Insight
Strategic networking for business professionals
December 2025
Effective networking is a critical component for professional and organisational growth. By strategically developing professional networks, individuals and businesses can unlock significant career opportunities and achieve their goals. This article provides a framework for developing a strategic, value focused approach to networking.
Not all networking opportunities are equally valuable. Assessing and selecting the most impactful opportunities is important, and to do this there are five distinct levels into which networking can be classified. This framework is designed to help professionals evaluate the potential of each event, group, or organisation.
The key to successful networking lies in making a deliberate effort to explore, investigate, and choose opportunities that align with an individual's professional development and the growth objectives of their organisation. By being selective and strategic, professionals can ensure their time and resources are invested in networks that truly drive value and career progression.
A strategic approach to professional networking
Professional networking opportunities are not all created equal. The most impactful connections require a strategic investment of time and effort. This framework outlines a hierarchy of networking, from the least to the most rewarding, to help business professionals maximise their return on investment.
Five levels of networking
Level 1: One off events
This category includes single events such as webinars, charity functions, or online networking sessions. While these require minimal time and effort, they typically yield the lowest return in terms of building meaningful connections.
Level 2: Social networking
At this level, professionals attend events with the primary goal of exchanging business cards and identifying immediate business opportunities. The return on investment can be inconsistent, and these events often do not lead to long term, trusted relationships.
Level 3: Professional organisations
This level involves joining and participating in professional organizations and groups, such as a local Chamber of Commerce, where membership is typically paid. These groups offer a more consistent environment for building relationships and often provide valuable resources.
Level 4: Referral and network marketing groups
These organisations, including groups like Business Network International (BNI) and Global Chamber, are built on the principle of trust and mutual referrals. Members meet regularly to cultivate relationships and pass along work opportunities. These groups can offer a significant return on investment when approached with commitment and consistency.
Level 5: Bespoke networks
This is the most valuable and exclusive level of networking. These networks are composed of an individual's most trusted and reliable contacts, cultivated over time from a variety of sources. The relationships at this level are built on a foundation of deep trust and mutual respect.
The most substantial gains in professional development and business growth come from focusing efforts on levels three and above. These networking tiers require a greater investment of time and energy but consistently deliver the highest value and return.
A strategic question for effective networking
To help professionals decide which networking events and groups are worth their time and energy, a guiding principle from sales trainer Stephen Leisman provides a clear framework. The central question to ask before attending any event is: ''Are my clients or the people who know my clients going to be there?"
Following this principle can save professionals a significant amount of wasted time and frustration. It empowers them to decline networking opportunities that will not directly contribute to their professional development or business growth. This strategic approach emphasises the importance of focusing on events where there is a clear potential for valuable connections.
For example, Leisman once travelled from the UK to Portugal simply to play golf and network with a single prospect. His tenacity and dedication to reaching a key contact ultimately led to him securing the business. This story underscores the value of targeting one's networking efforts with a specific goal in mind.
Essential questions for strategic networking
Effective networking is rooted in a clear, value driven approach. Before engaging with any professional network, individuals should ask themselves two essential questions to ensure their efforts are both respectful and productive:
How can I help others?
A fundamental principle of successful networking is to give before you ask. By leading with an offer of value, a professional can establish themselves as a trusted and respected member of a network. This could involve making introductions, sharing expertise, actively listening to others' needs, or even assisting with event organisation. Building a reputation as a valuable and supportive connection is the cornerstone of a strong network.
What do I want to gain?
Clarity of purpose is crucial. Professionals should have a clear understanding of their goals before they begin networking. Do they seek new client referrals, social support, public speaking opportunities, or skill development? By being explicit about their objectives, they empower their network to assist them effectively. For those who are new to networking, short on time, or simply inexperienced, there are five straightforward ways to begin offering value to others.
Five ways to help others and bring value to your network
1. Leverage your skills
Share your professional expertise. Offering free, brief consultations or advice in your area of expertise such as audit, taxation, financial planning or leadership can be a powerful way to provide value. This act of giving freely helps build credibility and trust.
2. Facilitate connections
Act as a connector. One of the most valuable things a professional can do is introduce two trusted, high value contacts to each other. By opening doors and facilitating new relationships, you position yourself as a central and respected figure within your network.
3. Provide social media support
Do not underestimate the power of social media engagement. Liking, commenting on, or sharing a network member's content can significantly increase its reach and impact. This simple act of support shows you are invested in their success.
4. Offer a listening ear
Asking "How are you?" and genuinely listening to the answer is a powerful way to offer emotional support. Being available to members of your network during challenging times can make you an incredibly valued and respected colleague.
5. Ask a Direct Question
Conclude conversations with this simple yet impactful question: "Is there anything else I can help you with?" This direct inquiry demonstrates a commitment to helping others and can lead to unexpected and valuable opportunities for mutual support.
'lndra's net': A metaphor for strategic networking
The concept of 'lndra's Net,' a metaphor from Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, provides a powerful and subtle framework for understanding professional networking. It represents the profound interconnectedness of all relationships.
In this metaphor, the professional world is a vast net, and at each intersection lies a brilliant jewel. Each jewel perfectly reflects every other jewel in the net, creating an infinite display of shimmering connections. Within this context, an individual is a jewel, and their network is the net. The way a professional positions their 'mirror' to reflect and shine upon others has the potential to create unlimited success and abundance for everyone involved.
As Porter Gale famously stated, "Your network is your net worth."
By focusing on higher value engagements, asking strategic questions, and prioritising a 'give before you get' philosophy, a professional can cultivate a thriving network. This approach, centred on leveraging unique skills and connections, allows an individual to build their own 'lndra's Net' of mutual support and success, ultimately transforming their career and life.
About the author
Michael Quigley
London, United Kingdom
Michael Quigley is an award-winning international business trainer, the founder of Kataholos and is on a mission to help a billion people. Working with Russell Bedford since 2019, he is the author of two books: Guidelines for a Wholistic Happy Life and Loving Leadership.
He has a motivational podcast, "Food for the Journey", and his online learning platform Kataholoslearning.com inspires and empowers business professionals in both English and Spanish worldwide.