The Networking Trap (And How to Avoid It)

THE NETWORKING TRAP & HOW TO AVOID IT (640 words)

Let’s be honest: most people won’t remember you. Not because they’re rude, but because their brains aren’t built that way. We meet dozens if not hundreds of people each year in business, and the names, faces and conversations start blending together.

For leaders, it’s even worse. A flood of interactions, a stream of requests, all vying for attention.

So the question isn’t just “how do you get noticed?”  It’s “how do you get remembered?”

The answer isn’t hand out more business cards, send more LinkedIn messages, or develop a clever introduction. It’s value. Provide real, undeniable, unmistakable value.

It’s not about building a big contact list. It’s about building trust. And trust is earned through generosity - offering something meaningful without immediately expecting something in return. When you lead with generosity, people pay attention.

So, how do you provide real value? Here’s 7 ideas::

1. Make It About Them: The best connectors don’t start with “What can I get?” They start with “How can I help you?” Then listen and understand what someone needs. And end by, delivering value. Not because anyone’s keeping score, but because real relationships are built on trust, not favors.
2. Give First. Give Often: The secret to real networking? Generosity. Not the kind that comes with a hidden agenda or a mental scorecard. True generosity - offering help, insights or a connection without expecting a return. It’s rare. It’s powerful. And it builds trust faster than any elevator pitch ever could.
3. Share Connections: Great networking is about connecting authentically. Instead of just gathering contacts and adding them to your email list, become the person who creates opportunities. Introduce people to those they should know, based on shared goals, complementary skills or a problem someone else can solve. When you make thoughtful introductions, you’re not just helping others - you’re positioning yourself as the trusted person who makes things happen.
4. Share What You Know: Knowledge hoarded is opportunity wasted. The best connectors don’t take - they teach. Share insights, trends and hard-earned lessons. Offer advice that helps others move forward. Not because you expect something in return, but because generosity builds trust.
5. Be a Signal, Not Just Noise: Everyone’s drowning in information. What they need is curated information. Share the right article at the right time. Share the tool that makes someone’s job easier. Share a resource that sparks a breakthrough. Not random links, but useful insights - things that make people stop, think, and take action.
6. Show Up and Stand Out Online: The internet is crowded. Everyone’s talking, but few are actually saying something worth hearing. Don’t just add to the noise - rise above it. Share ideas that matter. Offer insights that help. Engage in conversations with generosity, not self-promotion. The easiest way to stand out online? BE USEFUL. In this world full of self-proclaimed “experts,” the real ones don’t say it. They show it.
7. Ditch the Pitch: Connectors don’t chase transactions. They build relationships. Forget the agenda and give someone youR full attention instead. What are their challenges, their goals, their next big thing? Listen. Offer help. Be the person who makes their work easier, their decisions smarter, their path clearer. When you show up with value instead of a sales script, something shifts. You stop being just another contact. You become a trusted ally. Trust is the foundation of every great relationship.

Networking isn’t a transaction. It’s a relationship. By offering relevant value, you foster relationships built on support and collaboration. This leads to long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships within your professional circles. When you lead with generosity, people notice. By providing value consistently, people not only remember you - they seek you out. In a busy noisy marketplace, creating value is what makes you memorable.

Jennifer Beale helps leaders build strategic partnerships for business growth. Her clients call her "the Queen of Connecting," "formidably connected," and an "ace" at matching people. Jennifer cuts through the networking confusion so you build the right connections fast. An award winning networker and event producer, her connection strategies have helped hundreds of business professionals earn hundreds of millions of dollars.

If you want to get more referrals and build strategic partnerships, Jennifer leads workshops, trainings, and interactive keynotes. Her ideas have been featured in major media including the National Post and on Global TV. If you're looking to get bigger results in a shorter amount of time through strategic partnerships, connect with Jennifer at https://www.JenniferBeale.com