30 Networking Quotes to Help You Connect With The Right People

Networking, to some, is a ladder, a chain, a bandwagon. Regardless of your understanding, networking has proven to be an unavoidable asset to 21st-century business owners, even if it's a shop as small as a cubicle or gigantic as the Taj Mahal.

Networking is positioning, connecting, and engaging with people, resulting in profitable growth and influence for both parties. It is an opportunity to meet other types of entrepreneurs and expand your circle.

Feel free to delve into the richness of networking. You'd be glad you did, as it's one of the easiest and surest ways to climb to the top.

Networking Quotes About The Importance Of Networking

Entrepreneurial networking is one of the best ways to build a successful business. You don't have all the resources to grow a business, but people around you do. So what do you do?

You network your way to those people who will expose you to relevant business opportunities.

This section contains networking quotes that show you the value of building relevant networks.

Building wealth means harnessing every resource at your disposal. It's more like making lemonades out of lemons.

Networking is a powerful resource that opens you up to new business opportunities and possibilities.

It doesn't matter if you are an individual looking to make new friends, an employee seeking a better job or new opportunities, or a business owner who is smart enough to consult people with more experience in your sector to avoid pitfalls.

The ordinary man picks up the next job around the corner, believing it's the secret to wealth. But true wealth is not about how much you currently have in your bank account. Instead, it's about the strategic and long-lasting relationships you have built over the years.

You're a step closer to business success because you know how important networking is. It is the future of business.

Networking done creatively exposes you to information, and information is power. Every successful business owner knows something that the average entrepreneur doesn't know or apply.

When you are connected to the right people, the right mindset and results naturally flow.

Many people have testified that they got their jobs or “breakthrough” opportunities through networking. About 85% of job vacancies are filled via networking.

Every CEO has fears. It takes a huge amount of courage to face those fears every day.

The most common fear entrepreneurs and leaders have is the fear of failure. The fear of failure can be so strong that these entrepreneurs fear being seen. They are afraid to put themselves out there because they fear rejection.

However, courage is letting others see your difference and your individuality. It's about putting yourself out there despite your flaws while aiming for higher results.

Twelve publishers rejected J.k Rowling's “Harry Potter.” Each time, she kept showing up till this manuscript became one of the most loved books and screenplays ever.

Networking is putting yourself, your potential, and your goals out there. You stand to gain the success of your venture, not biting your nails or gritting your teeth over dreams you never stood up to see through. There's power in showing up for yourself and everyone who needs your product and service.

It isn't networking if there isn't an increase in the present or future.

Networking efforts are geared towards mutual benefits. It offers a win-win situation. Human beings naturally come alive when they are involved in a little social activity.

For instance, an artist can give anything to be in a museum with like minds and delve into the world of art. It's the same for every other interest you have. You need the right people to show you where to unleash the right feelings like satisfaction, intrigue, and resourcefulness.

Communication is the means to network. Here, both the giver and receiver dwell on a topic of interest.

The giver feels powerful and knowledgeable enough to share, and the receiver feels privileged and loved enough to receive.

No single person walking this planet is without knowledge, and no one knows it all. This is why you need to locate the next link to your questions.

The crazy idea you pick up from an informal dinner or gala may soon become the next big thing.

One popular misconception of networking is that it is solely about getting and not giving. That's a total lie.

What makes selflessness valuable here is the human side of networking. People tend to gravitate toward those who stand as honest, real, and kind.

You may not be the best fit for a position, but recommending another you know keeps the link alive. 73% of people can attest to that.

Building positive connections can get you to places you can't reach alone.

Likewise, you will get all you want in life if you can help other people get what they want.

According to research by Rob Cross and Robert Thomas, the executives who consistently rank in the top 20% of their companies in both performance and well-being have diverse but select networks.

These networks are made up of high-quality relationships with people from different spheres up and down the corporate hierarchy.

Social links are not just for entertainment but are fast becoming great avenues and platforms to promote and empower businesses.

The logic behind this is that every entrepreneur wants to draw patronage, and patronage comes from people. It is social capital.

Your friends, colleagues, family, friends, and college buddies are your social capital, and you can take it for granted or develop it by linking them to others or getting connected through them. Just like our bodies connect arteries and veins to flow properly.

Networking is a very necessary life skill every entrepreneur must have.

As an entrepreneur, you're called to the life of expansion, spreading out your tentacles. Sticking with the same people for too long is the recipe for redundancy, the same old patterns, and sometimes stagnancy.

