Is Networking Worth It? You Tell Me.
There’s a certain irony when someone asks, “Is networking worth it?” 🤦🏽♂️
The real issue isn’t whether networking is valuable—we all know it is. The real question is whether the person asking it is playing the game correctly.
Done well, networking isn’t just a professional nicety; it’s a force multiplier that scales exponentially.
Think about it.
You can only be in so many places at once, make so many calls, or close so many deals personally. But a well-built network works like compound interest: it grows without you having to micromanage every relationship.
Networking done right turns into leverage—real, scalable leverage that opens doors long after the initial connection is made.
Frankly, every role I’ve taken on in my career—from early positions to my current roles as a founder and a director of partnerships—has been the culmination of my network.
Opportunities didn’t just happen because I applied for them; they came because of relationships I built over time. These connections have consistently opened doors to new ventures, partnerships, and even life-changing advice.
Without my network, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m eternally grateful for every interaction with my network.
I also believe that relationships are meant to be long-term. While capitalism drives the need for transactions, people often approach networking solely for short-term gains, missing the bigger picture. The truth is, genuine relationships extend far beyond any immediate deal.
But how exactly does networking scale?
Isn’t it slow, awkward, and limited to lucky breaks?
Not when you approach it with intentionality and long-term vision.
Let’s bust a common myth: networking isn’t about collecting contacts; it’s about creating ripples. One meaningful relationship today can become a chain reaction of future opportunities.
Here’s why networking, when done right, becomes a scalable tactic:
Multiplicative Growth of Opportunities
Your network isn’t linear—it’s exponential. Each person you connect with has their own network, and every genuine relationship can introduce you to others. One thoughtful introduction can lead to a cascade of new opportunities.
Trust Accelerates Everything
Trust is the currency of speed. People trust referrals from those they know, and trust can move deals, partnerships, and collaborations forward faster than any cold outreach ever could. Building trust-based relationships compounds your influence over time.
Knowledge Compounding
When you consistently engage with smart, driven people, you don’t just gain information—you compound knowledge. The more you interact, the sharper your thinking becomes, the more insights you gather, and the faster you evolve.
Most of my knowledge around AI, Cloud, DevOps, IoT, and Blockchain—deep technical subjects outside my core strengths—came from surrounding myself with amazing founders.
Conversations with them accelerated my learning pace by 10-25X. It’s not just about absorbing information; it’s about validating and forecasting how these technologies can drive change and deliver business value.
Targeting Pre-VIPs
Don’t just chase people who are already on the stage; look for those on their way up. The rising stars in any industry—the pre-VIPs—are often more accessible and eager to collaborate.
Building relationships with them early can pay off massively down the road. I always had a knack for getting VIPs involved, but I quickly realized that they didn’t always need my company.
So, I shifted my focus to supporting the superstars climbing their mountains while I was climbing mine.
Networking isn’t a numbers game; it’s a depth game. You don’t need to know everyone—you need to know the right people, and more importantly, you need them to know you in the right way.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Lead with Value
Networking isn’t about asking; it’s about giving. Start by offering something valuable—an introduction, an insight, or even just genuine interest.
When you focus on giving without expecting immediate returns, you build goodwill that compounds over time.
2. Play the Long Game
Stop rushing to close deals or pitch ideas at every opportunity. The goal isn’t to leave every meeting with a transaction but to plant seeds that grow into future collaborations.
Patience in networking often yields better long-term outcomes than short-term hustling. If you want to build a relationship, keep giving. And if you ever need help, reach out without expectations.
Sometimes it comes back; sometimes it doesn’t. That’s okay. You’re not here to keep an account book; you’re here to live life with your tribe, so punch in the value.
3. Don’t Dismiss Anyone
Every interaction matters. Some of the most impactful opportunities come from unexpected places. Treat every person you meet as if they have the potential to open a significant door—because many of them do.
Avoid transactional thinking and invest in genuine relationships. I’ve received more help from juniors and younger people whom I treated well and mentored with a value-first approach.
Life is crazy—age isn’t always a metric for growth, success, or knowledge.
4. Focus on Contextual Conversations
Rather than diving into pitches, focus on meaningful conversations. Ask questions that invite stories, experiences, and insights.
Instead of asking, “What do you do?” try, “What’s been the most exciting part of your work lately?” These kinds of questions lead to richer, more memorable interactions.
5. Be the Curious Idiot
You don’t need to impress people; you need to engage them. Being genuinely curious and asking thoughtful, clarifying questions often leaves a more lasting impression than trying to show off your expertise.
People remember those who made them feel interesting, not those who tried to prove they were smart.
6. Leave a Memento, Not Just an Impression
In high-energy environments like conferences, don’t aim to make a splash with your elevator pitch. Instead, offer something tangible: a well-crafted note, a unique insight, or even a simple, thoughtful follow-up.
People remember thoughtful gestures far more than quick pitches. The memento and gesture cannot be plain vanilla. Do your research, learn about them, genuinely try to find answers to their problems, and offer something that interests both of you.
7. Follow Up Like a Pro
Timing matters. Instead of joining the flood of post-event emails, wait a couple of weeks and craft a thoughtful, personalized message. Reference something specific from your conversation, and offer something of value if possible.
Never send a follow-up that says, “Can I know if you’d be interested in buying/checking our demo?”
Lead more humanely.
Take these Actions this Week
1. Reignite Three Dormant Relationships
Choose three people you haven’t spoken to in a while and send them a quick, thoughtful message.
It could be an article they might find useful, a shared memory, or just a genuine check-in. No agenda—just value.
2. Make One New Connection with Depth
If you’re attending an event or meeting new people, aim to have one meaningful conversation.
Forget about collecting contacts; focus on creating one genuine connection. I got my first customer and first job with this principle.
If your network disappeared tomorrow, who are the five people you would fight hardest to reconnect with—and why?
Networking isn’t about attending endless events or cold emailing a thousand people. It’s about consistently showing up, leading with value, and playing the long game. Real networks don’t just connect people; they create ecosystems of trust, opportunity, and growth.
So, is networking worth it? The better question is: Are you ready to stop playing it small and start building something that scales?
If you have a networking win or a story about how one connection changed everything for you, reply and share it. You never know—your story might inspire someone else to build the relationship that changes their life.
Now go out there and start creating ripple effects. Play the long game, and let the results speak for themselves.