- PPF Points
- 2,100
# Real Talk: Networking Isn’t Optional Anymore (Sorry, Hermits)
Alright, can we be honest for a second? If you think you can build a business or even just make it career-wise by holing up in your bedroom, bingeing Netflix, and avoiding all human contact, buddy, I’ve got news for you: networking is non-negotiable these days. Like, you want opportunity? The old-school “just work hard and they’ll notice” isn’t gonna cut it. Not now, when the entire world is basically a giant LinkedIn group chat.
Some of the biggest business success stories ever? Didn’t start with a fat bank account. They started with some “random” DM, a coffee, a mutual friend, or a wild introduction that somehow turned into a million-dollar partnership. Swear to god, who you bump into might change your life more than any investor pitch.
But—and look, this is important—networking is NOT just hoarding business cards like Pokémon or firing off “let’s connect” requests to total strangers on LinkedIn. It's all about building actual relationships that don’t make you feel like you need a shower after the convo. Think mutual growth, genuine chances to help each other out, collabs that actually make sense, and a lot less of that awkward small talk.
Let’s break this down. I'm gonna run through what networking really means, how it can shoot your career and business into the stratosphere, my go-to strategies (yes, they actually work), and a few cheat codes to help you level-up, like, now.
---
## So What Counts as Networking, Anyway?
Here’s the deal: Networking’s just making connections and keeping ‘em alive. Sounds simple, but most people get it twisted. It’s not about sending out 500 cold emails or dropping “synergy” into conversation just so you sound business-y (nobody likes that guy).
Here’s what it actually is:
Help people, be cool, and don’t make it all about you. Golden rule, right?
---
## Why Networking’s Absolute Must in 2025 and Beyond
### 1. Hidden Opportunities = People
Think of it this way: most cool jobs, investment deals, partnership invites, they’re all simmering under the surface, just out of reach—unless you know someone. You can spam cold emails till your fingers fall off, but one real intro? That’s magic.
### 2. You’re the Company You Keep
Cheesy, but listen—if the five people you hang out with most are fired up, building stuff, and curious about the world, it rubs off on you. If they’re all on their third rerun of Friends and have zero ambition? Yeah, good luck.
### 3. Info Moves Faster in Networks
Industry secrets, new tech, the tips that actually work—they’re all flying around in DM groups or whispered over dinner tables long before the rest of the world catches up. You want the invite to that table. Trust me.
### 4. Collabs > Competition
Trying to out-compete everyone solo is a losing game. Partnerships, co-marketing, all that fun stuff? Happens when people trust you (and you don’t suck). Be a connector, not a lone wolf.
---
# My 7 Go-To Networking Moves (Steal These)
Doesn’t matter if you’re just getting started or if you’ve been around forever, these are non-negotiable in my book.
---
## 1. Go Where the Players Go
First rule—get out of the damn house. Or at least leave your digital cave.
How?
Pro Tip: Don’t go in hot trying to sell people. Just chill, listen, and connect. People smell “desperate” from a mile away.
---
## 2. Add Value Like It’s Your Superpower
Some people walk into a networking event like, “What can I extract today?” Instant fail. Instead, your job is to make yourself useful.
How do you do that?
Help someone win, and you’re automatically in their “good person” file. Karma comes back around fast.
---
## 3. Don’t Let the Trail Go Cold
Meeting’s one thing. Remembering you exist? That takes follow-up. Most people blow this.
The move:
Oh, and if you’re forgetful like me, track this stuff. Notion, spreadsheet, your own scribbled notebook—just find a system.
---
## 4. Social Media—Not Just for Flexing
LinkedIn’s obviously built for this, but honestly, Twitter (yeah, “X”), Instagram, Threads, whatever—these are goldmines if you play it cool.
Gameplan:
Above all, be yourself. Copy-pasted nonsense gets ignored instantly. People like people, not LinkedIn robots.
---
## 5. Stand Out So People Come to YOU
Let’s be real, your online self? Kinda matters more than any business card now. Get your personal brand tight, so people wanna connect with you before you even slide into their DMs.
Post your stuff. Share your wins and fails. Don’t be afraid to be weird, funny, or out there. Having a personality beats being another “professional thought leader” snoozefest any day.
---
That’s the real take, by the way. This isn’t some masterclass on schmoozing your way to the top. It’s about showing up, being useful, not being a jerk, and keeping the conversation going. You might be surprised at how much starts happening when you treat networking less like climbing a ladder and more like making friends who actually want to see you win.
Alright, enough reading—get your butt out there. Opportunity’s not gonna slide into your DMs if you’re busy doom-scrolling and ghosting everyone.
Alright, can we be honest for a second? If you think you can build a business or even just make it career-wise by holing up in your bedroom, bingeing Netflix, and avoiding all human contact, buddy, I’ve got news for you: networking is non-negotiable these days. Like, you want opportunity? The old-school “just work hard and they’ll notice” isn’t gonna cut it. Not now, when the entire world is basically a giant LinkedIn group chat.
Some of the biggest business success stories ever? Didn’t start with a fat bank account. They started with some “random” DM, a coffee, a mutual friend, or a wild introduction that somehow turned into a million-dollar partnership. Swear to god, who you bump into might change your life more than any investor pitch.