Your goal is to meet new people sharing the same intriguing interests. If you attend an event that could expand your network and end up sitting it out with your friend, it's no different than a man in a puddle of wealth who comes back home empty-handed.

You can set a goal — to get at least two names at every networking opportunity.

But “networking” is not about marketing yourself. It's about building personal relationships with other business professionals, leaders, and entrepreneurs.

This great quote from Steve Jobs should earn a point more in credibility because it's scoring high in people's interests.

The Co-founder of Apple believes more in good people than gadgets. What's the catch?

According to Isaacson, Jobs believed in communicating designs, ideas, and opinions amongst the team naturally. Not necessarily with emails and cold chats, he believed in the power of genuine and easy-going conversations where the team could rub minds over hot coffee or lunch.

Simply put, the job is halfway done once you hire the right people or are in touch with great, focused, and dedicated minds.

In networking, once you successfully lift others, the chain reaction is your name staying relevant. It's just like sowing 20 seeds; you reap multiple harvests.

Remember watching the motivation behind the celebrities receiving awards and giving speeches with keenness. You hear things in this line; “Thank you, Bob, for believing in the potential of a jobless 23-year-old and saying my name where it mattered”.

This is the benefit of good networking.

In 2010, Greater Good Magazine wrote that the US National Institutes of Health found that when people give to others, “it activates regions of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust, creating a ‘warm glow’ effect. Scientists also believe that altruistic behavior releases endorphins in the brain, producing a positive feeling known as the helper’s high.”

Referrals come easily with a genuine network, and the feeling of being a good person is a plus. More recently, referrals have been more believable and trustworthy than advertisements and degrees.

People love working with the ones they know will uplift others. People love working with someone whose credibility has been vouched for by another.

Networking is for humans, not robots. Many use this technique to manipulate their way to the top or get results overnight. But a true entrepreneur knows that real value is drawn from networking when it is organic.

Networking is an investment. It's about investing time and watching these connections grow over the years. Live a little, don't be the desperate one by being too eager to bag a deal.

People can sense desperation, which will ruin your chances of getting on their good side.

Networking to achieve your goals involves nurturing your connections, using all you get one point at a time, and letting yourself be seen and known.

When you are patient with the process, the outcome becomes more creative and thought out with minimal risks or losses.

This is one of my best networking quotes. Knowing many people, dropping names, and shaking hands isn't the impression that lasts. When it comes down to making solid choices and referring contacts, it's more about the depth of communication and impact.

You need to ask yourself what impression you want to leave, how to do that, and what will be the thirty seconds summary of your attendance or conversation with others.

Our brain tends to easily forget or trivialize memories that do not give value or people that do not invest in fostering a healthy connection. You may meet ten people, say your name and all you do but be forgotten the next minute.

But the one person you connect deeply with will always say your name easily because friendship provokes you to go over and beyond for another.

Ten hasty connections may give zero referrals and results in the long run, while one genuine network may drag in ten times more impact.

Networking Quotes About Principles of Networking

Now we have seen the various reasons why you should start networking immediately. However, you still need to understand the important principles of effective networking.

These principles will guide you when creating your networking strategy.

Here are networking quotes that show you the most important principles of networking.

The first principle is to set a long-term networking goal. Set clear goals to achieve something great from your networking journey. But they should be long-term.

You need to know that networking is a tested and trusted way to enrichment. But it's often a long-term project, so you should be patient. This is a valid principle for every networker.

Forming meaningful relationships takes time because you need to gain the other person's trust. However, forming business relationships can take longer because you must prove you are a smart and reliable potential business partner.

The business world is getting very competitive, and if you don’t start forming solid business relationships now, you are on the losing side.

Have you ever thought about why the rich only mingle with those in their class/level? It is because they want to create more opportunities for wealth for themselves.

So if you ever get invited to join the multi-millionaires or billionaire's club, go with the mindset of investing in quality relationships.

You don’t rush relationships. You grow them, and growth takes time.

Note: If you feel you don’t have what it takes to build successful business relationships, you should take time to meditate on some revealing business relationship quotes.

Here is a little tip for getting started on setting networking goals:

• Write out 3 (minimum) short-term and long-term goals you want to achieve.
• Research three names you've seen stick around for a long time in your niche and make links with them via in-person meetings, groups, or even social media, for starters.
• Make a blueprint of what these connections can help you with in the long run.

The next principle is to set aside time to network.

This means you're to keep at it even when the benefits seem not evident. Networking is a continuous journey. It's something you should do every day. You don’t want it to overcrowd your activities.

