Stop Networking, Start Relationship Banking
Everyone talks about networking, but they’re getting it wrong. They treat it like a numbers game – connect with as many people as possible, blast out generic messages, and hope something sticks. It’s the professional equivalent of throwing spaghetti at the wall.
Here’s the thing: Real relationship building is more like banking than networking. Every interaction is either a deposit or a withdrawal from your relationship account. And just like your bank account, you can’t make withdrawals if you haven’t made any deposits.
I’ve been experimenting with a simple system I call the 20-10-5 Daily Method. It’s straightforward: Connect with 20 new relevant people (no immediate pitch), engage meaningfully with 10 posts, and send 5 targeted messages. Fifteen minutes a day, that’s it. No fancy tools, no complex strategies – just consistent, meaningful interactions.
But here’s what makes it work: You’re not trying to sell anything. You’re making deposits. Every like, every thoughtful comment, every helpful message – they’re all small deposits in your relationship bank. When you need to make a withdrawal later (maybe you’re hiring, or looking for a partnership), you’ve built up enough goodwill to make it feel natural.
The magic happens when you pair this with valuable content. Short videos showing real people doing real work. Quick insights that actually help your audience. Authentic stories that resonate with your industry. It’s not about being everywhere – it’s about being valuable wherever you are.
Your website, your social presence, your personal brand – they’re all just different branches of your relationship bank. Each one should make it easy for people to connect with you, learn from you, and trust you.
The best part? This approach scales naturally. While others are busy “networking,” you’re building a compound interest of relationships. It’s slower at first, sure. But like any good investment, it pays off exponentially over time.
Remember: In a world where everyone’s trying to go viral or make quick connections, steady relationship banking wins every time. Start making those deposits today.