Debora Finkler

My Secret Sauce for Networking: 7 Tips for Building Meaningful Relationships

I'm one of those people who makes new friends everywhere I go and always tries to know someone who can help a friend in need. Because of that, I often get asked about my secret sauce when it comes to networking and building meaningful relationships.

These skills may not come naturally to everyone. In fact, "networking" may be one of the worst nightmares for introverts. However, I'm confident that these seven tips can help anyone improve their networking skills at some level.

Ready for the tips?

1. Create Networking Goals

It's essential to keep your goals in mind when developing your networking strategy. Your goals will determine the types of people you prioritize connecting with, the events you attend, the social media interactions you pursue, and even how you present yourself.

Take the time to think about what you want to achieve.

2. Prioritize Your Target Audience

Once you know your goals, think about the people who could make a meaningful difference or influence decisions related to them.

For example, if your goal is a promotion or a specific job, consider who has influence over those decisions. Think about who possesses expertise you need, who might be willing to mentor you, or who can offer valuable insights and guidance.

After identifying potential connections, create a Top 5 or Top 10 list of people to focus on. Alternatively, identify events, organizations, or groups that may help you meet those individuals.

3. Start the Conversation

You have identified your target audience. Now what?

When you meet people, show genuine interest in them. Look for common ground. Ask thoughtful questions. Offer positive feedback when appropriate.

One of the best ways to do this is by researching people beforehand. In today's social media-driven world, it is often easy to identify shared interests, professional backgrounds, or mutual connections.

At events where you do not know anyone, the event itself provides a natural starting point. Talk about what brought you there and ask the same of others. Discuss your work, your interests, or your reasons for attending.

One of my favorite questions to ask is:

"What's exciting in your life right now?"

People love answering this question because it immediately shifts the conversation toward something positive and meaningful. It often creates opportunities for genuine connection and encouragement.

A word of caution: some questions can come across as overly personal, and certain compliments can be interpreted as flirtatious or inappropriate. Be thoughtful and professional in your approach.

4. Develop Meaningful Relationships

The best networking relationships are mutually beneficial.

One-sided networking rarely works. The perspectives, experiences, and support you offer can be just as valuable as what you receive.

This may feel more challenging when connecting with people who are more senior than you, but meaningful relationships are built on value, trust, and authenticity—not titles.

Examples

I enjoy:

• Offering advice in areas where I have expertise
• Making introductions within my network
• Supporting others by liking, commenting on, or sharing their content
• Providing encouragement and recognition for their accomplishments

Positive feedback is especially powerful.

Constructive feedback can also be valuable when a relationship has developed enough trust to support it. (Giving feedback is a skill worthy of its own article.)

One thing I have learned is that the best compliments are:

• Direct
• Specific
• Timely

For example, if someone shares a challenge they are facing, I might tell them how much I admire their resilience in handling the situation.

That compliment is direct, specific, and relevant to the moment.

What you want to avoid is offering the same compliment weeks later when the context has passed. At that point, it may feel awkward or out of place.

5. Choose the Right Networking Environment

As mentioned earlier, your goals should guide the types of events, organizations, and groups you join.

Today, a quick online search can uncover countless networking opportunities.

Depending on your goals, you might focus on:

• Lunches with colleagues
• Volunteer opportunities
• Professional groups and industry associations
• Organizations such as the Women in Healthcare Security Network (wink, wink)
• Places and events that attract your target audience

The key is to position yourself where meaningful connections are most likely to happen.

6. Leverage Social Media

Social media can support every aspect of your networking efforts.

I often look people up before introducing myself, and I frequently connect with people I meet in person or virtually on LinkedIn by sending a personalized invitation.

Once connected, it becomes much easier to stay in touch by:

• Congratulating them on achievements
• Wishing them a happy birthday
• Engaging with their content
• Offering support and encouragement

This is important because you never want to appear as though you only reach out when you need something.

Social media is also an excellent tool for personal branding. Sharing thoughtful content can create networking opportunities and attract meaningful professional relationships.

Building a strong personal brand is an important skill in itself—and a topic worthy of its own discussion.

7. Remember That What Goes Around Comes Around

If I had to summarize my networking philosophy in one sentence, it would be this:

I am genuinely interested in people, and I never miss an opportunity to offer sincere positive feedback.

That simple approach has played a significant role in building relationships with people who are willing to collaborate, support, mentor, and advocate for me.

So if you take only one thing away from this article, let it be this:

People may forget what you said, but they will rarely forget how you made them feel.