Lesson 28 of 32
Be The Person Who Connects The Dots For Others
A network isn't a collection of contacts - it's a web of relationships. The most valuable people aren't just nodes in the network, they're the hubs.
The Lesson
The typical networking approach is backwards. People tend to focus on who can help them rather than who they can help by connecting to someone else. This transactional approach creates shallow relationships that feel awkward for everyone involved.
The people with the strongest networks aren't necessarily the most connected - they're the most connecting. They listen for needs, see opportunities to bridge gaps, and make introductions that create value for others. Instead of asking "Who can help me?" they consistently ask "Who can I help by connecting them to someone else?" This generous act of connection builds trust and positions you as someone who creates opportunities rather than just seeking them.
True networking power comes from becoming indispensable not because of what you know, but because of how you help others discover what they need. When you consistently create value for your network, your network consistently creates value for you.
The Question
How much of your networking energy goes toward asking people for things versus creating genuine value for them - and what does that ratio say about why your network might not be as strong as you'd like?
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