As your network continues to grow, ask yourself what the other person gets out of the

relationship. Networking isn’t intended to only benefit you. It’s about building relationships
that function as two-way streets. Don’t automatically dismiss someone if they can’t introduce
you to someone else or hand you a job interview. Instead, think about what you can offer
them.

What you offer doesn’t have to be anything grand. It should just be something that shows you
are thinking about them as more than just a referral source.

You can make the relationship mutually beneficial by:

Supporting their interests.

If you know someone in your network is part of a table tennis league or volunteers at an
animal shelter, offer to join and get involved. Demonstrate your own interest to foster that
connection.

Teaching them something.

A person may have expressed an interest in learning a language you happen to speak. Why
not offer introductory lessons? This is a simple way to strengthen your own skills, too.

Sharing a business source.

Sometimes, no one in your network will have access to a job opening. If you do, email
someone and let them know. Even if it isn’t an interview, sharing that opportunity could
create more opportunities down the line.

Treating them to lunch.

One simple thing to do is to buy a meal for them. You can follow-up on any conversations
you’ve had while eating and pick up the check afterward.

If you are struggling to figure out how you can help somebody, just ask them. Being direct,
honest, and available to help is usually more than enough to be of use. Reciprocation isn’t
about keeping track of favors; it’s about always being on the lookout for ways to help those
connected to you.