30-second guide to successful networking

Here are two core concepts and strategies that should guide your approach to networking with other humans, regardless of your career or personal goals.

1) The time to build a network is before you need it. Don’t start networking because you need something from the world now. 2) The most effective way to build a network is by ALWAYS looking to add value: Connect two people who will mutually benefit. Recommend a business you love. Volunteer. Help someone get a job without the thought of payback. Mentor someone. Walk into a party or networking meeting thinking “how can I be helpful?”, and not “how can these people benefit me?”

Successful relationships are not transactional. Play the long game. Build relationships like you’re running a marathon, not a sprint.