{"id":"85b744af-bd75-48f3-acba-ae84254dadf5","posttitle":"the-one-networking-tip-that-changed-my-business-forever","title":"The One Networking Tip That Changed My Business Forever","featured_imghd":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1611095790444-1dfa35e37b52?crop=entropy&cs=srgb&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w1ODM2MjV8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyN3x8YnVzaW5lc3N8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzUwNTkzNzU5fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=85","featured_imgsd":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1611095790444-1dfa35e37b52?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w1ODM2MjV8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyN3x8YnVzaW5lc3N8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzUwNTkzNzU5fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1080","post":"

I used to hate networking events.

You know the kind – awkward small talk over lukewarm coffee, collecting business cards that would eventually gather dust in my drawer, and forcing smiles until my cheeks hurt. I'd leave feeling exhausted with nothing to show for it except a handful of superficial connections.

Then everything changed with one simple shift in my approach.

The Networking Problem Most of Us Face

Let me explain what most of us get wrong about networking. We approach it like we're hungry people at a buffet – grabbing whatever looks good, stuffing our faces (or in this case, our contact lists), and leaving when we're full.

\"Hi, I'm Alun. Here's my card. Let me tell you about my business. Can you refer me to someone who needs my services?\"

Sound familiar? I cringe remembering how many times I essentially said this within the first two minutes of meeting someone.

The results were predictable: polite nods, empty promises to \"stay in touch,\" and connections that evaporated faster than morning dew.

The One Tip That Changed Everything

Here's the simple truth that transformed my business: Give value first, without expecting anything in return.

That's it. That's the whole secret.

Instead of approaching networking with the question \"What can I get from this person?\" I started asking myself, \"What can I offer this person that would genuinely help them?\"

This isn't rocket science. It's not even particularly original. But the consistent application of this principle has generated more business growth for me than any marketing tactic, sales strategy, or business tool I've ever used.

Why Giving First Works When Everything Else Fails

We're all walking around with invisible signs hanging around our necks that read: \"Make me feel important.\"

When you approach networking focused on what you can get, you're essentially ignoring that person's sign. You become just another person trying to take something from them.

But when you flip the script and focus on giving? Magic happens.

$\"image_1\"$

True story: At a business conference in London, I met the marketing director of a company I would have killed to work with. Instead of pitching my services, I listened to her challenges around content creation. After our chat, I emailed her three specific ideas that might solve her problem – no strings attached, no mention of my services.

Two weeks later, she called me. Not only did she want to implement all three ideas, but she also wanted to know if I could help with the execution. That single connection, nurtured through giving first, turned into a six-figure relationship over the next few years.

How to Put This Into Practice (Without Being a Doormat)

Now, I'm not suggesting you become a free vending machine of value with no boundaries. That's not sustainable. Here's how to make \"give first\" work in practical terms:

• Listen twice as much as you talk. Most people are waiting for their turn to speak rather than truly listening. When you genuinely listen, you'll discover exactly what kind of value you can provide.

• Solve small problems immediately if you can. Sometimes the most valuable thing you can offer is a quick solution to a pressing problem. I've made connections by simply showing someone how to fix their LinkedIn profile picture during a conversation.

• Make meaningful introductions. If you know two people who could benefit from knowing each other, make the introduction. This positions you as a connector and builds goodwill with both parties.

• Share knowledge without holding back. That article you read, that podcast you loved, that tool you discovered – if it's relevant to someone's interests or challenges, share it promptly and without expectation.

• Follow up with additional value. After meeting someone, don't just send the standard \"Great to meet you\" email. Include something useful – an insight, a resource, or an introduction.

When It Feels Like You're Giving Too Much

\"But Alun,\" I can hear you asking, \"won't people just take advantage of me?\"

It's easier than you think to avoid this trap. Here's how:

First, giving freely doesn't mean giving endlessly. Set clear boundaries around your time and expertise.

Second, you'll quickly learn to spot the difference between potential valuable connections and people who are just looking for freebies. Trust your instincts.

$\"image_2\"$

Third, remember that the goal isn't immediate reciprocation. The returns often come from unexpected places and at unexpected times.

The Uncomfortable Truth About \"Giving First\"

Let me be honest about something: this approach requires patience. It's not a quick fix.

In our world of instant gratification, waiting for networking seeds to sprout can feel excruciating. There will be people who take your generosity and disappear. There will be connections that never bear fruit.

But here's what happens over time: you build a reputation as someone who delivers value. And that reputation begins to precede you.

I've walked into rooms where people I've never met have said, \"Oh, you're Alun! I've heard you're the guy who helped so-and-so with their marketing strategy.\"

That's when you know it's working.

Real Results You Can Expect

When I committed to this networking approach, here's what changed in my business:

• My close rates increased dramatically because I was no longer selling to cold prospects – I was offering solutions to people who already trusted me.

