Networking? It’s About Who You Know, but Also About How You Show Up

Let’s clarify: networking isn't just a buzzword or an occasional LinkedIn post. It's not about collecting business cards at a conference or grabbing coffees hoping one of them will lead to the next big thing. Networking, at its core, is about genuine relationships – the kind that make people say, “I trust you” long before they ever say, “Let’s do business.”

Having been through the trenches in startups, scaled global corporations, and now leading my own ventures at GlobalStart, I’ve learned that relationships are the foundation of opportunity. And here’s what some might not say aloud but is absolutely true: people are far more likely to do business with those they know, like, and – critically – respect. This has been the one constant across every industry, country, and business culture I’ve encountered.

The Reality Check: A Two-Way Street

Effective networking is not a one-sided game. It’s a two-way street that requires as much giving as it does getting. Early in my career, I realized that one of the fastest ways to gain trust is by helping others without expecting an immediate return. This isn’t altruism – it’s strategy. When you assist someone, whether by connecting them to a contact or lending an idea, you build credibility and trust. When you’re genuinely invested in others' success, you’re planting seeds for relationships that often return far more value than any transaction-based approach.

At GlobalStart, we emphasize creating connections as a team culture, whether for clients, partners, or each other. It’s not about "networking" in the old-fashioned sense; it’s about showing up consistently for people and seeing where collaboration takes us. And it usually takes us somewhere worth going.

Tear-Streaked Lessons from Startups to Corporations

In the startup world, networking isn’t just nice to have; it’s a survival skill. When I was working with startups, connections often meant access to funding, potential hires, and early partnerships. We weren’t just pitching ideas – we were building belief, and that belief often came from people who knew me or my team, saw our struggle, and wanted to support us on the journey.

Corporations, however, were an entirely different arena. The stakes are higher, the budgets are bigger, and the doors are harder to open. Here, networking took on a nuanced form – it wasn’t just about meeting people, but meeting the right people. I learned that reputation and referral mean everything in a larger, more bureaucratic environment. Having a trusted contact within the walls of a corporate giant often led to critical opportunities that would have otherwise taken months, even years, to achieve.

Now, leading my own ventures, I’m in a unique position to experience both worlds. The hybrid knowledge from startup grit and corporate diplomacy shapes how I approach networking today – with authenticity, intention, and a commitment to delivering value first.

The Practical Side of Networking: How to Show Up and Bring Value

So how can you turn networking into more than just handshakes and LinkedIn connections? Here’s the actionable approach I’ve found to work, regardless of where you are in your career:

1. Be Intentional, Not Opportunistic: Networking with the sole aim of advancing yourself rarely works. Instead, approach connections as potential partnerships, whether for ideas, insights, or support. Engage people with a mindset that asks, “What value can I bring to this person?”
2. Consistency is Key: It’s not enough to reach out when you need something. Make it a habit to follow up, check in, or share information that could benefit others. Building relationships requires ongoing effort, and small gestures can make a lasting impact.
3. Listen More Than You Speak: In every networking situation, listening allows you to understand others’ needs, priorities, and pain points. This puts you in a much better position to offer meaningful assistance and opens the door for trust.
4. Give Before You Expect to Receive: This may sound counterintuitive, especially when you're seeking opportunities, but offering help, insights, or introductions without an immediate ask creates a foundation of goodwill. It also sets you apart as someone genuinely invested in others’ success, which makes people more inclined to support you in return.
5. Be Real, Not Perfect: Authenticity is in short supply in professional networks. People don’t want a polished version of you; they want the real you. I’ve found that a touch of vulnerability – sharing both wins and challenges – fosters connections far more than rehearsed professionalism ever will.

Final Thoughts: The Power of True Connection

The truth is, people will remember how you made them feel, whether it’s by opening a door, providing a fresh perspective, or simply by being a trustworthy presence in their network. Networking done right isn’t transactional; it’s transformational. It’s not about immediate results but the compound interest of long-term relationships built on mutual respect and shared value.

So, show up, offer your hand first, and bring something meaningful to the table. Whether you’re a founder, an executive, or somewhere in between, remember: your network is only as strong as the value you’re willing to provide. When you do this consistently, opportunities stop feeling random and start looking a lot more like the direct result of the connections you’ve nurtured.

Let’s keep building – together.