This is why you should set a time when you can focus on your networking activities.

For example, you can set a time when you respond to all messages and emails. You can also set a time to engage with other business professionals or entrepreneurs in your social media community.

That way, you learn more about them and build relevance while actively growing your business.

Networking is a mining field. You keep digging up talents when you put in the work. Long-lasting relationships do not just happen. You put in the effort to ensure it grows.

Listen to how long and well your connection has managed to drive their goals, are they quitters or dogged? This principle is highly contagious.

• Don't be laid back when building relationships. Take time to respond to messages, send out celebratory cards (if necessary), comment on social media posts, and promote other entrepreneurs' works.
• Ensure you have a schedule or calendar of networking meetings to keep up with and stick to it.

The next principle says you should network physically when possible. When we mention networking, many people immediately think it's just connecting with other business leaders on social media.

The reality is that networking goes beyond social media likes and comments.

The in-person connection still remains the most significant mode of networking. People are more likely to remember you when they see you physically. So, even if you are an introvert, take out time to attend physical seminars, conferences, and events.

• Be physically and mentally present at important business gatherings
• Dress properly because people will address you the way you are dressed
• Make meaningful conversations, not just small unproductive talk
• Be bold. People can smell low self-confidence, and that is not a scent you should have
• Make eye contact to show you are interested in what others are saying.

Networking is about showing yourself to the world. This brings us to the next principle: be genuine.

This principle encourages you to embrace yourself as enough. Enough to the point of honesty and genuineness. Honesty and authenticity are very attractive.

When networking, you don’t have to pretend to be someone you are not just to fit in. People love authenticity. They trust you more when they see you are true to who you are.

Also, focus on giving, not just receiving. People are more drawn to someone who can help them. Maybe you have ideas, opinions, or tactics on how to solve a problem, don’t be afraid to share.

For example, an entrepreneur may have issues managing customer relationships, which is a major problem. You could recommend the best CRM software they can use to solve their problem.

What you did gain you a friend. That entrepreneur will appreciate and remember you. You can also follow up by sending an email or message to ask how the solution is going.

I tell you, the entrepreneur will respond, and that is how you have formed a good link unless they are ungrateful snubs.

People want to engage with someone valuable to them.

That's it. The way to someone’s heart is through genuineness and generosity — and these are major leadership qualities.

One of my favorite famous sayings about networking is, “your network is your net worth.” The kind of people you surround yourself with can make or destroy you. They influence your thoughts and actions.

This is why you should be proactive when forming relationships. This is the next principle.

The right networking gives you enough coverage and access to opportunities, information, positions, and much more, which may not be possible alone. Weighing these advantages, you need to start making those meaningful connections.

You should go about networking with anyone you see. Not everyone has the same goals or shares the same values as you. So, before you even begin to network with anyone, you need to take some time to understand them. Do a background check on them.

By “background check, I don’t mean you should do some unnecessary detective work. Just check on google or social media to know how best to start a conversation. Be proactive in your conversations, not giving one-syllable answers.

You can always practice in front of a mirror before meeting new people.

As a startup entrepreneur, the best investment you can ever make is in quality relationships. You need people to take you to the top. Every resource you will ever need to grow your business can be accessed through people.

This is why the next principle you should know is: to invest before harvest.

You can only ask people for help or referrals if you have proven valuable to them. They have no reason to give you their time, energy, or money. So, if you want them to trust you so much to build a strong relationship with you, you have to earn it.

One of my favorite business books that have helped me a lot in my networking journey is “How To Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. In his book, Carnegie explains how to get people to like you so much they want to associate with you. And the secret to doing that is to be a giver.

You invest in people by making them feel loved and important. Rather than just talking yourself away, actively listen to what the other person says. Active listening is the most important skill you need as a good networker.

Showing people that you genuinely interest them makes them feel drawn to you.

One major mistake many people make when networking is always wanting to show how smart they are. There is nothing wrong with being smart. But don't focus on making sure everyone sees it, or else you come out as arrogant.

There are so many things you can learn by simply networking with people in your field. One of the networking principles is to possess a learning mindset.

A learning mindset is a growth mindset.

Every entrepreneur (new or old) should have a growth mindset if they want to survive in business. This is because being around successful entrepreneurs will help you develop or sharpen your entrepreneurial mindset, which is a mindset of growth.

Don’t try to show you are the smartest person in the room who knows everything. Instead, be humble enough to keep quiet and learn. Many of these entrepreneurs are probably more experienced than you.

