Let’s talk about networking—not the kind where you pass out business cards like candy and hope someone calls. I’m talking about the kind of networking that builds real relationships, the kind that turns acquaintances into allies, and conversations into collaborations.
When I first started Dimalanta back in 2009, I didn’t have a Rolodex of Fortune 500 connections. I had heart. I had a story. And I had a vision of doing marketing differently—more human, more intentional, more out & out. I remember showing up to my first Chamber event in Mason, Ohio with some printed flyers, and a big smile. I wasn’t there to sell. I was there to connect.
That mindset—serving before selling—changed everything.
Networking Isn’t a Transaction, It’s a Transformation
You want to know the secret to great networking? Stop thinking about what you can get and start focusing on what you can give. Bring value into the room. Share insight. Spark curiosity. Encourage someone who’s just starting out.
Years ago, I met a guy named Brett at a networking event. We hit it off—not because I pitched him, but because I listened to his story. We stayed connected over the years, and just recently, he launched a new venture and called me up. That one relationship, formed through trust and consistency, might turn into a six-figure opportunity. That’s the power of showing up with integrity and empathy.
3 Principles That Will Change Your Networking Game
1. Be Interested, Not Just Interesting
I can’t count how many times I’ve seen people walk into a room ready to talk about themselves. Don’t be that person. Be the one who asks thoughtful questions. Be the one who remembers someone’s kid just started college or that they’re dealing with a tough season in business. That’s how you stand out.
Pro Tip: When you meet someone new, jot a quick note about them afterward. Then follow up within 48 hours with a message that says something like, “It was so great to hear about your work with foster care advocacy—if there’s ever a way I can help, let me know.”
2. Play the Long Game
Relationships don’t sprout overnight. Water them. Show up consistently. I once nurtured a relationship for over two years before it turned into a contract—and when it did, it brought us recurring revenue and referrals we never expected.
The point? Trust takes time. But when it hits, it multiplies.
3. Your Reputation Is Your Brand
When people think of you, what do they say? Are you dependable? Kind? Strategic? Encouraging? Because in a world full of “hey just circling back on this email” messages, being someone who brings clarity, support, and insight is rare—and unforgettable.
Real Talk: People don’t refer businesses. They refer people. Be that person.
One Last Story…
I had a young marketer ask me recently, “How did you grow Dimalanta without a massive ad budget in the early days?” I smiled and said, “I grew it one relationship at a time.”
From sitting at coffee shops and dreaming out loud with clients… to showing up at community events with nothing but a vision… I networked not just for visibility but for connection.
I built this business with conversations, with trust, with real stories—not marketing fluff.
And guess what? You can do the same.
So next time you’re at a networking event, skip the sales pitch. Look someone in the eye. Ask them what drives them. Then listen. Really listen. That’s where the magic happens.
Remember this: The people you meet today could be your collaborators, champions, or even clients tomorrow. But it all starts with how you show up.
Lead with heart. Be bold. Stay curious.
—Ernie