Many people think of networking as handing out as many business cards as possible or collecting connections on LinkedIn. But the real power of networking doesn’t lie in the numbers – it lies in building lasting and sincere relationships.
It starts with showing genuine interest. Ask questions, listen carefully, and try to understand what someone is truly working on. When the other person notices that you’re listening and thinking along, trust begins to grow. From that trust, opportunities arise to support each other.
Next, it’s about adding value. Share your knowledge, give useful tips, or introduce someone to a relevant contact from your network. By giving first instead of taking, you show that you’re willing to invest in the relationship.
Consistency also plays a big role. A one-time conversation or connection request is only the beginning, but by maintaining regular contact, the relationship stays alive. Respond to updates, send a quick message now and then, or schedule a coffee meeting.
Networking is not a sprint but a marathon. It’s not about the number of connections you collect, but about the quality and depth of the relationships you build. A small but strong network often brings far more value than hundreds of shallow contacts.
