As opposed to worst practices. I’ll write about that next week!
Networking is often misunderstood as collecting business cards or adding contacts on LinkedIn. In reality, networking is about building genuine, mutually beneficial relationships over time. Whether you’re a business owner, sales leader, or job searcher, strong networking practices can change your life.
Here are some of my favorites best practices that I, uh, practice!
Offer Help
“How can I help?” The most successful networkers approach conversations with a ‘learning and helping’ approach rather than a ‘what can I take’ approach. Offer insights, introductions, resources, or encouragement without expecting immediate returns. When you consistently add value, people remember you—and they’re far more likely to return the favor naturally.
Phone a Friend
Don’t go it alone. If you’re going to a networking event, cocktail party, social, holiday function, golf outing, wine tasting, or mixer, bring a friend with you – as appropriate. Think about prospects, clients, associates, referral partners, and others that would benefit. What a great way to add value and develop those important relationships. You may also have an easier time “working the room” if you have a friend nearby.
Listen Up
Strong networking is built on curiosity. Ask thoughtful, open-ended questions and listen closely. People appreciate being heard, and active listening helps you understand how you can support them. Avoid waiting for your turn to speak—focus instead on learning what matters to the other person. You’ll get your turn! By the way, asking questions (lots of them!) helps you to listen more actively, learn more, and earn more engagement when it’s your turn to share. (One-sided conversations are almost never fun.)
Follow Up Personally
Most networking falls short at the follow-up stage. After meeting someone, reach out within 24 hours with a personalized message referencing your conversation. A simple note, article, or introduction relevant to their interests can set you apart. Long-term relationships are built through regular, authentic touchpoints, not one-off interactions. You don’t have to follow up with everyone (there won’t always be a reason) but you should follow through with everything.
Play the Long Game
True networking generates compound interest. (I just made that up.) Not every connection will lead to immediate opportunities. Stay patient and focus on trust-building, adding value, and having fun. That means having a strategy to stay in touch. The strongest referrals and partnerships often come months or even years after the initial meeting. The key is being genuine, making the benefits potentially a “two-way” street, and regularly staying in touch. As in having a system.
For most business professionals, networking is absolutely the best way to generate revenue, land a job, make friends, learn, contribute to the world, and solve problems. It’s one of the most important skills you can develop.
So, keep practicing, learning, improving, and helping!