3 ways to transform your networking approach

Networking used to terrify me.

Sweaty palms, forced smiles, making small talk with people I don’t know…

For many leaders, networking can feel transactional, awkward or like just another task on an already full plate.

But Networking isn’t about what you do – it’s about how you connect.

I learned this when I realised that in my personal life, I was networking all the time:
🎷Finding the best saxophone teacher for my son from a recommendation in the school playground
🎨Asking friends for a trusted painter when my house needed work

This wasn’t ‘networking’. It was human connection.

So why do we complicate it in professional settings?

👥People are people, whether in a boardroom or a birthday party🎉

Here’s how I shifted from networking dread to building a meaningful, mutually supportive ecosystem:

3 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡

1️⃣ Lead with Curiosity
Instead of focusing on what you can gain, focus on understanding others. Ask thoughtful questions, listen intently and let genuine curiosity guide your conversations.

2️⃣ Offer Value First
Share knowledge, connect people or provide support without expecting anything in return. When you give freely, you build trust and nurture authentic relationships.

3️⃣ Follow Up with Purpose
Don’t let connections fizzle after a single interaction. Send a quick message, share an article, or check in with a thank-you note. Small, consistent actions strengthen relationships over time.

Networking is a powerful tool for building visibility, influence and unlocking career opportunities.

🤝Your network isn’t a collection of contacts. It’s a living, breathing web of potential waiting to be unlocked.

💬How can you help someone in your network this week without expecting anything in return?