Leadership

5 Steps to Build Professional Networks by Helping Others

Shifting your networking mindset from 'What can I get?' to 'How can I help?' can transform your career, build lasting relationships, and open new opportunities.

Leadership Topics

23 Oct 2024 — 6 min read

Networking is more than expanding your contact list. Learn how adopting a mindset of giving—focusing on 'How can I help?'—can help you build stronger, lasting professional relationships that fuel career success. Photo by Product School.

Networking is one of the most powerful tools for career advancement, but its true potential is often misunderstood. Many professionals approach networking with a transactional mindset, seeking personal gain above all else. However, the most successful networking relationships aren’t built on what you can get—they’re built on what you can give.

In fact, nearly 80% of professionals in a recent LinkedIn survey said networking was critical for their career advancement. The same study found that 35% secured new opportunities, deals, or jobs through casual messaging. But here’s the secret to transforming your networking efforts: focus on helping others rather than promoting yourself. It all comes down to a simple question: “How can I help you?”

This shift in mindset not only makes networking more genuine, but it also lays the foundation for long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships. Let’s explore how adopting an others-focused approach to networking can unlock new opportunities and help you build a more meaningful, impactful professional network.

1 - Shifting the Focus to Others

One of the most transformative changes you can make in your networking efforts is shifting your focus from "What can I get?" to "How can I help?" This simple mindset shift has the potential to drastically improve the quality of your connections.

Research shows that professionals who lead with a giving mindset often experience more success than those who focus solely on self-promotion. People who adopt a generous approach to networking often outperform their peers. This is because givers build trust, foster loyalty, and create networks that are built on reciprocity, rather than just transactions.

When you focus on helping others, networking feels less like a chore and more like a genuine opportunity to make meaningful connections. And when your intentions are sincere, people will notice.

2 - The Power of Building Trust

Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship, and in networking, it’s no different. When you consistently offer help to others, you build a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy professional. This trust doesn’t just happen overnight—it’s earned through actions that demonstrate your genuine desire to support others.

When you’re seen as someone who is consistently helping and offering value, people are more likely to come to you with opportunities, collaborations, and referrals. It’s through these acts of giving that your professional influence starts to grow, and your network begins to see you as a go-to person for support and insight.

3 - Growing Your Influence Through Giving

Helping others not only builds trust but also increases your influence. Professionals who give within their network are perceived as more influential by their peers. This perception of influence can open doors to unseen opportunities that may have otherwise been missed in a purely transactional conversation.

When you lead with an others-focused mindset, you’re seen as someone who adds value to the professional community, and people will seek out your advice, guidance, and expertise. In doing so, you position yourself as a thought leader and influencer in your field, all because you approached networking with the goal of helping others.

4 - Unlocking New Opportunities

When you offer to help others, you gain unique insights into their challenges, goals, and projects. This level of understanding can reveal collaboration opportunities that may have gone unnoticed in a traditional networking conversation.

By listening closely and identifying ways to help, you not only build a deeper connection but also gain access to projects, partnerships, and opportunities that wouldn’t have been on your radar otherwise. This deeper engagement makes you a valuable resource, further strengthening your network and expanding your reach within your industry.

5 - Building Long-Lasting Relationships

The most valuable relationships in any professional network are the ones that last. Genuine connections take time and effort to cultivate, and when you approach networking from a place of giving, you’re more likely to form relationships that stand the test of time.

By consistently asking “How can I help you?” and following through on your promises, you create a network that is built on mutual respect and support. These relationships become more than just a collection of business cards—they become a support system for personal and career growth. In return, you also gain a network of people who are eager to help you when you need it.

6 - Enhancing Your Own Skills and Knowledge

One of the often-overlooked benefits of helping others is that it challenges you to grow. Whether you’re solving a problem, sharing insights, or making introductions, every act of giving is an opportunity to enhance your own skills and knowledge.

By helping others, you’re exposed to new ideas, perspectives, and challenges that can help you become more innovative and adaptable in your own career. This process of continuous learning ensures that you’re not just giving to others, but also gaining valuable experience in the process.

7 - How to Implement a “How Can I Help You?” Mindset

Shifting to an others-focused mindset in your networking is easier than you think. Start by being genuine. When you ask someone how you can help, make sure your offer is authentic. People can sense when your intentions aren’t genuine, so approach every interaction with curiosity and sincerity.

Another tip is to come prepared with an idea of how you can help. Sometimes, people don’t know exactly how you can help them, but if you arrive with a suggestion based on your research or understanding of their needs, you demonstrate initiative and a readiness to offer value.

Most importantly, always follow through. Offering to help is one thing, but delivering on your promise is where the real impact lies. By following through on your offers, you demonstrate your reliability and reinforce the trust you’ve built.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Giving in Networking

Networking doesn’t have to feel transactional or self-serving. When you approach it with a mindset of giving, you’ll find that the benefits are far greater than simply expanding your contact list. By focusing on how you can help others, you’ll build deeper relationships, gain new opportunities, and enhance your own skills in the process.

Ultimately, the most successful and long-lasting professional networks are built on genuine relationships, and it all starts with one simple question: “How can I help you?”

By leading with a giving mindset and following these strategies, you can transform your networking efforts into a powerful tool for career growth and personal development.

Leadership Topics