Networking isn’t about collecting business cards or racking up LinkedIn connections. It’s about building a small army of people who know you, like you, and trust you enough to open doors. If you want networking to actually move the needle, here are five things you must do well consistently.
1) Pick Your Events Carefully (Curate, don’t crowdsource)
Not every breakfast, lunch, or “speed mixer” deserves a spot on your calendar. Be selective. Ask yourself:
- Who typically attends? Are they your buyers, referral partners, or industry peers who can introduce you to opportunities?
- What’s the format? Roundtable conversations beat cattle-call mingling. Smaller groups encourage real dialogue.
- Is there a host or community ethos? A values-aligned group with repeat attendees compounds your efforts.
Pro tip: Choose fewer, better events and commit to showing up regularly. Familiarity builds trust. If you’re a “one-and-done” attendee, you’ll be forgettable. If you’re a regular, you’ll be a known quantity and referrals flow to known quantities.
2) Do Advance Research (Go in warm, not cold)
Walk in prepared. Ten minutes of homework transforms an awkward hello into a meaningful conversation.
- Scan the attendee list if available. Identify 3–5 people you want to meet and note one reason why.
- Review LinkedIn profiles for recent posts, shared connections, and mutual interests. Comment thoughtfully before the event so your name rings a bell.
- Prep your questions:
- “What’s something exciting you’re working on right now?”
- “Who’s a great referral for you this quarter?”
Pro tip: Bring a short, story-based introduction. Not a resume. One sentence on who you help, one sentence on how you help, and a quick example that makes it real.
3) Follow Up With Intent (Make it easy to say yes)
Great conversations die in inboxes without intentional follow-up. Within 24–48 hours:
- Send a tailored message referencing your chat: “You mentioned struggling with X and I pulled a resource you might like.”
- Offer one clear next step (15-minute virtual coffee, quick intro to someone helpful, or sharing a one-page resource).
- Book it on the spot. Include a scheduling link or offer two time options. Remove friction.
Pro tip: Use a simple system so people don’t slip through the cracks. A spreadsheet, a CRM, even a well-structured notes app works. Track: Date met, what you discussed, promised next steps, and a reminder for a 30-day check-in. Networking without a follow-up system is just socializing.
4) Give Before You Get (Lead with generosity)
The fastest way to earn trust is to give strategically and sincerely.
- Make introductions that are truly useful, with quick context on why both parties should talk.
- Share opportunities like an event, podcast, or stage that fits their goals.
- Offer a micro-win: a template, checklist, or quick idea that helps them move forward today.
This isn’t about being a doormat; it’s about being a value creator. When you show up as a problem-solver, people remember and reciprocate.
Pro tip: Keep a short “give list” handy: your top five introductions, three favorite resources, and two ways you can help most people you meet. When someone asks, “How can I help you?” return the favor with a specific and easy request (see #5).
5) Have a Clear, Generous Ask (Clarity gets you action)
Most networking fizzles because the ask is vague. “Keep me in mind” goes nowhere. Instead:
- Define your target: “I work best with boutique law firms (10–50 people) that want to stay top of mind with clients.”
- Describe the trigger: “If you hear someone say, ‘We know we should post, but no one has time to write,’ that’s me.”
- Make it safe and simple: Provide a 2–3 sentence blurb they can forward, plus a short intro script. The easier you make it to champion you, the more they will.
Pro tip — The Forwardable Blurb:
“Meet [Your Name]. She helps [ideal client] turn expertise into clear, compelling content such as LinkedIn posts, blogs, and newsletters that build relationships and lead to business. If you’re saying, ‘We know what to say, we just don’t have time to write,’ she’s the call.”
Bonus: Be a Great Roommate in the Relationship
Networking isn’t a transaction, it’s a rhythm. Show up. Contribute. Check in. Celebrate wins. Send notes just because. If you only appear when you need something, you’re not networking, you’re panhandling.
Cadence that works:
- Event habit: Attend one high-quality gathering each month and one small-group conversation each quarter.
- Follow-up habit: Same-day or next-day note with a next step.
- Nurture habit: Monthly “how’s it going?” to your top 20 connections, with a resource or intro when appropriate.
Effective networking is a skill, not a mystery. Do these five things well, and keep doing them, and you’ll build a reputation as the person people are happy to help, excited to introduce, and eager to do business with. That’s when networking stops feeling like work and starts working for you.