How to Add Genuine Value to Networking Conversations

Ever find yourself at a loss for words when meeting someone new? Whether it's connecting with someone in your industry or approaching someone who could open doors for your career, figuring out how to bring value to the conversation can be challenging. But adding value isn’t just a buzzword - it’s a powerful way to create meaningful connections that support both your growth and theirs.

So, what does it mean to bring value to your networking conversations? Here are some impactful ways to make every interaction count.

Why Value Matters in Networking

In today’s fast-paced world, people appreciate when their time is respected. If we want to connect meaningfully, we need to show that our conversation brings something to the table. When we approach networking with a “give” rather than “take” mindset, it opens the door for authentic, mutually beneficial relationships.

Practical Ways to Make Your Conversations Count

1. Ask Thought-Provoking Questions Instead of starting with a generic “Can we connect?” message, try sharing insights or questions that resonate with their field or recent work. Thoughtful questions show genuine interest and create an engaging starting point.
2. Curate and Share Insights Sharing compiled industry knowledge, even on a small scale, can be incredibly valuable. If you've gathered insights or data points from others, presenting it back to them can foster a sense of shared learning.
3. Share Trends Staying updated with industry trends? Reach out and share insights. Not everyone has the time to keep up, and your thoughtful nudge can provide valuable context for their work.
4. Follow Up on Social Media Engaging on someone’s recent social media post can build recognition. A thoughtful comment, followed by a message that adds depth, lets them know you’re paying attention to what matters to them.
5. Send a Personalized Video Introduction While it may feel intimidating, a short video message can help you stand out. Personalizing it with their name and why you’d like to connect shows authenticity and effort.
6. Make a Connection If you know someone who could benefit from meeting the person you're connecting with, why not introduce them? It’s a generous way to contribute, and it often leads to new opportunities for everyone involved.
7. Invite to Relevant Events If you’re attending an event that could interest them, invite them along. A personalized invitation can show them why you’d value their company, which can build rapport from the start.
8. Share Your Expertise Thoughtfully When someone is looking for specific expertise, don’t hesitate to showcase how you can help. Describe how your skills or experiences align with their needs, offering a concrete reason to connect.
9. Recommend Useful Tools If you have a tool or method that could simplify their work, share it! Make sure it’s genuinely helpful, and you’re not just pushing something for the sake of it.
10. Acknowledge Their Public Work If they've recently given a talk or shared content, mention it and ask for more insights. People put their work out there to make a difference; recognizing it helps you connect on a meaningful level.
11. Relate to Shared Challenges If you’ve faced similar challenges, share your experience in a supportive way. It’s not just about commiserating—it’s about showing empathy and creating a genuine bond.
12. Share Training or Courses If you've completed a great training or course, why not recommend it to others? Especially if it’s relevant to their work, sharing this knowledge can be invaluable.
13. Follow Up After Events Whether you’ve just attended a conference or webinar, don’t limit your follow-ups to people you met. Reach out to others who were there, especially those you didn’t have a chance to connect with directly. It shows you’re proactive and keen to engage.

Unlocking Career Opportunities, One Conversation at a Time

Bringing value to each conversation doesn’t just benefit the person you’re talking to—it strengthens your network, builds your reputation, and sets you apart. By focusing on what you can offer, each connection becomes an opportunity for growth. Start small, stay genuine, and remember: each connection you make today can be a stepping stone for tomorrow.