• My average project value tripled because clients saw me as a trusted advisor rather than a vendor.

• Referrals started coming in without me asking, often prefaced with \"I told my friend about how helpful you were...\"

• Price resistance nearly disappeared because the value had already been established.

• Business development became enjoyable rather than draining.

$\"image_3\"$

How to Start Today (Even If You're Not a \"Natural Networker\")

You don't need special skills to start applying this principle. Here's a simple three-step process:

Identify your unique value. What knowledge, skills, perspectives, or connections do you have that could help others? Make a list of specific things you can offer that don't require significant time or resources.
Start small. Begin with your existing network. Who could benefit from something on your list? Reach out with no expectation of return.
Create a follow-up system. After providing value, make notes about the person's interests, challenges, and goals. Set reminders to check in periodically with additional helpful resources.

True story: One of my biggest clients came from a relationship that started with me sending an article I thought might help them – three years before they ever hired me. The seeds you plant today might not bear fruit tomorrow, but they will eventually grow if you tend to them.

The Magic of Compound Generosity

The beauty of this approach is that it compounds over time. Each generous act builds on the previous one, creating a network that becomes increasingly valuable and supportive.

Think of it like compound interest for your business relationships. The longer you practice it, the greater the returns.

I went from dreading networking events to looking forward to them. Not because I suddenly became more extroverted, but because I reframed them as opportunities to help others rather than awkward self-promotion sessions.

A Final Thought

There's a saying I love: \"You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.\"

This isn't just nice-sounding advice – it's a practical business strategy that has transformed my business and countless others.

The next time you're about to walk into a networking situation – whether it's a formal event or just a casual coffee meeting – ask yourself: \"How can I provide value to the people I'll meet today?\"

That simple question, consistently applied, might just change your business forever. It certainly changed mine.

Now go out there and give first. Your future self will thank you.