But—and look, this is important—networking is NOT just hoarding business cards like Pokémon or firing off “let’s connect” requests to total strangers on LinkedIn. It's all about building actual relationships that don’t make you feel like you need a shower after the convo. Think mutual growth, genuine chances to help each other out, collabs that actually make sense, and a lot less of that awkward small talk.
Let’s break this down. I'm gonna run through what networking really means, how it can shoot your career and business into the stratosphere, my go-to strategies (yes, they actually work), and a few cheat codes to help you level-up, like, now.
---
## So What Counts as Networking, Anyway?
Here’s the deal: Networking’s just making connections and keeping ‘em alive. Sounds simple, but most people get it twisted. It’s not about sending out 500 cold emails or dropping “synergy” into conversation just so you sound business-y (nobody likes that guy).
Here’s what it actually is:
- Long-haul game, not one-night stand: You’re here to build—not bag a deal and disappear.
- People > transactions: Focus more on who they are, not what they can do for you.
- Bring the value, not the ego: Seriously, don’t just show up asking for favors like a broke cousin at Christmas.
Help people, be cool, and don’t make it all about you. Golden rule, right?
---
## Why Networking’s Absolute Must in 2025 and Beyond
### 1. Hidden Opportunities = People
Think of it this way: most cool jobs, investment deals, partnership invites, they’re all simmering under the surface, just out of reach—unless you know someone. You can spam cold emails till your fingers fall off, but one real intro? That’s magic.
### 2. You’re the Company You Keep
Cheesy, but listen—if the five people you hang out with most are fired up, building stuff, and curious about the world, it rubs off on you. If they’re all on their third rerun of Friends and have zero ambition? Yeah, good luck.
### 3. Info Moves Faster in Networks
Industry secrets, new tech, the tips that actually work—they’re all flying around in DM groups or whispered over dinner tables long before the rest of the world catches up. You want the invite to that table. Trust me.
### 4. Collabs > Competition
Trying to out-compete everyone solo is a losing game. Partnerships, co-marketing, all that fun stuff? Happens when people trust you (and you don’t suck). Be a connector, not a lone wolf.
---
# My 7 Go-To Networking Moves (Steal These)
Doesn’t matter if you’re just getting started or if you’ve been around forever, these are non-negotiable in my book.
---
## 1. Go Where the Players Go
First rule—get out of the damn house. Or at least leave your digital cave.
How?
- Go to local events, meetups, startup happy hours, whatever floats your boat
- Join all the relevant groups online (Facebook, Reddit, Slack, Discord—pick your poison)
- Still got the “ick” about IRL? There’s literally a Zoom call for everything now, seriously
Pro Tip: Don’t go in hot trying to sell people. Just chill, listen, and connect. People smell “desperate” from a mile away.
---
## 2. Add Value Like It’s Your Superpower
Some people walk into a networking event like, “What can I extract today?” Instant fail. Instead, your job is to make yourself useful.
How do you do that?
- Pass along a killer resource or tip
- Shout out their work on your socials
- Offer some really solid feedback or just be that random person who says, “You’re crushing it”
- Hand over testimonials or referrals (people remember that stuff)
Help someone win, and you’re automatically in their “good person” file. Karma comes back around fast.
---
## 3. Don’t Let the Trail Go Cold
Meeting’s one thing. Remembering you exist? That takes follow-up. Most people blow this.
The move:
- 24–48 hours after you chat, send a quick note (DM or email, doesn’t matter)
- Mention something specific so they know you actually paid attention (not just firing off copy-paste)
- Float an idea for staying in touch—coffee, collab, meme swap, whatever
Oh, and if you’re forgetful like me, track this stuff. Notion, spreadsheet, your own scribbled notebook—just find a system.
---
## 4. Social Media—Not Just for Flexing
LinkedIn’s obviously built for this, but honestly, Twitter (yeah, “X”), Instagram, Threads, whatever—these are goldmines if you play it cool.
Gameplan:
- Drop thoughtful comments on other people’s stuff (don’t be a reply guy, be interesting)
- Send legit DMs—skip the “Dear Sir or Madam” stuff
- Show off your expertise sometimes (but don’t brag non-stop)
- Hop into live chats or audio events; they’re less awkward than you think
Above all, be yourself. Copy-pasted nonsense gets ignored instantly. People like people, not LinkedIn robots.
---
## 5. Stand Out So People Come to YOU
Let’s be real, your online self? Kinda matters more than any business card now. Get your personal brand tight, so people wanna connect with you before you even slide into their DMs.
Post your stuff. Share your wins and fails. Don’t be afraid to be weird, funny, or out there. Having a personality beats being another “professional thought leader” snoozefest any day.
---
That’s the real take, by the way. This isn’t some masterclass on schmoozing your way to the top. It’s about showing up, being useful, not being a jerk, and keeping the conversation going. You might be surprised at how much starts happening when you treat networking less like climbing a ladder and more like making friends who actually want to see you win.
Alright, enough reading—get your butt out there. Opportunity’s not gonna slide into your DMs if you’re busy doom-scrolling and ghosting everyone.
