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 isnโt about what you do – itโs about how you connect.
I learned this when I realised that in my personal life, I was networking all the time:
๐ทFinding the best saxophone teacher for my son from a recommendation in the school playground
๐จAsking friends for a trusted painter when my house needed work
This wasnโt ‘networking’. It was human connection.
So why do we complicate it in professional settings?
๐ฅPeople are people, whether in a boardroom or a birthday party๐
Hereโs how I shifted from networking dread to building a meaningful, mutually supportive ecosystem:
3 ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐๐ญ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ก
1๏ธโฃ 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.
2๏ธโฃ 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.
3๏ธโฃ Follow Up with Purpose
Donโt 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.
๐คYour network isnโt a collection of contacts. Itโs a living, breathing web of potential waiting to be unlocked.
๐ฌHow can you help someone in your network this week without expecting anything in return?