An African adage states that one who has people is richer than one who has money. It literally connotes that the quality of people around you could provide you with both human and capital resources as well.
In this digital age, the best way to gain contacts and get acquainted with people is networking, which is now known as social capital and a crucial skill for growth.
Networking goes beyond traditional in-person events and includes online platforms, social media, and virtual meetups, it helps individuals build meaningful relationships, discover new opportunities, and gain insights from others in their industry and area of interest.
To network better, you need a strategic approach that focuses on building genuine, long-term relationships. It’s about offering value to others, actively engaging in conversations, and following up to keep those connections alive.
As we approach a New Year, now is the perfect time to refine your networking strategy.
Hereunder are practical tips and techniques for networking better in 2025.
1. Set Clear Networking Goals: Networking can be overwhelming if you don’t have a stipulated purpose for it. The first question to ask yourself is ‘why’ you want to build certain levels of relationships in the first place.
It is therefore important to define what you want to achieve, whether it’s finding a mentor, growing your business, expanding your industry knowledge, or seeking job opportunities.
Setting these goals will help you approach networking with intention and clarity, and guide toward remaining focused on the right kind of people and at the right places.
2. Leverage Social Media Platforms: Social media is a powerful tool for professional networking at this age and time. It is a vital tool for getting to know people and meeting them without necessarily getting to be in their physical space.
Not only do social media platforms get you connected with people you need to know but also offer the advantage of a global network.
Regularly engage on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook by sharing valuable content, commenting on others’ posts, and joining relevant groups.
Some employers may actually check your social media sites as part of the screening process so it is important to clean up your online identity. Remove questionable materials such as blog entries, photos, quotes, comments and applications.
Be sure to present a positive online image.
It is also important to engage in meaningful conversations, be polite and cordial, avoid unprofessional abbreviations and languages, and establish yourself as a thought leader in your field.
3. Attend Events and Conferences (Virtually or In-Person): Attending events provide opportunities to meet people with shared interests and profession.
Whether it’s a virtual webinar, an in-person seminar, or a networking meetup, attend events relevant to your career or business goals.
Engage with speakers and other attendees, exchange contact information, and follow up with personalized messages afterward.
You can gain access and information to certain events of interest from social media, but you have to be very careful about meeting someone you met online.
4. Help Other People Connect: People appreciate individuals who make meaningful introductions and connections between them and other individuals of interest.
Someone around your space may need a contact that you have just as much as you need theirs so if you know two people who could benefit from connecting with each other, introduce them.
By helping others connect, you build goodwill and strengthen your professional reputation. This makes others more likely to return the favor.
5. Focus On Quality And Giving Value: Building genuine, long-term relationships is more beneficial than simply collecting business cards and saving phone numbers.
This is the problem of seeking to be acquainted with the high and mighty as against connecting with people at your own level and growing with them.
Rather than trying to network with or chasing as many people as possible, focus on a few meaningful interactions.
Give value, make sure you’re not just looking to gain from others, ensure that you come through for people you are working to get closer with.
Take time to get to know people, engage in deeper conversations, and offer support. It’s about nurturing relationships over time.
6. Be Authentic and Genuine: Authenticity builds trust and helps establish meaningful connections.
In a world where most people believe in faking it until you make it, being your genuine self could stand you out in the crowd. There is no reason to lie about who you are and what your intentions are especially when you are networking for a long term relationship.
Be yourself, ask questions, and listen actively. Genuine interest in others’ work or challenges can create lasting relationships based on mutual respect and shared experiences.
7. Join Professional Associations and Groups: Associations offer a community of like-minded professionals and people with common interests, perfect for networking.
Identify professional groups or associations in your field and get registered with them.
Attend events, participate in online forums, and get involved in projects.
These communities often provide invaluable networking opportunities with industry leaders and colleagues.
8. Keep Up With Trends And Be Prepared To Discuss Them: Everyone wants to be in contact with a knowledgeable person, one who is versatile and up to date with happenings around the world and his or her field.
The very first discussion is key for creating favorable first-time and long -term impressions, and staying updated on trends in your industry makes you a more engaging and knowledgeable conversationalist.
Regularly read industry blogs, listen to podcasts, or watch webinars to stay reasonably informed.
Remember that you are not gaining knowledge to argue. When networking, reference these trends in conversations to demonstrate your knowledge and spark insightful discussions.
9. Keep In Touch With Your Network: If you are truly in pursuit of creating long-term relationships, then the networking process does not end when the career, event or job fair is over.
Following up with your network continues the relationships and preserves those connections.
One way to keep up with your networks at this age and time is to intentionally follow their social media handles and engage in their posts and activities.
You should also celebrate important moments in their lives like weddings and anniversaries, and communicate appropriately when you’re not able to honour a physical invite.
10. Work On Yourself, Build Your Profile: Even your network wants to be acquainted with a person of value, so ensure that people never meet you the same year-in and out.
Take courses, sign up for classes, read books, do not limit your networking framework and learn as many skills as relevant to your field as possible.
Do not forget to build on your manners, life skills and personal hygiene as well.
