I used to think networking was all about swapping business cards and making small talk with strangers in a room that smelled like stale coffee.
But I’ve come to realize it’s so much more than that.
True connections go deeper than a handshake or a LinkedIn invitation.
They can lead to unexpected collaborations, friendships that change your perspective, and doors that open to opportunities you didn’t even know existed.
When I decided to approach networking from a place of genuine curiosity rather than obligation, everything changed.
I found myself forging relationships that pushed me to grow, introduced me to new ways of thinking, and encouraged me through tough times.
Today, I want to share seven ways I’ve learned to connect with the right people—those who inspire you, challenge you, and make your life richer.
Let’s dive in.
1. Start with genuine curiosity
Nothing dissolves barriers faster than genuine interest in another person.
I’ve seen it firsthand when I strike up conversations with people from vastly different backgrounds.
Instead of asking myself, “What can I get out of this connection?” I focus on, “What can I learn from this person’s experiences?”
When you lead with curiosity, you shift from a transactional mindset to a learning mindset.
I remember attending a wellness conference early in my career. At first, I felt out of place, watching all these fitness influencers and health gurus mingle like they were lifelong friends.
Then I made a conscious decision to introduce myself to at least three people and just ask them about their journeys.
To my surprise, those three conversations turned into a dinner invitation, a new friend who was also transitioning from sports to coaching, and a referral to a journalist looking for experts to interview.
Genuine curiosity led me to opportunities I never would have found if I’d stuck to my comfort zone.
2. Invest in new environments
It’s easy to stay in our usual circles—chatting with the same group, visiting the same online forums, and attending the same local events.
But sometimes, the right people for you to meet are hanging out in completely different spaces.
I used to think I could only connect with fellow athletes or wellness pros because that’s what I knew best.
But the day I ventured into a startup incubator event, I discovered a whole new world.
Suddenly, I was meeting tech developers, product designers, and creative marketers.
Though their careers were different from mine, I realized we shared the same drive to turn ideas into reality.
Dr. Carol Dweck’s work on the growth mindset reminds us that stepping into unfamiliar territory can spur incredible learning.
Even if a meetup or online group seems out of your expertise, give it a try.
You’ll likely walk away with fresh insights, diverse perspectives, and maybe even a brand-new collaborator for your next project.
3. Offer real value to others
When I first started networking, I was so focused on what I needed—like finding a new client or a mentor—that I forgot to show up for others.
That’s a common mistake, but once you flip the script and ask, “How can I help this person?” you’ll notice a shift in your relationships.
It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture.
Maybe you can introduce them to someone in your circle who shares their interests, or you can pass along an article that might spark their creativity.
Or, if you have a particular skill, you can offer a quick favor—like reviewing a pitch deck or giving feedback on a new product idea.
Ryan Holiday often talks about how small acts of service can create ripple effects you never see coming.
When you genuinely support other people’s growth, they tend to remember you (and appreciate you) in ways that outlast any business card exchange.
Plus, it feels good to be part of someone else’s success story.
4. Leverage online platforms mindfully
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve scrolled through social media, only to feel both overwhelmed and underwhelmed at the same time.
But in the right hands, social platforms can be powerhouses for forging meaningful connections.
I suggest being intentional about which platforms you use and why.
LinkedIn is fantastic for professional networking if you engage authentically.
Instead of spamming everyone with a generic message, take a moment to see what they’re posting about.
Leave a thoughtful comment or share an article that ties into their interests.
Likewise, Twitter (or rather, X) can be a goldmine if you hop into discussions or spaces that excite you.
I once casually joined a Twitter chat on habit formation and ended up meeting a psychologist who was gathering experts for an online summit.
We exchanged DMs, connected over Zoom, and before I knew it, I was speaking at her event.
That invitation never would have happened if I hadn’t actively participated in that online community.
5. Follow up with authenticity
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve exchanged contact info with someone, only to let the connection fade into oblivion.
Following up is crucial—without it, your potential collaboration or friendship ends before it truly begins.
But the secret is to do it in a real, human way.
I like to reference something we talked about, whether it was a shared hobby or a book we both love.
“Hey, it was great meeting you at that leadership workshop. I remember you mentioned you’re reading Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck. How are you finding it so far?”
This kind of follow-up reminds them of the positive energy in your initial conversation.
No need to overthink it or craft a perfect message.
Just be yourself, keep it genuine, and show you paid attention to what they said.
That personal touch makes all the difference in standing out from the crowd.
6. Seek mentorship (and become one, too)
Mentors can be like accelerators for your personal and professional growth.
I’ve been lucky enough to have a few in my life—people who spotted my blind spots, challenged my assumptions, and encouraged me through self-doubt.
But one thing I’ve also learned is that mentorship is a two-way street.
Even if you feel like a newbie in your field, you might have valuable insights or skills that can help someone else.
Sometimes we think mentorship only flows from the wise elder to the inexperienced student.
In reality, there’s a give-and-take that often goes unnoticed.
An interesting article in Forbes discussed how teaching or mentoring others can deepen your own learning.
When you share knowledge, you’re solidifying your own expertise and seeing it through fresh eyes.
So if there’s someone you admire, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for guidance.
And if you spot someone who could use your support, step up.
Both sides benefit from the exchange.
7. Keep your circle diverse
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that networking isn’t just about meeting people who think like you.
It’s also about exposing yourself to viewpoints that can change the way you see the world.
Over the years, I’ve noticed that some of my most transformative connections have come from circles I never expected to join: an artist collective, a local environmental club, even a book club I stumbled into.
Every new perspective adds another layer to your personal brand and growth journey.
Diversity within your circle encourages empathy, innovation, and even self-awareness—because every conversation becomes an invitation to expand your horizons.
If your network looks like a mirror of your own interests and beliefs, you might be missing out on the spark that propels you to the next level.
Conclusion
Wrapping up, networking can be a game-changer when it’s approached as a genuine practice rather than a chore on your to-do list.
It’s about curiosity, finding ways to be of service, and following up with real interest in the other person’s world.
Whether you’re looking for mentors, new collaborators, or just some fresh inspiration, these seven tips can guide you toward meaningful connections that help you grow both personally and professionally.
You never know where a single conversation might lead. So challenge yourself to explore fresh spaces, offer your skills freely, and stay open to learning from everyone you meet.
You might be pleasantly surprised by how quickly you find yourself surrounded by a supportive, diverse, and inspiring network of people.
