The Dos and Don’ts of Networking for Business Growth
We’re in the middle of the Spring networking season and there’s nothing like brushing up some skills! I hope these do’s and don’ts help increase your success.
The Do’s of Networking for Business Growth
1. DO Prioritize Relationship Marketing Over Transactions
One of the biggest mistakes people make when networking is focusing solely on quick wins. They attend events expecting to land a deal immediately, but networking isn’t about instant results—it’s about building trust over time.
Instead of asking, “What can this person do for me?” ask yourself, “How can I add value to this relationship?”
Tip: Follow up with your connections by offering helpful insights, introductions, or industry knowledge. When you focus on nurturing relationships rather than making quick sales, you set the foundation for long-term business growth.
2. DO Have a Clear Networking Strategy
Not all networking opportunities are created equal. Successful professionals don’t just show up at random events or send cold LinkedIn requests—they have a clear plan.
Define Your Goals: Are you looking for referral partners? Potential clients? Industry mentors?
Identify the Right Events & Platforms: Industry conferences, networking groups, and LinkedIn can all be great places to connect with the right people.
Prepare Your Elevator Pitch: Be ready to introduce yourself in a way that sparks interest and conversation.
Tip: Instead of saying, “I’m in sales,” try: “I help businesses grow by creating customized networking and business development strategies.” A well-crafted introduction makes you more memorable.
3. DO Follow Up and Stay Engaged
Networking doesn’t stop when the event ends or when someone accepts your LinkedIn request. The real work begins after the initial interaction. A thoughtful follow-up can turn a casual introduction into a meaningful business relationship. Here’s a simple follow-up strategy:
Within 24-48 Hours: Send a personalized message or email referencing your conversation. Connect with them on LinkedIn
Within 1-2 Weeks: Share a relevant article, introduce them to someone in your network, or invite them to a coffee chat.
Ongoing Engagement: Comment on their LinkedIn posts, invite them to industry events, or check in periodically to maintain the relationship.
Tip: Relationship marketing thrives on consistency. Staying in touch—even in small ways—keeps you top of mind.
4. DO Offer Value Before Asking for Anything
Networking is a two-way street. The most successful networkers give before they take—whether it’s offering advice, making introductions, or sharing industry insights. Some ways to offer value:
Introduce two people who could benefit from knowing each other
Share a resource (e.g., an article, tool, or case study)
Provide feedback or insights on a topic they care about.
When you give first, people are much more likely to reciprocate, making your network a powerful business growth tool.
5. DO Leverage Online Networking (Especially LinkedIn)
In-person networking is powerful, but online networking—especially on LinkedIn—has become just as important. A few ways to network effectively online:
Engage with content: Like, comment, and share posts from people you want to build relationships with.
Send personalized connection requests: Mention a shared interest or mutual connection to make your request more meaningful
Create valuable content: Share insights from your industry, lessons learned, or success stories to position yourself as a valuable connection.
Tip: Don’t just collect connections—start conversations. Ask a question, share an opinion, or congratulate someone on an achievement to build authentic engagement.
The Don'ts of Networking for Business Growth
1. DON’T Make Networking All About You
Nobody enjoys talking to someone who only focuses on themselves. Networking isn’t about pitching—it’s about listening, learning, and engaging in meaningful conversations.
Try to Avoid:
Talking only about your business without asking about theirs
Only reaching out when you need something
Overloading someone with sales talk right away
Tip: Instead of immediately discussing your business, ask thoughtful questions like:
“What inspired you to get into your field?”
“What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing right now?”
“Why did you decide to come to this event?”
This makes networking more about relationships and less about transactions.
2. DON’T Neglect the Follow-Up
A connection without follow-up is a wasted opportunity. Too many professionals meet great people but never take the next step to build a relationship.
Don’t assume they’ll remember you—reinforce the connection with a follow-up message.
Don’t make them do all the work—take initiative to suggest a follow-up call or meeting.
Tip: If you don’t hear back after following up, don’t take it personally. Be patient and stay engaged in small ways, like commenting on their content or checking in occasionally.
3. DON’T Network Only When You Need Something
Networking should be an ongoing effort, not just something you do when you’re job hunting or looking for leads. If you only reach out when you need help, people will notice. Instead, make networking a regular habit—engage with your network consistently so that when you do need support, you’ve already built strong relationships.
Tip: Set aside 30 minutes a week for networking—send a few messages, check in with key contacts, and engage with their content.
Networking Is About Building Relationships, Not Just Connections
At Dinkel Business Development, we believe that relationship marketing is the key to long-term business growth. Networking, when done right, is about cultivating genuine relationships that provide value to both parties.
By prioritizing relationships over transactions, being strategic in your networking efforts, and consistently nurturing your connections, you’ll build a network that not only helps your business grow but also strengthens your professional reputation.
Partner with Dinkel Business Development, LLC Today
If you want to learn more about how we can help you develop a metric-driven business development plan for you or your team, please call us at 443-226-0163 or reach us via email at john@dinkelbd.com to get started.
