The Value of ‘Networking Like Crazy’

As I was leaving the office of one of the most influential and prolific network connectors in all of Silicon Valley, he said to me, “one last piece of advice. Never, ever, ever wrap up a networking conversation without asking the person to put you in touch with at least three other people in his or her network.” I took this advice to heart, over 25 years ago, and have kept it with me ever since.

Learning how to access, nurture, and derive benefit from a professional network is one of the most uncomfortable things young people have to get used to doing. It is also, over the long span of a career, one of the most important habits you can build early.

But first, let’s address a few misconceptions. Here are a few things that a network is not:

It’s not about (at least directly) finding a job. For most of us, the days of having any influential someone “get us a job” are long gone. If you get put into a role because someone else told someone else to hire you, be careful — you’ll likely have a target on your back from day one.

It’s not about having other people do your thinking for you.

It is not about ‘cashing in’ on the connections of a well-networked relative.

So what is it about?

A strong network is built on a different set of behaviors:

• Bringing curiosity and positive energy to every interaction

• Being genuinely eager to learn and grow

• Paying it forward — helping others as much as you hope to be helped

At its best, networking is not transactional. It is developmental. It helps you see around corners, test your thinking, and refine your understanding of where you might fit — and where you might go next.

To do this well, it is critical to understand the network you already have, actively cultivate it, and identify where you may have gaps relative to where you want to go.

Here are a few practical tips:

Tip 1: Activate your network early — before you need anything 

The best networking is done when there is no immediate ask. Reach out to learn, not to extract. People are far more willing to help when the conversation is about curiosity and growth, not urgency.

Tip 2: Be the driver of your own bus 

Have a point of view. Know how to describe where you are, what you’re exploring, and what you’re trying to figure out. You don’t need perfect answers, but you do need a clear narrative. That’s what makes others want to engage and help.

Tip 3: Always ask, “Who else should I talk to?” 

This is the habit that compounds everything. At the end of every conversation, ask for 2–3 additional people to connect with — and be specific about why. This is how networks expand, and how momentum builds over time.

Tip 4: Follow up and stay in touch 

A quick note of thanks, a follow-up question, or a periodic update goes a long way. Relationships are built over time, not in a single conversation.

Tip 5: Play the long game 

The real value of a network is not immediate. It builds quietly, over months and years. The people you connect with today may become collaborators, advocates, or decision-makers later. Treat every interaction accordingly.

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