It’s an open secret that who you know can be just as important as what you know.
We’ve all heard the phrase “your network is your net worth,” and from what I’ve seen, there’s a lot of truth to it.
Early in my career—when I was running my own startups in my 20s—I’d watch certain founders walk into any room, connect with everyone in it, and walk out with new deals, fresh ideas, and even genuine friendships.
They seemed to have an almost magnetic pull, and I wanted in on the secret.
After observing these networking naturals, I started looking for common threads in their approach. Turns out, there’s no magic formula here; it all boils down to a few daily habits that these entrepreneurs practice consistently.
Let’s dive right in.
1. They prioritize consistent outreach
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that a strong network isn’t built in a single afternoon. It grows over time with consistent effort.
Entrepreneurs who excel at this make it a daily practice to reach out—even if it’s just a quick note to say “Hey, how’s that new project going?” or to share an interesting article they think someone in their network might appreciate.
They also schedule short blocks of time specifically for outreach—maybe 15 minutes each morning—to send emails, texts, or voice notes to contacts. This approach keeps relationships fresh and prevents them from fading into the background.
2. They nurture existing relationships
I’ve mentioned this before but it’s still worth repeating: successful networkers don’t just accumulate new contacts; they actively nurture the ones they already have.
Rather than focusing solely on meeting the next influencer or potential investor, they take the time to maintain and strengthen current connections.
This might look like sending a thoughtful article that’s relevant to someone’s business, scheduling a quick coffee catch-up, or offering support before it’s even asked for.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of expanding your network, but relationships aren’t trophies you collect—they’re living connections that need care and attention.
In my experience, the people who consistently show up for others, even when there’s nothing immediate to gain, are the ones who end up with the most meaningful and valuable networks over time.
3. They actively listen
Have you ever had a conversation with someone who’s so busy thinking about their own response that they never actually hear what you’re saying?
Not exactly the recipe for building a meaningful connection.
Entrepreneurs with robust networks flip the script by being genuinely curious about the people they interact with.
They make eye contact, let others finish their thoughts, and follow up with questions that show genuine interest. This isn’t about interrogation—it’s about active engagement.
Stephen R. Covey wisely said, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”
Truly successful connectors break that pattern. They listen to understand, and that makes all the difference.
When people feel heard, they’re far more likely to remember you—and to want to build a relationship with you.
4. They leverage technology
Technology might be one of the most powerful allies for entrepreneurs looking to expand or maintain their networks.
Whether it’s using CRM software to track follow-ups, scheduling video calls instead of phone calls, or setting up Slack channels for group collaboration, I’ve seen tech-savvy entrepreneurs create systems that keep their relationships organized.
I’m a big fan of using calendar reminders to ping me when it’s time to check in with someone I haven’t spoken to in a while. It sounds small, but it prevents those “Oops, I haven’t reached out in forever” moments.
Technology, when used wisely, helps us stay connected without letting the grind of daily tasks consume us. If you find yourself juggling too many connections, let an app or tool help bridge the gap.
5. They offer value first
I first heard about this idea from author Gary Vaynerchuk, who believes that giving before asking for anything is a great practice for building connections.
That philosophy stuck with me. Whether it’s introducing two people who could benefit from knowing each other, sharing a resource, or offering a word of advice, entrepreneurs with powerful networks look for ways to help right out of the gate.
Author and entrepreneur Keith Ferrazzi echoes this sentiment, saying, “The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity.”
In other words, real networking isn’t about keeping score. It’s about thinking: “How can I serve you?”
If you want to stand out in someone’s mind, solve a problem they have or point them toward an opportunity that might help them.
That simple shift in approach moves you from being a mere acquaintance to someone they actually trust.
6. They follow up intentionally
Following up is one of the most overlooked habits, yet it’s often where real opportunities are born.
Successful entrepreneurs aren’t sloppy with this step—they’re deliberate. Maybe it’s a carefully crafted email after a networking event or a personal check-in a few weeks after meeting at a conference.
The point is, they don’t let potential connections slip away. According to a survey by LinkedIn, around 80% of professionals consider professional networking crucial to career success, but many admit they aren’t consistent in their follow-ups.
When you show up in someone’s inbox or message feed with a thoughtful note, you’re immediately placing yourself in the top tier of potential collaborators.
And it doesn’t require a novel; a simple, “Great chatting with you—I really liked your take on XYZ. Would love to continue our conversation soon,” can be enough to keep the momentum going.
7. They invest in personal growth
You might wonder what personal development has to do with building a powerful network. The connection is stronger than you’d think.
People who are constantly evolving—through reading, courses, workshops, or even fitness challenges—tend to bring fresh perspectives to every relationship.
That energy is attractive; it draws people in and keeps the conversation interesting.
For me, this often involves picking up books by authors like Tim Ferriss or Jordan Peterson. It’s not that I model my life directly after them, but their insights spark new ideas that I can share in conversations.
When you invest in your own growth, you become a magnet for like-minded people, which organically strengthens and expands your network. Simply put, your personal evolution makes you a more valuable connection.
And to round things off (though it’s no small matter)…
Your network isn’t just a list of names in your phone—it’s the dynamic web of relationships that can shape your business, your mindset, and even your future.
The entrepreneurs who excel at building these relationships aren’t necessarily gifted with supernatural social skills. They just commit to daily habits that keep them connected, informed, and always adding value.
If you’ve been on the fence about kicking your networking game up a notch, I hope these habits inspire you to get started.
Remember, you don’t have to implement them all at once. Pick one or two that resonate with you and practice them consistently.
Over time, the effects compound, and you’ll notice your network becoming not just bigger, but deeper and more supportive.
Until next time, friends.
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