Legendary Networking: 7 Principles of Building a Community for Personal Growth and Professional Excellence

By Zoe Weisberg Coady, Founder of Brandstyle Communications, Strategic Public Relations Advisory and The Not Perfect Networking Podcast a show about networking both personally and professionally?

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In a world that increasingly values connection, networking has become an essential tool for growth, both personally and professionally. However, not all networking is created equal. There’s a distinct difference between transactional networking—where individuals simply collect business cards and add names to their LinkedIn profiles—and legendary networking, where relationships are built with the intention of creating long-term, meaningful connections that enrich everyone involved.

Legendary Networking is not about "what can you do for me?" It’s about "how can we help each other grow?" It’s an approach that goes beyond surface-level interactions, embracing authenticity, vulnerability, and collaboration. To network like a legend is to cultivate a community that empowers others, builds trust, and fosters mutual growth. Here are seven principles that can guide you to network

1. Be Authentic, Not Transactional

At the heart of networking lies authenticity. People want to connect with others who are genuine, not those who are just looking for what they can get. Instead of thinking about networking as a transaction, approach it as a relationship. Let your personality shine through, share your values, and be open about your intentions. When you lead with authenticity, others will be more likely to reciprocate, fostering a deeper and more trustworthy connection.??

I recently had a first-time call with someone I’d been hoping to connect with for my business. I was all set to talk about our recent work and highlight brands I knew she’d be interested in. Before we jumped into business, she asked where I lived, what I enjoyed doing, and how I spent my time. Those simple questions ended up creating a really nice foundation for a fruitful and productive conversation.???

Tip: When you meet someone new, ask questions that go beyond the superficial—focus on their passions, values, and what truly drives them. This helps establish a connection on a more human level.

2. Give Without Expectation

One of the most powerful principles of networking is giving without expecting anything in return. Legendary networkers understand that offering support, knowledge, or introductions without an immediate return builds long-term goodwill. This mindset fosters an environment of trust and camaraderie, where people are more likely to help you when the time comes. It’s about building a reputation as someone who adds value and helps others grow.

Most of the calls and meetings I have aren’t directly tied to specific work projects. Instead, they typically involve people recommended by others in my network, individuals I’ve reached out to in order to learn more about what they do while sharing what I’m working on, or those who’ve contacted me to discuss an opportunity or challenge where they’re looking for my expertise.

Tip: Find ways to help others without asking for anything in return. Whether it's offering advice, sharing resources, or introducing someone to a valuable contact, the act of giving will come back to you in unexpected ways.

3. Curate Your Circle

The people you surround yourself with influence your growth. Legendary networkers are deliberate about the communities they build, seeking to surround themselves with individuals who inspire them, challenge them, and elevate them to the next level. Curating your circle isn’t about exclusivity—it’s about creating an environment that fuels your personal and professional growth. Seek out mentors, peers, and those you can mentor in turn, ensuring your network is diverse in thought, experience, and expertise.

Joining groups and strategic advisories like THE BOARD has allowed me to connect with new people in a more thoughtful, curated, and intentional way. These types of groups offer great opportunities to form genuine connections. I’ve discovered that the more proactive I am within these communities, the greater the value I receive in return.

Tip: Regularly assess your network to ensure it aligns with your values and growth aspirations. Are the people around you lifting you up? Are there individuals who inspire you to be your best self?

4. Master the Art of Listening

Effective communication is as much about listening as it is about speaking. Legendary networkers know that truly understanding others’ needs, desires, and challenges is essential to building strong, lasting relationships. By listening deeply, you not only gain valuable insights but also show respect and empathy, creating a bond based on mutual understanding.

In my podcast, The Not Perfect Networking Podcast, I’ve had the opportunity to have many insightful conversations with inspiring individuals about how they’ve built and sustained their networks. As a first-time podcaster, one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is leading an interview and balancing the need to ask all of my prepared questions with truly listening to what each guest is sharing. But when I focus completely on the conversation, I’ve found that it often leads to the most rewarding discussions—ones that take unexpected and fascinating directions I never could have imagined.

Tip: Practice active listening in your conversations—maintain eye contact, ask clarifying questions, and make sure the other person feels heard. This will build trust and lay the foundation for a meaningful relationship.

5. Nurture the Relationship, Not Just the Moment

Networking is not a one-time event; it’s a continual process of nurturing relationships. Legendary networkers understand that meaningful connections require regular follow-up and attention. Rather than seeing a networking opportunity as a transaction that ends when the event is over, they invest in their relationships over time. They stay in touch, offer support, and check in when needed.

I recently saw a post on Instagram featuring a book my friend wrote back in 2020. I was so excited to see his work being celebrated five years later, so I sent him a quick DM saying, "woo hoo!" Whenever something reminds me of someone, or I come across something they created or were behind, I reach out. Sometimes I’ll snap a pic and send it with a quick "cool!" or, if it feels relevant, a "check this out." It’s simple, but I do it because I’m thinking of them in that moment and want them to know.?

Tip: After meeting someone, send a personalized message thanking them for their time and expressing your desire to stay connected. Over time, look for ways to nurture that relationship—whether it's sharing a relevant article, attending an event together, or simply catching up over coffee.

6. Be a Connector

Being a connector means that you don't just build your own network but actively contribute to the growth of others’ networks as well. Legendary networkers understand the value of making introductions, sharing resources, and facilitating collaborations between people who could benefit from one another. By being a connector, you create a ripple effect of goodwill that multiplies over time.

I’m constantly meeting people who would benefit from connecting with someone in my network, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming to make those introductions—especially with a long list of people to connect withconnect. To make the process faster and easier, I’ve created quick and efficient ways to connect others, whether it’s through a simple text message or a pre-written email template. It streamlines the process and makes it much more manageable.

Tip: If you know someone who could benefit from meeting someone else in your network, make the introduction. This creates an ecosystem of mutual benefit and reinforces your role as a valuable community member.

7. Embrace the Power of Vulnerability

Legendary Networking requires a willingness to be vulnerable. When you are open about your struggles, challenges, and aspirations, you allow others to see the real you. Vulnerability fosters authenticity, and authenticity fosters trust. Legendary networkers understand that people connect on a deeper level when they share their human experience and create space for others to do the same.

As someone who falls somewhere between an introvert and an extrovert, I’m not always quick to share my goals, struggles, or challenges. I’m a work in progress, but I’ve made it a point to hold myself accountable. Before every meeting or call, I take time to prepare—whether it’s to discuss what I want to talk about or to share a struggle, challenge, or aspiration.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to share your personal challenges or moments of growth with your network. This openness will encourage others to do the same, creating a network grounded in trust and shared understanding.

Legendary networking isn’t about collecting contacts—it’s about cultivating a community where people can grow together. By embracing authenticity, generosity, active listening, and the art of connection, you can create a network that will propel you toward personal growth and professional excellence. And as you nurture these relationships over time, you’ll find that your network becomes more than just a group of individuals—it becomes a powerful, collaborative force for collective success.

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