In our previous post, we explored Steven's networking challenges and introduced the concept of value-based networking. Now, let's dive deeper into practical strategies for transforming your networking approach from quantity-focused to value-driven, ensuring your professional connections are both meaningful and mutually beneficial.

Networking is hard - it’s not something we’re taught, yet we all know how important it is to have connections in the business world. Let’s think about it for a moment. Imagine attending industry conferences, networking events, or internal and external meetings. You collect contacts, have conversations, and prepare beforehand by selecting and even researching the people you want to reach out to for a specific event. Sounds great, right? But the devil is in the details.

Here’s the issue: everyone is doing the same thing, and yet most of these interactions remain shallow - even transactional. Rarely do the encounters lead to meaningful outcomes. They give us a false sense of security, making us believe that having hundreds to thousands of people within our contact list somehow equates to having a strong network. Statistically, only a small percentage will respond to an email or a call, and even then, their willingness to connect will largely depend on your current role and whether they see any benefit to a relationship.

Let’s be honest: networking isn’t a tool for building friendships, though that can happen. Instead, it’s an investment and a tool for creating mutual value. It’s about finding opportunities for collaboration, securing projects, lobbying, financing, or even for career advancement. But here’s the catch: because most of us have been networking in the same way for years, its overall impact has diminished.

This is especially evident for people changing jobs, seeking new clients, growing their businesses, or looking for their next career move. Traditional networking often falls short in these scenarios.

A New Approach: Value-Based Networking

We have a solution: YourGoodJob’s value-based networking approach. Instead of focusing on quantity, start building a network that aligns with your and the other person’s (or peoples’) personal values.

This approach fosters relationships that are:

• Deeper and more meaningful.

• Mutually beneficial, offering greater understanding and satisfaction for both sides.

• More enduring, providing long-term value and trust.

By aligning your network with your core values, you create connections that are not only impactful but also more authentic. These relationships ensure your network is truly valuable, both personally and professionally.

Why Now?

The start of a new year is the perfect time to:

1. Reassess your network: Are your current contacts aligned with your values and goals?

2. Make changes: Let go of connections that feel transactional or unproductive.

3. Expand purposefully: Seek out relationships that are built on shared values, fostering deeper trust and collaboration.

The Outcome

Value-based networking isn’t about collecting [virtual] business cards or building a massive contact list, it’s about creating a genuine, impactful, and purposeful network. By focusing on shared values, you’ll not only build stronger connections but also position yourself as a trusted and respected professional

This approach guarantees that your network becomes a source of strength and inspiration, helping you achieve your goals while staying true to who you are.

So, take this opportunity to start fresh, rethink your networking strategy, and embrace the power of values.

While understanding the principles of value-based networking is crucial, the real challenge lies in implementing these concepts in your daily professional life. In tomorrow's post, we'll provide you with a practical, step-by-step guide to incorporating value-based networking into your routine. From preparing for networking events to following up meaningfully, you'll learn actionable strategies that will help you build and maintain a network aligned with your values and goals. Stay tuned for concrete tools and techniques that will transform how you approach professional relationships.

Here’s to meaningful connections in the year ahead - happy networking in 2025

Inspirations:

• Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why”

• Keith Ferrazzi’s “Never Eat Alone”

• https://medium.com/@corewave/the-art-of-effective-networking-building-meaningful-connections-b2d7488c70c9

• https://www.profdevjourney.com/2024/11/networking-in-digital-age.html?m=1