Building relationships or networking involves giving and receiving, but a common mistake is that many focus too early on "being the receiver." For example, greeting a stranger on LinkedIn and immediately asking for a job, or meeting someone at a seminar and rushing to pitch your product in the first sentence.
Approaching others with the aim of quick gain is like going on a first date and asking for marriage immediately, which often makes the other person uncomfortable. On the other hand, if you shift your mindset to sincerely "giving" without expecting anything in return, the long-term results could surprisingly boost your career progress significantly.
Many people wonder how they can add value or offer something to those who are higher-ranking, in different fields, or already successful.
1. Share useful resources
In a rapidly changing world, everyone faces challenges. When you talk and listen to someone's problems, try passing along reports, articles, videos, podcasts, or books that might help address their issues. Even if this information doesn’t change their life, your thoughtfulness will surely make a positive impression.
2. Be a connector
Good opportunities often come from strong relationships. In an increasingly disconnected world, helping connect people is invaluable. Next time you meet someone, think about who in your network shares similar interests or backgrounds and could mutually support each other, then introduce them.
3. Pass on good opportunities
Even top executives need help sometimes, whether finding new team members, speaking platforms, or new projects. If you come across opportunities like unadvertised job openings, freelance gigs, or podcasts seeking guests, send the information along. Simply saying, "I thought of you when I saw this," can mean a lot to the recipient.
4. Recommend interesting events
Nowadays, so many seminars and workshops happen that it’s hard to keep up. Recommending quality events that match someone’s interests helps filter valuable information. If you find exhibitions, courses, or conferences aligned with a contact’s goals, don’t hesitate to invite or inform them.
5. Help promote and refer clients
If you’ve had a good experience with a business owner, service provider, or supplier, writing positive Google reviews, testimonials, or directly referring new clients is powerful and tangible support. Every entrepreneur deeply appreciates such kindness.
6. Give sincere and open praise
In a competitive work world, people often criticize more than praise. If you notice someone’s strengths or excellent work, genuinely compliment them—both privately and publicly. A single kind word from you can be a vital encouragement that boosts their confidence for a long time.
7. Share tools that save effort
Everyone loves tools that make life easier. In an era where new apps and AI tools appear daily, sharing programs or apps you genuinely find useful saves others time searching and trial-and-error.
Small steps can lead to great results. Building a strong network requires time and attention. Giving without expecting immediate return lays the foundation for trust and goodwill. When important opportunities arise, you’ll be among the first they think of.
Source: forbes