This quote perfectly fits the networking principle I'm about to share with you — Give more than you get.

In the book “The Leader Who Had No Title” by Robin Sharma, an employee's life changes from a single conversation over coffee with his new boss. The first lesson was on leadership which is a scary topic for most people.

His boss taught him to take the lead and take responsibility for others and the business rather than waiting for another to do so.

This boss invested time in teaching his employee how to come out of boring activities to a place where his creativity and leadership skills soared. The final result was growth and a successful man who never forgot his boss. And, of course, the boss made passionate and skillful workers out of the others too.

You cannot do so without giving if you want solid connections built around real values and qualities. When asked which parent you love the most, you're most likely to choose the one that gave the most because your memories and affection are full of such sweet gestures.

People want to know that you are valuable. A successful relationship is when both parties are beneficial to each other.

To give value, you should have it first. You can't give what you don't have. Personal development is important. You must work on yourself so you always have something to give.

The logic is simple: the more valuable you prove to be, the other party will become more invested in you.

Let me explain this quote with this principle — your connections foretell your financial future.

This is one of the most popular networking quotes. The quality of your connections determines whether you will succeed or fail.

Connections, otherwise known as social capital, are priceless. They insure you against unforeseen circumstances like financial constraints and creative blockades.

Over the years as an entrepreneur, I've learned that your personal and professional relationships are more valuable than your degree or portfolio.

A solid relationship can get you through doors that money and other related factors may not. This makes it a worthy investment. It increases opportunities and growth and prunes the likelihood of making ignorant decisions.

No matter how rich an entrepreneur is, having more enemies and less solid relationships due to bad networking will lead to a downward slope with time. But good relationships will help you bounce back up when you fall.

Learn to be approachable wherever you are.

A genuine smile is the greatest accessory you can ever wear. I always remember this whenever I leave the house.

Learn to smile. A simple smile can break the thick ice of awkwardness. It makes people warm up to you and feel comfortable with you.

Whatever you do, be nice to the people around you. They matter too.

Do you want to be someone that can be trusted or respected? Then start from being good. You don't have to wait for the other person to treat you nicely before you do the same.

Trust is very vital in every relationship, including business relationships. It takes continuous effort to make someone trust and be loyal to you. Loyalty is borne by an individual who sets aside their own interests for the other.

Note: Not everyone will tell you their problem. It's you that has to figure it out and find possible solutions. And the best way to do that is to listen to them actively. They can drop hints casually, and if you are attentive enough, you will catch those hints.

Effective networking is a critical success factor, especially for startups. Many successful entrepreneurs say they got excellent business mentors.

Whether you are an artist, business owner, startup enthusiast, or even finding yourself, you need a safe connection of like-minds to assist you to the next level.

A single effective network can open so many doors of business opportunities for you. Now, think about making ten effective networks. You can imagine the kind of favors you can get from them.

With people to help boost it up, your business can strive. It requires people to stand on its fate.

Not everyone feels confident about meeting new people and sharing business ideas. In fact, if anything, they hate socializing with new people.

You can improve your confidence level by focusing on your personal development. If you want to be approachable, valuable, confident, and great at communicating, you must work on your personal development.

Read books about business and networking. You can't give value from an almost-empty value tank.

In networking, you share ideas with people. You learn from them, and they learn from you. Your network is your greatest asset, so you have to build wisely.

If networking wasn't so important in the business world (and even the world in general), how come various business communities spring up almost every day?

On social media, you will see communities of young entrepreneurs or freelancers or business leaders.

Being in a community gives you a sense of belonging. If you know how to tap this community to your advantage, you are wealthy.

Your ability to build wealth is not just about building multiple businesses or tripling the money in your account. It's about building a strong network base.

You need people that can support you even when you are down. But how do you get them?

By supporting them first.

The reality is that networking is not just about you. It's about everyone involved in the relationship. There is a mutual benefit involved.

When you show people you genuinely care about them and their businesses, they will do the same for you.

Many people start networking for selfish reasons alone. I have seen people make this mistake several times. You cannot ask people for favors without investing in them at least once.

You cannot afford to make networking all about what you can get and who could give it to you. If this is your mentality, pretty soon you'd be set aside as ‘thirsty' or incompetent and greedy.

Networking is a link, group, and body, and one principle of such social setup is contribution. It's a symphony of individuals supporting each other.

This way, no one is left out or overly burdened with giving and not receiving.

