Networking can be a valuable tool for building your career, but it can also feel daunting. How do you make meaningful connections that will benefit you in the long run?
In my view, the primary factor that enables lasting connections is a shared point of interest. When two individuals have a mutual passion or pursuit, it serves as both an avenue and rationale for ongoing communication. Frequently, people are linked by a single thread - often related to their hobbies or professions.
There are three (3) legs of leverage: money, time, and expertise. Use any of these three to build meaningful connections.
Money: You can use your financial resources to support people’s needs or goals, such as donating, investing, or sponsoring.
Time: You can use your available time to assist people with their tasks or challenges, such as volunteering, mentoring, or coaching.
Expertise: You can use your knowledge or skills to provide value to people, such as teaching, consulting, or advising.
By using any of these three types of leverage, you display to people that you care about them and that you have something to offer them. This can help you build meaningful connections with them.
Provide as much value to the other user as you can for free without expecting anything in return.
The other person will feel like he owes you.
The law of reciprocity will always follow us