Most people focus on collecting contacts, but that’s not what builds real success. There’s a huge difference between a traditional, transactional approach and building something genuine.
Table of Contents
The Old Way
Let’s talk about the common scene. Everyone’s walking around networking events, handing out business cards, and trying to get referrals. They’re focused on what they can get.
This is what I call traditional, transactional business connection. It’s a numbers game that often leads to a collection of contacts rather than a community of connections.
The Real Way
So what’s the alternative? The best way to get referrals isn’t to ask for referrals—it’s to build relationships and add value.
True business growth comes from forming genuine connections and offering value without expecting anything in return. When you shift your focus from taking to giving, you build trust and lay the groundwork for long-term success.
Being Intentional
With this mindset, I made a very intentional choice. I started on LinkedIn. I chose to focus my efforts there because it’s a platform where real relationships matter more than business cards. It allows you to build a community and demonstrate your value consistently over time, which is the foundation of genuine networking.
Conclusion
The key takeaway is to stop focusing on transactions. Instead of asking for referrals, focus on building relationships and adding value first. This is how you move from simply collecting contacts to building real, meaningful business connections.
When you offer value without expecting anything in return, you’re not just networking—you’re building a reputation and a community that will support you in the long run.
Focus on building your connections, not just your contact list.
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