Building meaningful relationships, not just contacts

Real networking is not about collecting contacts; it's about building trust.

It’s easy to leave a networking event with a pile of business cards or dozens of new LinkedIn connections. But here’s the question: how many of those contacts will actually become meaningful relationships?

The truth is, surface-level connections don’t take you very far. Real networking is about building depth, not just numbers. That means listening more than you speak, showing genuine curiosity about others, and following up with something personal. Maybe it’s sharing an article they’d find useful, sending an introduction to someone in your circle, or simply thanking them for their time.

When you approach networking this way, you stand out. Why? Because most people are focused on what they can get. If you focus on what you can give, people remember you.

Think of networking as tending a garden. You don’t just throw seeds into the soil and walk away — you water, nurture, and give it time to grow. Relationships are no different. The strongest ones are built gradually, with care and consistency.

A handful of trusted, supportive connections is far more powerful than dozens of people who barely remember you. So the next time you meet someone new, don’t ask yourself, How quickly can this lead to business? Instead ask, How can I build trust with this person over time?