Business Networking Tips: 3 powerful game-changers

Many people approach networking as a transactional exchange, and that’s a shame because it overlooks its true potential. These business networking tips provide an alternative approach.

Successful business networkers see a networking meeting as a place to meet potential referral partners. It’s a very different way to approach business networking, but data from Bx and other networking groups show that this approach works.

What’s more, it makes sense, doesn’t it?

Rather than try to sell directly to the people in the room, who are there to sell to you, this approach views a networking meeting as the launching point for a potential long-term referral relationship.

You’ll explore three game-changing business networking tips in this post that secure referral partners, build loyalty, and encourage people to recommend you to others. Here are the three business networking tips...

1. Embrace authentic connections over transactional exchanges.
2. Leverage digital tools for hybrid networking.
3. Master the art of value-first giving.

Let’s take a deep dive into each of these business networking tips and find out how they work and why they’re so powerful. But first, the following relevant statistics provide useful context for what follows...

Before launching into the three business networking tips below, it’s worth pondering what the people who get the most from networking know that the 37% who quit didn’t? I assert that it’s these three things...

1. Seeking Genuine Connection
2. Hybrid Networking
3. Value-First Giving

1. Embrace Authentic Connections Over Transactional Exchanges

Some people approach business networking as a transactional affair. Such people often seek to “win” in a networking interaction.

The CEO of the Bx networking group, Matt Alderton, takes a different view. He emphasises the role of referral partnerships to drive business growth.

Alderton advocates for a structured approach to building referral partnerships and claims these ultimately produce more profitable results.

Matt’s focus is on the importance of helping the other person in the partnership first, which fosters reciprocity and creates more opportunities for mutual referrals going forward. He is an advocate of “value first” networking.

Alderton recommends aiming for 5 to 10 manageable referral partners that you can actively refer business to on a regular basis, highlighting the overall value and effectiveness of such partnerships when supported by a clear plan.

Of the three business networking tips in this article, I placed this one first because I think it’s the most important.

2. Leverage Digital Tools for Hybrid Networking

Business networking has always been an excellent way to meet future clients and to find new referral partners. Naturally enough, the arrival of online business networking sites and tools has greatly expanded what’s possible.

Of all these business networking tips, this one offers the most potential to expand your business networking horizons. It can be a game-changer because it supercharges your ability to connect with people who live in different geographic areas. And you can connect with and start talking to many more people than you could by attending networking meetings.

But there’s a downside to online networking. It’s less personal and comes with less credibility and even less trust. My personal view is that online networking makes us more productive at the cost of effectiveness. But both offer opportunities the other lacks, and thus we serve ourselves best when we engage in both.

In an effort to address the issue of trust and credibility, there are now extensions to existing online networking tools that go some way to overcoming their inherent issues. For example, the My Most Trusted extension for LinkedIn in the sidebar to this article.

I’ve included eight business networking sites and tools in the sidebar to the right of this article (or below it on mobile devices) with these business networking tips. These tools help you explore the power of combining online platforms with in-person meetings to expand reach exponentially.

Many of these tools bring AI to networking to further help you with your networking endeavours.

3. Master the Art of Value-First Giving

Value-first giving, often referred to as the “give first” approach, is a networking strategy where individuals prioritise providing genuine value to others before seeking personal benefits or favours in return.

Of the three business networking tips, this one works in combination with the other two.

In the context of business networking, this mindset shifts the focus from transactional interactions to asking how you can be of service. The objective is to build authentic, mutually beneficial relationships based on generosity, trust, and reciprocity.

It’s rooted in the idea that by helping others succeed, you create a positive ripple effect that often leads to opportunities coming back to you organically over time. BNI's Dr. Ivan Misner summed it up in his usual pithy way with the two-word catchphrase, “Giver’s gain.”

The concept of value-first giving draws from principles in books like Adam Grant's Give and Take, which categorises people as givers, takers, or matchers, and argues that those who contribute without immediate expectations tend to achieve long-term success in professional business networks.

This is particularly relevant in today’s business environment, where superficial networking such as handing out business cards at events is less effective than fostering deep, value-driven connections.

Of the three business networking tips, this one is the hardest for some people to accept. If you’re willing to do so, here are ways you can put the assertion to test in your business networking group...

