Networking Secrets: How to Build Meaningful Business Connections

Networking is one of the most powerful tools for success in business. It’s not just about collecting business cards or adding people to your LinkedIn network—it’s about building genuine, meaningful relationships that can help you grow personally and professionally. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a small business owner, or someone looking to expand your reach in a competitive industry, the ability to network effectively can make all the difference.

At Victor + Valor®, we understand the value of building strong, supportive connections. As we work with military entrepreneurs—veterans, spouses, and children—looking to grow their businesses, we emphasize the importance of networking as a key ingredient for long-term success. Whether you’re connecting in person or online, building meaningful business relationships requires intentional effort and authenticity. Here are some networking secrets to help you make the most of your connections.

1. Start with a Genuine Approach

The most successful networks are built on trust, mutual respect, and genuine interest. Whether you're meeting someone in person or online, the key is to approach networking with a mindset of offering value, rather than just taking. People can tell when you’re only interested in what they can do for you. Instead, show genuine curiosity about the person you’re meeting, their business, and what they care about.

Ask thoughtful questions, actively listen to their responses, and offer something of value in return. This could be advice, resources, or simply making a connection with someone in your network who could benefit from knowing them. When you approach networking with a mindset of generosity and support, the relationship becomes a two-way street, fostering trust and respect on both sides.

2. Leverage Both Online and Offline Networking

In today’s digital world, online networking is just as important as face-to-face interaction. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Instagram provide invaluable opportunities to connect with potential partners, clients, and mentors. However, don’t overlook the power of in-person networking, especially for building deeper, more meaningful relationships.

• Online Networking: Take advantage of the ease and accessibility that online networking offers. Join LinkedIn groups, participate in discussions, and share valuable content that showcases your expertise. Engage with others by commenting on posts, offering insights, and asking questions. The goal is to build a reputation as a trusted and knowledgeable member of your community.

• Offline Networking: While online networking is convenient, face-to-face interactions often create stronger bonds. Attend industry events, conferences, and meetups where you can interact with people in your field. Whether it’s a small local event or a large trade show, make sure to attend networking opportunities in person when possible. People are more likely to remember you and establish a personal connection when they meet you in a real-world setting.

The key is to integrate both online and offline networking into your strategy. Use online platforms to establish initial contact and deepen your relationship through face-to-face meetings and more personal connections.

3. Be Consistent and Follow Up

One of the biggest mistakes people make in networking is not following up. You may meet someone at an event or online, exchange contact information, and then never follow up. This is a missed opportunity to build a meaningful relationship.

After meeting someone, follow up with a simple message or email thanking them for their time and offering to continue the conversation. Make it clear that you’re interested in staying in touch and exploring potential opportunities. The follow-up doesn’t have to be long or complicated—just a few sentences showing appreciation and expressing interest in staying connected.

In addition to following up, be consistent in staying in touch over time. Send occasional messages to check in, share resources or articles that might interest them, or invite them to relevant events. Consistent communication keeps the relationship alive and shows that you value the connection.

4. Create Value for Others

Networking is about more than just receiving—it’s about giving. Look for ways to help the people you meet, whether by offering advice, sharing a helpful article, or introducing them to someone in your network who can help them. When you create value for others, they are more likely to remember you and return the favor down the line.

This approach is especially important when you’re first starting to build your network. You may not have a lot of business opportunities to offer at the beginning, but you can still provide value by being a resource and a connector. By being generous with your time, expertise, and connections, you build a reputation as someone who genuinely cares about others’ success.

5. Be Authentic and Stay True to Yourself

In both online and offline networking, authenticity is key. Don’t try to be someone you’re not, or make connections just for the sake of gaining something. People are drawn to genuine individuals who are passionate about what they do, rather than those who are simply trying to climb the ladder or make a quick connection.

Share your story, be honest about your goals, and let your personality shine through. Authenticity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any meaningful relationship. Whether you're meeting someone for the first time at a conference or sending a direct message on LinkedIn, being authentic will help you build stronger, longer-lasting connections.

6. Use Your Personality (NERI® Neuro Emotional Relationship Intelligence) to Your Advantage

One powerful tool that can help you create genuine, lasting connections quickly is your personality—and specifically, understanding and using NERI® (Neuro Emotional Relationship Intelligence). NERI® is a concept that focuses on understanding how your emotions and relationships impact your interactions with others. By leveraging NERI®, you can connect with people on a deeper level and build rapport faster.

Understanding your own emotional responses and how you come across to others allows you to adjust your communication style and interactions in a way that feels natural and authentic. With NERI®, you can identify emotional cues from others—whether they’re feeling stressed, excited, or uncertain—and tailor your approach to resonate with them on a personal level. This emotional intelligence helps you adapt your conversations, ensuring that you are building relationships that feel genuine and aligned with the other person’s emotional state.

Using NERI® is particularly helpful in both online and offline settings, as it helps you read situations more effectively and adapt your approach. In online networking, it’s easy to misread tone or intent, but by developing emotional intelligence, you can better understand the needs and motivations of your digital contacts. In-person, this insight allows you to adjust your tone, approach, and conversation style to match the situation, making the connection feel personal and meaningful.

7. Give Yourself Time to Build Relationships

Networking is not about quick wins—it’s about building lasting relationships over time. When you meet someone new, don’t expect instant results or immediate benefits. Relationships take time to develop, and the more you invest in them, the stronger and more meaningful they will become.

Be patient and give yourself permission to build relationships gradually. Not every connection will lead to an immediate business opportunity, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth nurturing. The most successful networks are built over months or even years, with ongoing communication and mutual support.

8. Embrace a Growth Mindset

Finally, when networking, always embrace a growth mindset. This means being open to learning from others, adapting to new ideas, and continually seeking ways to improve. Networking is not just about making business connections—it’s about expanding your knowledge and perspectives. Every person you meet has something to teach you, and every relationship offers the potential for growth and development.

Embracing a growth mindset will allow you to approach networking with curiosity and openness, leading to richer and more rewarding connections.

Networking is an Ongoing Journey

Building meaningful business connections is an ongoing journey that requires effort, patience, and authenticity. By approaching networking with a mindset of generosity, consistency, and a willingness to add value, you’ll build relationships that support both your personal and professional growth.

At Victor + Valor®, we understand that networking is a key to entrepreneurial success. Whether you’re connecting with fellow veterans, military spouses, or others in your industry, networking opens doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations. By networking both online and offline, and focusing on creating genuine, lasting relationships, you can unlock the full potential of your entrepreneurial journey.

Start today—reach out, connect, and grow. Your next great business opportunity could be just one meaningful connection away.