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Building a Strong Network: My Approach to Networking
Networking Strategies and Tips for Building Valuable Connections
In today’s interconnected world, the value of your network can often surpass the value of your net worth. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, career professional, or freelancer, building a strong network is not just a helpful skill—it’s a critical asset.
Many people associate networking with handing out business cards or mingling at crowded events, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Real networking is about creating lasting, meaningful relationships based on trust, mutual value, and authenticity. It's not about how many contacts you have in your phone or how many connections you’ve made on Markethive or LinkedIn—it's about the depth and quality of those relationships.
Networking should never be approached with a selfish mindset of “What can I get?” Instead, a powerful network is built by consistently asking, “How can I help?” This mindset shift opens doors you didn’t even know existed. As someone who has navigated multiple industries, I’ve learned that strategic networking can lead to new partnerships, mentorship opportunities, business referrals, career growth, and life-changing collaborations.
But none of that happens by accident. Building a strong network takes intentionality, strategy, and most importantly—genuine care for others.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through my personal approach to networking—what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how I’ve refined my strategy over time. These are not cookie-cutter tips pulled from a textbook; they are battle-tested principles that continue to deliver real-world results.
The goal isn’t just to collect contacts; it’s to build a community of allies, advocates, and collaborators who lift each other up. If you’re serious about growing your influence and impact, these eight tips will help you start building a network that adds value to your life and your business.
Let’s dive into the heart of how strong connections are really made.
One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that strong relationships begin with giving. The mistake many people make when networking is approaching someone only when they need something. That instantly sets the relationship off balance and makes it transactional.
My strategy is to flip the script—whenever I meet someone, I ask myself, “How can I serve this person?” Maybe they need a referral, a shout-out, an introduction, or simply someone to listen to their ideas. By leading with value, you plant seeds of trust and respect.
And the beautiful thing is—people remember how you made them feel. When you offer value first, without expectations, you position yourself as a person worth knowing. This mindset has helped me forge deep, mutually beneficial relationships where people are excited to help me in return—not because I asked, but because I invested in them first.
Networking is not a numbers game—it’s a relationship game. You don’t need a thousand connections; you need the right ones. Early in my journey, I tried to connect with everyone. But over time, I realized that being intentional about who I reach out to yields far better results.
I focus on connecting with people who align with my values, inspire me to grow, and are moving in a similar direction professionally or personally. Quality over quantity became my mantra.
I started researching people before reaching out—reading their content, learning about their journey, and finding common ground.
This allowed me to make meaningful connections that felt natural, not forced. A curated, value-aligned network is infinitely more powerful than a bloated list of irrelevant contacts.
Making a connection is just the beginning—real networking happens in the follow-up. I learned this the hard way.
In the past, I’d meet people at events, have great conversations, and then… nothing. No email, no message, no continued dialogue.
The connection faded before it had a chance to develop. Now, I follow a golden rule: always follow up within 48 hours. A quick message that references your meeting, expresses appreciation, and proposes a next step (like a virtual coffee or collaboration idea) goes a long way.
I even set reminders to check in with key contacts every 1-3 months. Staying on someone’s radar consistently (without being annoying) builds familiarity, and over time, trust.
The fortune in networking lies in your ability to stay top-of-mind.
Social media is one of the most underutilized networking tools in the modern world. But like any tool, its power depends on how you use it.
I’ve made it a habit to engage consistently with people I admire on Markethive, LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Instagram—not just liking posts but adding thoughtful comments, resharing content with insight, and sending DMs that add value.
Over time, these micro-interactions build familiarity.
I’ve landed podcast invites, business deals, and mentorship opportunities simply by being active and intentional on social platforms.
Don’t just scroll—engage. And when you finally meet someone in person, you won’t be a stranger—you’ll already have a rapport that makes your relationship warmer and easier to deepen.
Authentic networking is less about impressing others and more about showing a genuine interest in them. The best networkers aren’t the ones who talk the most—they’re the ones who listen the best.
Whenever I meet someone new, I approach the conversation like a curious journalist. I ask open-ended questions about their journey, what drives them, what challenges they’re facing, and what they’re excited about.
This opens up the conversation in rich, meaningful ways. People are drawn to those who make them feel heard and understood.
Listening deeply—not just waiting to talk—helps you connect on a more human level. And when you remember little details and follow up later, it shows you truly care.
That’s how trust is built.
One of the highest-value networking skills you can develop is the ability to connect others within your network. I constantly ask myself, “Who in my network would benefit from knowing each other?” Then I make thoughtful introductions—with context and purpose.
When you become known as a connector, your value in your network multiplies. People begin to see you as a catalyst for opportunity.
And guess what? Those introductions often come full circle. The more you help others win, the more doors open for you.
Creating a “win-win-win” scenario—where both parties benefit and you deepen your relationships—is one of the most effective and underrated ways to build a loyal, growing network.
Conferences, masterminds, webinars, and meetups can be goldmines for networking—if you approach them strategically.
I used to attend events aimlessly, hoping to “bump into the right person.” Now, I plan ahead. I research who will be there, schedule 1-on-1s in advance, and even prepare key questions I want to ask.
My goal isn’t to collect business cards—it’s to build 3-5 quality relationships per event. I also stay after key sessions, volunteer when possible, and make it a point to follow up with every meaningful connection within 48 hours.
Events are not just about content—they’re about people. And the people you meet can open doors you never imagined—if you show up prepared and intentional.
The most valuable connections aren’t built overnight. They’re nurtured over months—and sometimes years. I’ve learned that consistency and patience are essential in networking.
I keep in touch with people through thoughtful messages, sending articles that made me think of them, celebrating their wins, or checking in during important moments.
I invite them to collaborate when possible or simply catch up over coffee. These small, regular touches compound over time. The strongest networkers think long-term.
They don’t just show up when they need something—they’re always present, always supportive, always adding value.
When you play the long game in networking, you build something rare and powerful: a circle of allies who truly care about your growth as much as their own.
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At its core, networking is not about transactions—it’s about transformation. It’s about building real human connections that inspire, empower, and elevate everyone involved. The truth is, you don’t need to be extroverted, famous, or have a million followers to build a strong network.
You just need to be intentional, genuine, and consistent. Every connection starts with a simple step: showing up and offering value. From there, the relationship grows organically when nurtured with care, curiosity, and trust.
The power of a strong network is exponential. It’s the behind-the-scenes force that accelerates your career, boosts your visibility, introduces you to unexpected opportunities, and surrounds you with people who believe in your vision.
But that kind of network doesn’t build itself. It takes work—conscious, strategic effort. It’s about creating a ripple effect of generosity, where every person you help becomes a potential bridge to something greater. The more you give, the more you grow.
If you want to build a network that lasts, start with one principle: be the person you’d want to connect with. Be kind. Be helpful. Be curious. Be consistent. And above all—be real. In a world full of surface-level interactions, authenticity stands out.
By following the strategies I’ve shared here, you can start creating connections that don’t just advance your career—they enrich your life.
Remember, your network is a mirror of your values. Build it wisely. Nurture it intentionally. And watch it grow into your greatest asset.
The choice is yours—make it count.
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About: Andries vanTonder
Over 46 years selfemployed
He is a Serial Entrepreneur, an Enthusiastic supporter of Blockchain Technology and a Cryptocurrency Investor
Find me: Markethive Profile Page | My Twitter Account | My Instagram Acount | and my Facebook Profile.