One of the best parts about networking is that you get free advertisements. Your networks will tell their friends about you and spread the good news about your business to all who care to listen.

Networking Quotes About Building An Effective Network

Now we have seen the benefits and principles of effective networking, how do you build it?

These networking quotes contain ways to build a good network of positive business-minded people.

You have to take the first step. You may have set a clear goal, created an action plan for networking, and planned out your strategies and tactics. But if you don't take the first step, you will never get there.

Here is an important tip: Do NOT expect everyone to like you at first sight. In fact, do NOT expect every networking activity to go smoothly. You may likely be snubbed or walked over, but you should never give up.

Do not end your networking journey just because someone didn't return your texts/calls or send you an invite to his event. None of those matters. What matters is that you don't give up.

Your goal is to build positive business relationships. It doesn't have to be a particular person. It could be anyone in the business field or your industry.

So, be prepared to fail. Don't expect to fail; just be prepared in case it happens.

Like I said earlier, you can't network with just anyone. Create a clear strategy. I call this strategic networking. You are networking with a purpose.

Who are your ideal customers? What do they like, and where do they hang out? Identifying your target audience will give you a clear understanding of the people to meet. When you finally have their attention, you can go in for the pitch.

One major mistake I've seen many entrepreneurs (new and old) make countless times is that they start pitching their ideas or business immediately. They don't create a positive atmosphere for their pitch.

They say, “Hi, I'm Matt, and I run a marketing agency.”

The only reply they will most likely get is an “Okay.” And that's if the other person is nice.

Do your research before connecting to other entrepreneurs or potential customers. It will save you lots of stress and embarrassment.

Without planning, you're one step closer to failure. Be strategic by having a list of potential clients to connect with and find out where you can get in touch with them or someone who knows them.

That's a good start.

A popular business quote is that networking is “give, give and get.” It simply means you are to be ready to give more before expecting to receive.

But just like any other type of investment, you can't expect to give today and get results tomorrow. That's not how it works.

You give value, and over time, what you have given will reap fruits.

If you run a service-based business dealing with clients personally, you can network with your clients. For example, as a freelance writer or consultant, you can build positive relationships with your clients.

Give more than expected. Let them see you go the extra mile to deliver quality work.

Whenever they need help again, you are most likely to be the first person to pop up in their mind.

Networking is all about giving value.

Social media is fast creating a link of friendly strangers, and when it comes down to standing up for others, you can't expect much. Don't focus all your attention on social media connections. You need an intimate, in-person connection.

I will always advise that once in a while, take some time to transcend from social media friends to an actual functional network, so don't rule it out completely.

As a growing entrepreneur, you need to develop people skills. Exceptional people and communication skills are part of the most important entrepreneurial skills you should have. You cannot survive in business as a “lone wolf.”

Attend physical events where you know your possible network targets will be. Also, prepare yourself beforehand. You can always practice your lines in front of the mirror.

You don't need to focus on getting others to like you. In fact, not all of them will like you. They each have issues of their own. So if you are not helping them solve it, they are not interested in what you have to say.

Networking is like marketing. People will only patronize your business if it solves a need. You must show your target customers WHY and HOW your business can help them. They need to see reasons why they should give you their hard-earned money.

Similarly, you must show people why they should give you their time and energy.

So be the problem solver by coming up with solutions instead of more problems.

People will pay more attention to you if they see more value in you. You can ask questions, share insight and give possible solutions. Be a people investor.

You should NOT network with everyone. Only network with people that can influence your business. Not everyone fits that profile. So network wisely, while improving your networking skills.

Being a first-generation entrepreneur is not easy. You do not have any entrepreneurial background, so you must learn everything from scratch, including networking.

However, networking is not so difficult if you put some smart effort into it.

It is an investment that will demand your time, effort, and confidence to leave your comfort zone and sincerity. You have to be careful not to jeopardize the essence of networking by neglecting any of these.

Networking thrives in a space where everyone gives and is willing to keep giving. This means you and your connection are not running out of ideas anytime soon.

You can share quotes, notes, experiences, and even difficulties with your network. Keep giving and heartily, and you're sure to receive easily.

Start Networking Effectively With These Networking Quotes

Networking is so important to your business growth. If done poorly, you risk losing a lot. Go out there and form positive business relationships that will benefit you for a very long time.

Let these networking quotes inspire you. You can extend to your team members too. They also need to know the value of forming great relationships.

I hope you found these powerful networking quotes and tips helpful.

Was This Article Helpful?