By John Hall,Senior Contributor

Copyright forbes

Business professionals meeting and shaking hands

Networking is one of those buzzwords some people cringe at. On the surface, the concept can have an “icky” feel. Images of schmoozing a room while holding a cocktail in your hand don’t always seem like the best way to spend an evening. Where is the value in getting a bunch of names if there’s no substance behind those introductions?

While surface-level connections could turn out to be a waste of time, authentic networking often isn’t. It’s an opportunity to engage in knowledge sharing, help others and open doors to future endeavors. Developing genuine connections through networking is how many entrepreneurs expand their businesses and people build their careers. Simultaneously, authentic networking can build a community, becoming an invaluable means of support.

Building a genuine network has been one of my most significant assets as an entrepreneur. While traditional concepts of networking activities may make you want to run out of the room, there’s value in building the right network. Once it’s there, you’ll soon realize it’s your greatest advantage. Let’s explore why.

You Can Help Others Succeed

Contrary to popular belief, networking isn’t just about what’s in it for you. This misconception is the reason some people prefer to avoid networking events. They don’t want to repeatedly pitch their abilities in an attempt to secure a lucrative new opportunity.

But what if you reframe networking as a chance to learn, share your wisdom and help others achieve success? The activity has an entirely different meaning. When you build genuine connections, you narrow your focus. You concentrate on developing relationships with people who share your interests, work experiences and industry objectives, which often leads to collaboration and the pooling of resources.

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You’re not working a room to expand your number of contacts. Instead, you’re seeking collaboration opportunities where each side can contribute. This approach is exemplified by companies like Behdad Jamshidi’s CJAM Marketing Connector. The company helps marketing agencies connect with the right business partners based on niche. It’s about matching future business partners with mutual goals, but also with the expertise each needs.

You Build Support Systems

It’s much easier to recover from the unexpected when you have others to rely on. The same can be said for unlocking the solution to a persistent challenge or feeling engaged at work. Disengagement on the job is a complex issue, but one of the contributing factors can be isolation. When people aren’t authentically connecting with colleagues and leadership, it could lead to active disengagement and burnout.

This is a growing issue. Recent data shows that one in five employees feels lonely at work, with these feelings being more prevalent among remote employees. In fact, engagement levels amongst U.S. employees decreased to 31% in 2024, representing the lowest levels in ten years. In addition, 66% of workers report experiencing burnout in 2025. Having a professional support system helps combat disengagement and burnout because there’s built-in resilience to work-related stressors.

As author Chris Schembra emphasizes, the antidote to disconnection, disengagement and burnout isn’t just team building—it’s prioritizing genuine human connection. This means being curious, practicing deep listening, asking good questions and fostering appreciation. Chris’s approach begins with bringing people together through meals, laying the foundation for genuine connection during a shared experience.

You Increase Collaboration Potential

Undoubtedly, one of the goals of networking is to open doors. You may want to expand your market share, discover potential partnerships or launch a new career. Studies reveal that 70% to 85% of jobs aren’t filled by someone applying through a job board. These positions are filled through networking. Simply put, you’re more likely to secure your next professional gig through your network than through an online application.

But networking isn’t just an asset when it’s time to find a new job. Airbnb proved that the right network can garner the necessary financial support and connections to launch a business. Through networking, Airbnb’s founders were able to connect with the right investors, and without these relationships, it’s possible the world may not have reaped the benefits of its concept.

This idea of connection is central to the company itself, as its platform is centered around connecting people with linked needs. Someone requires a place to stay. Another wishes to rent out space, providing temporary, comfortable lodging in exchange for a fee. Yet, collaboration often extends beyond the transactions involved in the relationship. With the right individuals, collaboration can provide guidance, mentorship, inspiration and ideas for next steps.

Networks—Your Greatest Asset

Networking runs deeper than exchanging names and elevator pitches. It’s about developing meaningful, human-centered connections with like-minded individuals. When there’s a shared purpose that’s mutually beneficial, networking can lead to an expansion of knowledge in addition to opportunity.

Networking does increase your visibility. But fulfilling your needs and aspirations is only part of the equation. As a leader, your greatest advantage is in lifting others, having access to a strong support system and building collaborative professional communities. It’s through these actions that your network truly becomes your greatest asset.

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