“Networking” is the most overrated advice in the business world.
We are told to go to mixers, hand out business cards, shake hands with strangers, and add them on LinkedIn. We are told: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”
This is half-true, but the method is wrong.
Trying to “network” with powerful people when you have nothing to offer is useless. It’s like begging. You are asking for their time, their attention, and their opportunities, but you are bringing nothing to the table except a cheap business card.
Stop networking. Start being useful.
The Magnet Theory
High-value people are busy. They are surrounded by “takers”, people who want mentorship, advice, or a job. They have very strong filters to block these people out.
If you try to “network” your way in, you will hit a wall.
But if you become undeniably good at something, the dynamic flips.
- If you are the best copywriter, people will find you.
- If you are the best coder, founders will hunt you down.
- If you solve a painful problem, you won’t need to introduce yourself.
Don’t chase butterflies. Build a beautiful garden, and the butterflies will come.
The “Permissionless Apprentice”
Jack Butcher (founder of Visualize Value) calls this being a Permissionless Apprentice.
Instead of asking a VIP for a coffee chat (which is a burden), just do work for them for free.
- Find someone you admire.
- Look at what they are doing.
- Find a gap or something they could do better.
- Do it for them. Send it to them. Expect nothing in return.
Example: “Hey, I saw your latest YouTube video. The thumbnail was okay, but I made 3 better versions for you. Here they are. Feel free to use them.”
You didn’t ask for a favor. You provided value.
Suddenly, you aren’t a fan. You are a peer.
The Graph of Connection
Traditional Networking is Linear. You meet one person, you get one contact. 1 + 1 = 2.
Being Useful is Exponential.
When you publish your work, build a project, or share your ideas online, you are networking with thousands of people while you sleep.
Your blog post is networking for you. Your code is networking for you.
The Verdict
The best network isn’t a list of phone numbers. It’s a reputation for excellence.
If you are good, they will find you.
If you are useless, knowing them won’t help you anyway.
Stop handing out business cards. Go build something impressive.
The Challenge:
Pick one person you want to connect with.
Do NOT email them asking for a “chat.”
Instead, spend 1 hour creating something for them (a summary of their article, a design, a clip of their podcast).
Send it to them with the subject line: “I made this for you (no strings attached).”
See what happens.