","postedby":"a70e180b-92a4-4071-b80f-81be9bffc059","created_at":"2025-06-18T09:06:05.581+00:00","docsid":null,"href":"/posts/the-one-networking-tip-that-changed-my-business-forever","excerpt":"","metatitle":"","metadescription":"","postClamp":"I used to hate networking events.You know the kind – awkward small talk over lukewarm coffee, collecting business cards that would eventually gather dust in....","reading_time":"7 min read","toc":null,"postContentText":"I used to hate networking events.You know the kind – awkward small talk over lukewarm coffee, collecting business cards that would eventually gather dust in my drawer, and forcing smiles until my cheeks hurt. I'd leave feeling exhausted with nothing to show for it except a handful of superficial connections.Then everything changed with one simple shift in my approach.The Networking Problem Most of Us FaceLet me explain what most of us get wrong about networking. We approach it like we're hungry people at a buffet – grabbing whatever looks good, stuffing our faces (or in this case, our contact lists), and leaving when we're full.\"Hi, I'm Alun. Here's my card. Let me tell you about my business. Can you refer me to someone who needs my services?\"Sound familiar? I cringe remembering how many times I essentially said this within the first two minutes of meeting someone.The results were predictable: polite nods, empty promises to \"stay in touch,\" and connections that evaporated faster than morning dew.The One Tip That Changed EverythingHere's the simple truth that transformed my business: Give value first, without expecting anything in return.That's it. That's the whole secret.Instead of approaching networking with the question \"What can I get from this person?\" I started asking myself, \"What can I offer this person that would genuinely help them?\"This isn't rocket science. It's not even particularly original. But the consistent application of this principle has generated more business growth for me than any marketing tactic, sales strategy, or business tool I've ever used.Why Giving First Works When Everything Else FailsWe're all walking around with invisible signs hanging around our necks that read: \"Make me feel important.\" When you approach networking focused on what you can get, you're essentially ignoring that person's sign. You become just another person trying to take something from them.But when you flip the script and focus on giving? Magic happens.True story: At a business conference in London, I met the marketing director of a company I would have killed to work with. Instead of pitching my services, I listened to her challenges around content creation. After our chat, I emailed her three specific ideas that might solve her problem – no strings attached, no mention of my services.Two weeks later, she called me. Not only did she want to implement all three ideas, but she also wanted to know if I could help with the execution. That single connection, nurtured through giving first, turned into a six-figure relationship over the next few years.How to Put This Into Practice (Without Being a Doormat)Now, I'm not suggesting you become a free vending machine of value with no boundaries. That's not sustainable. Here's how to make \"give first\" work in practical terms:• Listen twice as much as you talk. Most people are waiting for their turn to speak rather than truly listening. When you genuinely listen, you'll discover exactly what kind of value you can provide.• Solve small problems immediately if you can. Sometimes the most valuable thing you can offer is a quick solution to a pressing problem. I've made connections by simply showing someone how to fix their LinkedIn profile picture during a conversation.• Make meaningful introductions. If you know two people who could benefit from knowing each other, make the introduction. This positions you as a connector and builds goodwill with both parties.• Share knowledge without holding back. That article you read, that podcast you loved, that tool you discovered – if it's relevant to someone's interests or challenges, share it promptly and without expectation.• Follow up with additional value. After meeting someone, don't just send the standard \"Great to meet you\" email. Include something useful – an insight, a resource, or an introduction.When It Feels Like You're Giving Too Much\"But Alun,\" I can hear you asking, \"won't people just take advantage of me?\"It's easier than you think to avoid this trap. Here's how:First, giving freely doesn't mean giving endlessly. Set clear boundaries around your time and expertise.Second, you'll quickly learn to spot the difference between potential valuable connections and people who are just looking for freebies. Trust your instincts.Third, remember that the goal isn't immediate reciprocation. The returns often come from unexpected places and at unexpected times.The Uncomfortable Truth About \"Giving First\"Let me be honest about something: this approach requires patience. It's not a quick fix.In our world of instant gratification, waiting for networking seeds to sprout can feel excruciating. There will be people who take your generosity and disappear. There will be connections that never bear fruit.But here's what happens over time: you build a reputation as someone who delivers value. And that reputation begins to precede you.I've walked into rooms where people I've never met have said, \"Oh, you're Alun! I've heard you're the guy who helped so-and-so with their marketing strategy.\"That's when you know it's working.Real Results You Can ExpectWhen I committed to this networking approach, here's what changed in my business:• My close rates increased dramatically because I was no longer selling to cold prospects – I was offering solutions to people who already trusted me.• My average project value tripled because clients saw me as a trusted advisor rather than a vendor.• Referrals started coming in without me asking, often prefaced with \"I told my friend about how helpful you were...\"• Price resistance nearly disappeared because the value had already been established.• Business development became enjoyable rather than draining.How to Start Today (Even If You're Not a \"Natural Networker\")You don't need special skills to start applying this principle. Here's a simple three-step process:Identify your unique value. What knowledge, skills, perspectives, or connections do you have that could help others? Make a list of specific things you can offer that don't require significant time or resources.Start small. Begin with your existing network. Who could benefit from something on your list? Reach out with no expectation of return.Create a follow-up system. After providing value, make notes about the person's interests, challenges, and goals. Set reminders to check in periodically with additional helpful resources.True story: One of my biggest clients came from a relationship that started with me sending an article I thought might help them – three years before they ever hired me. The seeds you plant today might not bear fruit tomorrow, but they will eventually grow if you tend to them.The Magic of Compound GenerosityThe beauty of this approach is that it compounds over time. Each generous act builds on the previous one, creating a network that becomes increasingly valuable and supportive.Think of it like compound interest for your business relationships. The longer you practice it, the greater the returns.I went from dreading networking events to looking forward to them. Not because I suddenly became more extroverted, but because I reframed them as opportunities to help others rather than awkward self-promotion sessions.A Final ThoughtThere's a saying I love: \"You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.\"This isn't just nice-sounding advice – it's a practical business strategy that has transformed my business and countless others.The next time you're about to walk into a networking situation – whether it's a formal event or just a casual coffee meeting – ask yourself: \"How can I provide value to the people I'll meet today?\"That simple question, consistently applied, might just change your business forever. It certainly changed mine.Now go out there and give first. Your future self will thank you.","scheduled":null,"categories":[{"label":"Alun's Been Thinking","value":"ae605673-f09a-494c-b7ae-3e16931e1163"}],"multiauthors":[{"label":"Alun Hill","value":"153de11c-9ce8-4d79-9d19-c10da778e84c"}],"tags":[],"toc_status":false,"restricted":false,"restricted_percentage":30,"authors":{"id":"a70e180b-92a4-4071-b80f-81be9bffc059","cta":null,"theme":{"layout":"card","custom_theme":":root {\n --c-primary-50: 230, 230, 230;\n --c-primary-100: 204, 204, 204;\n --c-primary-200: 153, 153, 153;\n --c-primary-300: 102, 102, 102;\n --c-primary-400: 51, 51, 51;\n --c-primary-500: 0, 0, 0;\n --c-primary-600: 0, 0, 0;\n --c-primary-700: 0, 0, 0;\n --c-primary-800: 0, 0, 0;\n --c-primary-900: 0, 0, 0;\n }","theme_colour":"#000000","translation_strings":null},"users":{"slug":"no-prep","full_name":"No Prep","avatar_url":"https://auth.typeflo.io/storage/v1/object/public/authors/public/dec87a97-e3ff-438e-99a1-66444fc092fc/images/avatar.webp?1764422416236"},"embedded":null,"username":"alun-hill","metatitle":"Alun Hill, Journalist - Personal Blog","cus_domain":"blog.tetmo.com","newsletterC":{"popup":null,"title":"Register For The Free Newsletter","subtitle":"Unsubscribe any time","acceptance":"","exit_intent":{"title":"Wait! 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