7 Practical Ways To Add Value To Your Professional Network

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Networking involves a give and take. Too often, people focus on taking too quickly, likely putting people off. On the other hand, if you can focus on genuinely giving without expecting anything in return, you might be surprised how this pays off in the long run.

Seven simple ways you can offer value to someone that don’t require deep industry knowledge, role seniority, tremendous resources, or huge amounts of time.

1. Share a resource.  These days, when we meet with people personally or professionally, especially during this period of rapid societal and technological change, we try to remind ourselves that most people, including ourself, are struggling with something. That struggle could be small or large, but when you give people an opening to discuss what’s on their mind, even those who seem to “have it all,” will reveal a challenge they’re trying to overcome.  If you walk away from a conversation with a clear sense of one or two issues someone’s facing, share a relevant industry report, article, video, podcast episode, or book with them afterwards. Even if the resource isn’t life-changing, the gesture of making someone feel heard and helped will not go unnoticed.
2. Make targeted introductions.  The next time you meet with someone, try and think of someone in your network you could introduce them to. If you’re not sure where to start, consider those people who have overlapping interests, background, or ambitions. Or introduce someone to any contacts you may know at the company they’re moving into.
3. Relay an opportunity.  On the surface, many professionals, especially highly accomplished ones, may seem like they’re all set in their careers. However, even though it may not seem like it on the surface, if you probe a bit, I bet you’ll find most people wouldn’t mind a little extra professional help.  Some examples of opportunities you can relay include unadvertised roles at your organization, freelance gigs, speaking slot at an industry event, or a podcast you’ve been listening to that’s looking for fresh guests who can speak about certain topics. Putting aside the actual opportunity itself, even the act itself of saying, “I thought of you when I saw this,” can mean a lot to someone.
4. Mention an event.  If you come across an event, talk, or industry conference that’s aligned with someone career interests, desired professional transition, or knowledge gaps, mention it to someone you feel would enjoy attending. And if they do attend, set a reminder to check in with them in the future on how it went.
5. Refer a new customer.  If you’ve had a positive experience with an individual, think about someone in your network who could also benefit from what they’re offering. Even if that referral doesn’t ultimately convert, people always appreciate the gesture of a good word being put in for the product or service they’re offering.
6. Acknowledge publicly.  If you can think of something nice to say about someone, say it. Share your positive sentiments openly with others both within and outside of their network. Even if that person never hears about it, you’ve done your part in bolstering that person’s reputation. And if you’re feeling a bit braver, share it directly with that individual too. You never know what kind of a positive impact your words may have on their career and life.
7. Share a useful tool.  Sharing a useful tool with someone is one of the easiest ways you yourself can be useful.