Networking by Giving First: Build Authentic Connections

        I still smile thinking about the networking lesson I was reminded of this summer by my son, Michael, during his first job as a city camp coach. Between basketball drills, football scrimmages, and soccer games in the afternoon, one simple habit stood out: he arrived forty-five minutes early—not to run plays, but to toss a football and genuinely connect with the kids.  

“Dad,” he said, “when I spend that extra time listening, playing, and asking about their day, they pay attention when it’s time to learn.”

  That quiet act of generosity reminded me that successful networking isn’t transactional. It’s a mindset of giving first, building authentic connections, and growing your professional network without keeping score. Here are three proven ways to make “networking by giving” a daily habit:  

1. Look for Small Ways to Give First

 

• Introductions: Connect colleagues whose skills or needs align—no agenda, just value.
• Resources: Share articles, podcasts, or tools that address your network’s challenges.
• Encouragement: Send a quick note celebrating someone’s recent success.

 

2. Give Without Keeping Score

 

• Resist “What’s in It for Me?” Offer help purely out of generosity, not expectation.
• Celebrate Others Publicly: Post a shout-out on LinkedIn or recognize wins in meetings.

 

3. Cultivate Listening as a Gift

 

• Ask Open-Ended Questions: “What’s your biggest priority this quarter?”
• Reflect and Validate: Paraphrase to show active listening (e.g., “It sounds like X is top of mind”).
• Follow Up: Check in later—“How did that project turn out?”—demonstrates that you really care.

  My son’s simple choice to give without expectation reminded me that authentic networking is built on small, consistent acts of generosity. In work and in life, the best connections grow when you give freely, listen deeply, and serve your network first.   Tags: networking, giving first, authentic connections, professional generosity