Networking plays an immense role in the world of business. Building a strong network is invaluable, as it helps you find people who can refer customers to you or provide information and insights that will give you an edge over the competition.
Of course, effective networking is a two-way street. Aside from the benefits you gain from knowing others, it’s also about adding value and giving back.
Below, 13 associates of Forbes Coaches Council examine ways to make yourself invaluable to your network and become the kind of “network benefit” everyone wants to connect with.
Forbes Coaches Council members share smart ways to become a "network benefit" by delivering value to others.
Photos courtesy of the individual members.1. Leverage Relational Capital
In networks, as with all else, relational capital is key. To be of value at the table, listen to others and ask questions about their knowledge. When we share our unique insights that are relevant to them, they are far more likely to hear what we have to offer and see us as benefiting their needs. In meeting spaces and on social media, bring your expertise to comment on and build upon what others know. - Nadine Hack, beCause Global Consulting
2. Always Be Connecting Others
My networking motto is ABC: Always be connecting others. I love helping people connect and finding ways to be of service. When I meet new people, I ask how I can support them. The beauty of this approach is that I usually learn something about that person as well as how I can help someone else I know with that information. Over time, those people you have supported naturally find ways to support you. - Rosie Guagliardo, InnerBrilliance Coaching
3. Play To Your Strengths
Rather than trying to do what someone who you see as a “network benefit” is doing, do what you do best. If your strength is connecting people to small-business owners, do that for as many people as you can. If you’re a great event organizer, do that for your entire network. People will seek you out for your uniqueness rather than for similarities you share with everyone else. - Vinesh Sukumaran, Vinesh Sukumaran Consulting
4. Exert Your Expertise At The Table
I think exerting your expertise at the table is crucial. We are all subject matter experts, and when the invitation presents itself, we should display our expert support and skill sets. Having a seat at the table is important, and this can be competitive to attain; so displaying your expertise when the opportunity presents itself is key. - X. Carmen Qadir, Coaching & Consulting Experience, LLC
Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?
5. Share Your Story And Give Good Advice
Women leaders are approached because they stand out at the level they’ve reached. They’re willing to tell the story of how they got there. They give good advice to ambitious women about how to approach an executive and get a reply. And their network is vast, so they can direct others to just the right person for what they need. They help others develop high-quality connections, just as they do. - Sheila Goldgrab, Goldgrab Leadership Coaching
Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?
6. Always Be Accessible And Approachable
Your network equals your net worth. Thus, if you want to be seen as someone people should know, you have to open yourself up and be available. Position yourself as a person who is a resource for everyone in connecting people. Always be accessible and approachable for people, and they will come to you to network. - Jon Dwoskin, The Jon Dwoskin Experience
7. Be Supportive And Do Good Work
Your network is important, and it is truly built on your current relationships and reputation in your field. In my honest opinion, when you do high-quality work, help others achieve their goals and are a positive influence in your community, you don’t need to be a “network benefit”—your reputation precedes you. Be helpful, support others and do good work, and your network will expand naturally. - Bobbie Goheen, Synthesis Management Group
8. Continually Look For Ways To Give
You should continually be looking for ways to give. Whether it be through introducing people in your network to each other, sharing others’ content or even promoting your connections’ events, finding ways to support the people in your network not only helps them, but also makes you a valuable resource and networking partner. Identify ways to serve, and you will be rewarded in return. - Cheryl Czach, Cheryl Czach Coaching and Consulting, LLC
9. Be A Good Listener, Not An Unsolicited Salesperson
Successful networkers are good listeners, interested in learning about others and figuring out ways to help them further their business interests. That can include connecting the other person to resources and opportunities. Networking can lead to sales, but doesn’t equate to selling. Unfortunately, technology and Covid-19 have created a lot of unsolicited sales approaches disguised as networking. - Darlene Murphy, Coachworth, LLC
10. Be A Mindfully Present Team Player
Nobody values someone who wants to be noticed, or worse yet, validated. This is especially true when it’s done at the expense of the group. Don’t just speak; think about why you’re speaking. The real key to adding value to your network is being a mindfully present team player. Too often people sabotage themselves by making an effort to be seen, as opposed to making an effort to sincerely make a difference. - D Ivan Young, Dr. D Ivan Young
11. Be Curious And Compassionate
Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” When you can identify and authentically acknowledge people’s strengths, positive attributes and intentions, they will likely feel a greater sense of trust and ease with you. The key is to be curious and compassionate and share honest and helpful feedback. - Vered Kogan, Momentum Institute™
12. Remember To Always Follow Up
Remember to follow up, and not just on the “content” of what you heard. If they mentioned they were sick, the next time you speak to them, ask if they have recovered. If they said they had a passion for orchids, and you read an interesting article on orchids recently, forward it. Yes, we can add value connecting on a work-related level, but everyone is doing that. Do you see them care about others? - Natalie McVeigh, EisnerAmper
13. Design Spheres Of Influence
Influence is the world beyond leadership, where you inspire people with a purpose rather than a vision. Focus on designing spheres of influence: those areas in which you build multiple, circular networks of shared learning and growth toward a greater purpose. - Brad Cousins, Ingage Human Capital Strategies