• Volunteer for a Role in the Group
  You may be surprised at how giving your time, energy, and creativity to your networking group pays off in unexpected ways, including more business.
• Make a List
  Write down the name of everyone in your group, think about what they do and what they’re asking for in the meeting.
  • Find something of genuine value to each person.
  • If you can’t think of anything for someone, call that person up, tall them you’ve been thinking about them, and ask them if there’s anything you can do to help them.
  • Take your time with this list. Wait until you have something useful and then call that person and offer it to them.
  • Ask for nothing in return. Don’t hint at some quo for your quid pro. Just perform the action of giving to that person.
  • Wait and see whether it transforms your business networking group.

It’s worth noting that these business networking tips rely on you being in action.

If you’re ever unsure what you can do to stimulate other people’s awareness of you within your business networking group, the above is the answer.

And yes, I know that you’re pushed for time. We all are. This isn’t about waiting until you have nothing better to do. It’s about creating a generous and productive networking group by being a generous and productive member.

If you do nothing else after these these business networking tips, give the above a try.

Why is Value-First Giving Important?

In these business networking tips, I recommend that you adopt a value-first mentality that yields several key benefits...

• Builds Trust and Credibility
  When you offer help without strings attached, people perceive you as reliable and altruistic, making them more likely to engage with you in the future. This contrasts with "takers" who drain networks and erode trust.
• Fosters Reciprocity
  Human psychology (the principle of reciprocity) encourages people to return favours. By giving first, you activate this dynamic, leading to referrals, collaborations, or introductions that might not have happened otherwise.
• Creates Long-Term Relationships
  Networking isn’t a one-off event; value-first giving helps develop enduring connections that evolve into partnerships, mentorships, or business opportunities. It transforms your network from a list of contacts into a supportive community.
• Enhances Personal Branding
  Positioning yourself as a giver differentiates you in competitive industries. It can lead to word-of-mouth promotion and position you as an expert or go-to resource.

Studies and expert insights, such as those from business coaches and entrepreneurs like Alex Hormozi, emphasise that this approach not only grows your network but also accelerates career or business growth by focusing on contribution over extraction.

In other words, of these business networking tips, value-first giving works.

How to Implement Value-First Giving

To practice these business networking tips, start small and be consistent. For example, here’s a step-by-step guide to implementing value-first giving based on common strategies...

• Identify Needs and Opportunities
  Listen actively during conversations or on platforms like LinkedIn. Ask questions like "What’s your biggest challenge right now?" to uncover ways you can help.
• Offer Tangible Value
  Provide something useful without expecting reciprocation. This could include...
  • Sharing relevant articles, tools, or insights.
  • Making introductions to contacts in your network (e.g., “I know someone who specialises in that. Would you like me to connect you?”).
  • Offering free advice, feedback, or even volunteering your time for a quick consult.
• Follow Up Genuinely
  After an interaction, send a note referencing how you can add value, such as “I thought of this resource that might help with what we discussed.” Avoid immediately asking for favours.
• Leverage Online and Offline Channels
  Use social media for sharing content, joining discussions, or endorsing others’ skills. At events, focus on being a “connector” by facilitating conversations between people who could benefit from knowing each other.
• Balance Giving with Boundaries
  While generosity is key, avoid burnout by giving in ways that align with your expertise and capacity. It’s okay to say no if a request doesn’t fit.

Even when networking with higher-level professionals, you can provide value by offering fresh perspectives, research, or simply expressing appreciation for their work in a meaningful way.

Examples of these Business Networking Tips in Action

• In Sales and Marketing
  A salesperson shares educational content (e.g., blog posts or webinars) with prospects to build trust before pitching products. This value-first tactic has been shown to improve conversion rates by establishing credibility early.
• At Networking Events
  Instead of collecting business cards, introduce two attendees who share common interests, saying, “You work in related industries that don’t compete. It might be worth discussing your projects.” This positions you as a helpful connector.
• Online via LinkedIn or Forums
  Comment on a post with actionable advice or tag someone who could benefit from the discussion, as suggested in community advice from entrepreneurs.

Final Thoughts

Value-first giving transforms business networking from a chore into a rewarding practice that emphasises contribution over competition. While it requires patience, the long-term payoff in stronger relationships and opportunities is substantial.

As one expert puts it, “Your network only grows when you activate it for others.”

If you’re new to this approach, start by auditing your current interactions. Are you giving more than you’re taking? Over time, this approach can elevate your professional circle and career trajectory.

These three business networking tips can be transformative to some, turning a frustrating networking experience into a wild success.

Did you find these business networking tips helpful? Connect with me on LinkedIn, message me, and let’s see whether we can help each other.