Networking Works When You’re Working at It

How much effort should you put into building a successful network?

And perhaps more importantly, what does a successful network actually look like to you?

I’ve been saying this a lot lately: networking works when you’re working at it.

Building a successful network takes time. It isn’t just about getting leads, winning business or finding opportunities from the room you are currently in. It’s about building relationships that continue long after the meeting, event or introduction has finished.

Networking isn’t just about what you can get. It’s also about what you can give to the people within your sphere of influence.

This leads nicely to the third Law of The Go-Giver: The Law of Influence.

The principle is simple: your influence grows when you genuinely put other people’s interests first.

That might sound counterproductive. After all, if you’re networking to grow your business, surely you should be talking about your business?

Actually, the opposite can often be true.

The most memorable and successful networkers I’ve met are genuinely interested in other people. They ask questions. They listen. They remember things. They make introductions. They look for ways to help.

So, how do you become someone with influence in the business and networking world?

1. Be more interested than interesting

This is one of the simplest and most effective changes you can make to your networking.

Don’t worry about being the most interesting person in the room. Instead, be genuinely interested in the people around you.

Ask questions and, more importantly, listen to the answers. Find out what someone is working on, what challenges they have and what matters to them.

Rather than thinking about what you’re going to say next, really listen to what they are saying.

People remember how you made them feel, and being genuinely listened to is powerful.

And this doesn’t just apply to networking. Try it with your customers, colleagues, friends and family too. You may be surprised by what you learn.

2. Look for ways to help

Influence isn’t about having the loudest voice in the room. It’s about becoming someone people trust and value.

Can you introduce someone to a useful contact? Share some knowledge? Recommend a business? Offer encouragement? Point someone towards a useful resource?

You don’t always need something in return.

When you consistently look for ways to help others, you become someone people want to have in their network.

3. Be consistent

One great conversation doesn’t create a great network.

Relationships need time and attention.

Follow up. Keep in touch. Remember what people told you. Celebrate their successes. Check in when you haven’t spoken for a while.

Sustainable and effective networking comes from putting other people’s interests first — consistently.

And that’s the real power of influence.

Your network isn’t simply the number of people in your contacts list. It’s the quality of the relationships you have built and the trust you have earned.

So, the next time you walk into a networking room, don’t just ask yourself:

“What can I get from this?”

Ask yourself:

“Who can I help?”

You might be surprised at what happens next.

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