Networking is often hailed as one of the most important tools for career success. Whether it’s meeting potential clients, industry peers, or mentors, building a professional network is an essential part of career development. But what’s the real value of networking? Is it truly about forming meaningful relationships, or is it more about “net-worthing”—using people for personal gain?
For many professionals, networking has become synonymous with the idea of collecting connections, attending networking events, and reaching out to influential people who might open doors to opportunities. Yet, when you look deeper, is that really what networking is all about? And how do you tell the difference between networking and “net-worthing”—when your goal shifts from building a relationship to merely extracting value from someone else?
In the professional world, where career growth often depends on who you know just as much as what you know, networking is an inevitable part of career success. But to truly succeed, networking needs to be seen as a long-term investment rather than a short-term transactional tool.
What Is Networking Really About?
Networking is more than just attending events and exchanging business cards. Real networking is about building relationships—relationships that foster mutual growth, support, and collaboration. It’s about connecting with others who share your values, interests, and goals. It’s about seeking out individuals who can help you improve your skills, broaden your horizons, and support your ambitions—and offering the same in return.
True networking is not about asking for a favour as soon as you meet someone, but rather about creating an environment of shared value. It’s about giving first and offering something of value to others without immediately expecting anything in return. When you approach networking from a place of generosity, you naturally build deeper, more meaningful connections.
This approach works in both directions. Just as you might be seeking support, advice, or opportunities, so too are others in your network. You should always be thinking about how you can help the people you meet, whether that’s through sharing useful information, making introductions, or offering your own expertise.
The Problem of Net-Worthing: When Networking Becomes Self-Serving
The concept of “net-worthing” is a term used to describe a type of networking where individuals treat professional relationships as transactions. Instead of building long-term, supportive relationships, they focus solely on what others can do for them in the short term. Net-worthing is about collecting contacts who might somehow advance your own career goals, often without regard for what you bring to the table or whether the relationship is mutually beneficial.
We’ve all met people who seem to approach networking with a checklist of things they need, from introductions to job opportunities to lucrative deals. These individuals often have an agenda from the moment they meet someone new, and that agenda doesn’t include anything that might benefit the other party. While this kind of networking might yield short-term rewards, it tends to be superficial and unsustainable in the long run. It leads to one-sided relationships where only one person is benefiting from the connection.
The problem with this kind of transactional networking is that people can sense when they’re being used. No one enjoys being treated like a stepping stone on someone else’s ladder, and this approach often leaves the person being “net-worthed” feeling empty or even resentful. Over time, a reputation for net-worthing can be damaging to your career, as people begin to avoid you or question your intentions. Networking should be about fostering trust, and trust is built over time through genuine, reciprocal relationships.
The True Value of Networking: Building Meaningful Connections
So, how can you avoid falling into the trap of net-worthing and build authentic professional relationships? The key is to approach networking with a mindset of genuine curiosity and interest in the people you meet. Instead of thinking about what you can get from them, think about how you can support them and contribute to their success.
Successful networking is not about making as many connections as possible, but about forming lasting relationships with a smaller number of people who share common values and goals. When you take the time to understand their challenges and opportunities, you open the door to collaboration and mutual growth.
Networking is about helping others solve their problems or make connections that matter. This could mean sharing resources, recommending useful articles, or offering guidance based on your own experiences. By building relationships based on trust, you can create a network of individuals who will support you in the future—and vice versa.
The Power of Listening and Engaging Meaningfully
One of the most effective, yet often overlooked, networking strategies is simply listening. It’s easy to get caught up in the urge to impress others with your own accomplishments or the people you know. But genuine relationships are built through authentic engagement, which starts with listening actively.
When you take the time to listen to someone’s challenges, goals, and aspirations, you create an environment where they feel valued. It also allows you to better understand how you can be of service. Networking isn’t about forcing your own agenda on others—it’s about connecting on a human level and finding common ground.
Engage with people by asking thoughtful questions and offering support where possible. Build rapport by showing interest in their work and demonstrating your willingness to help. It’s this level of engagement that will turn a simple networking interaction into a meaningful, ongoing relationship.
Networking vs. Socialising: Understanding the Difference
Another key distinction to make when thinking about networking is the difference between networking and socialising. While social interactions are important for building connections, they often lack the professional depth and purpose that networking entails.
Networking is goal-oriented, with the purpose of building relationships that can contribute to both parties’ career development and success. Socialising, on the other hand, is about forming friendships or light interactions without any immediate professional intent. Both are valuable in their own right, but when it comes to advancing your career, intentional networking should be your focus.
How to Network Without Feeling ‘Salesy’
For some people, networking feels like a sales pitch. The idea of “selling” yourself or your business can feel inauthentic or uncomfortable. However, effective networking isn’t about selling; it’s about connecting. Instead of approaching networking with a “What can I get?” mentality, think of it as a way to learn from others, collaborate, and offer your expertise.
Don’t feel pressured to constantly promote yourself. Instead, focus on building rapport, providing valuable insights, and helping others in your network. This approach helps you to be seen as a trusted and valued connection, not just a “connector” who’s trying to use others to get ahead.
Building a Strong Personal Brand through Networking
Networking also plays a key role in building your personal brand. The way you present yourself in professional interactions and how you nurture relationships can influence how others perceive you. Are you known for being reliable, helpful, and knowledgeable? Or are you known for being opportunistic, transactional, and self-serving?
Your personal brand is something that is developed over time and shaped by the relationships you build. Networking offers an excellent opportunity to actively shape that brand by being consistent in how you engage with others, how you offer value, and how you foster genuine connections.
The Importance of Reciprocity in Networking
One of the core principles of effective networking is reciprocity. It’s easy to think that you need to constantly ask for something from your network, but successful networking is about mutual exchange. For every favour you receive, consider what you can give back. This doesn’t always have to be a direct or immediate return; sometimes, just offering advice, making an introduction, or providing support can be valuable enough.
Reciprocity helps to keep relationships balanced and ensures that your network remains healthy, strong, and supportive. When both parties in a professional relationship feel valued, the connection becomes stronger and more meaningful.
The Long-Term Benefits of Building Genuine Networks
Finally, the true value of networking becomes clear over time. While transactional networking may offer short-term rewards, the real benefits of networking come from the long-term relationships that are built on trust and shared value. These relationships are not just useful for career advancement; they also contribute to personal growth, mentorship, and long-lasting professional success.
By focusing on meaningful connections, you’ll build a network that supports you in ways that go beyond job opportunities. You’ll gain access to new ideas, diverse perspectives, and lifelong learning that will continue to serve you throughout your career.
Real Networking is About Connection, Not Transactions
Networking should never be a transaction. At its core, it’s about building authentic, supportive relationships that contribute to mutual success. Instead of focusing solely on what others can do for you, ask yourself: How can you help others? By giving, listening, and engaging meaningfully, you will build a network that supports your career in ways that go far beyond surface-level connections.
By changing your mindset and shifting your focus from “net-worthing” to genuine networking, you can create long-term relationships that will serve both your personal and professional growth.