether it’s through a referral, advice, or even just a great conversation—don’t take it for granted. A sincere thank-you note can go a long way in leaving a lasting impression.
Similarly, acknowledge other people’s successes. Congratulate them on a new job, a promotion, or a major business achievement. People appreciate being recognized for their hard work, and this simple act of acknowledgment can strengthen your bond.
7. Be Selective But Open-Minded
It’s tempting to want to network with everyone, but quality always beats quantity when it comes to building business relationships. Don’t stretch yourself too thin by trying to maintain superficial connections with hundreds of people. Instead, focus on developing deeper relationships with a smaller group of individuals who align with your values and goals.
However, this doesn’t mean you should ignore someone just because they aren’t immediately “useful” to your business. You never know how a connection might evolve or what doors they could open in the future. Keep an open mind, and don’t underestimate the power of diverse perspectives.
8. Stay Genuine—People Can Tell When You’re Faking It
Ultimately, authenticity is your best networking asset. Pretending to be someone you’re not, or faking interest in someone’s work just to get ahead, won’t lead to lasting connections. Be yourself—flaws, quirks, and all. People are drawn to others who are real, and authenticity helps foster trust, which is the cornerstone of any strong business relationship.
Mastering the art of networking isn’t rocket science, but it does require a mindset shift. It’s about giving before you get, staying consistent, being genuine, and nurturing relationships like the valuable assets they are. Start focusing on building real connections today, and you’ll be amazed at how these relationships can transform not just your business, but your life. Happy networking!