How to Shift from Transactional to Trust-Based Networking

𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞-𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠? We all know that networking is key to career growth. But let’s be real—some people treat it like a transactional game rather than building meaningful relationships. When I first started networking, I thought it was all about connecting with big names and sending cold DMs. Turns out, that’s not how real relationships are built. Here’s what I’ve learned about networking with integrity and respect: 🔹 𝟭. 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 🚫 We’ve all seen it—someone connects with you today and asks for a favor tomorrow. ✔ Instead, build relationships before you need them. ✔ Offer value before asking for help. ✔ Engage genuinely—not just when you need something. 🔹𝟮. 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 🤝 Want someone to remember you? Help them first. ✔ Share an opportunity. ✔ Introduce them to someone useful. ✔ Engage with their work meaningfully. Networking is a two-way street. If you only show up when you need a job or referral, people will notice—and avoid you. 🔹 𝟯. 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 🎙️ There’s a difference between showcasing your work and shameless bragging. ✔ Focus on sharing insights, not just achievements. ✔ Celebrate others’ success, not just your own. ✔ Be someone people want to associate with. 🔹 𝟰. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗘𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 🚦 ✔ Cold messaging? Make it personalized, not copy-paste. ✔ Asking for a coffee chat? Be clear about your intent. ✔ Got a ‘No’ or no response? Move on, don’t chase. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙂𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙍𝙪𝙡𝙚: 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣, 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙎𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙋𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝. 𝙊𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩, 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨. #Networking #CareerGrowth #BuildingRelationships

I Lost 10 Clients by Treating Them Like Transactions. Four months ago, I had a realization: Our approach to clients needed a serious change. We were treating each project as a transaction. Get the job done, get paid, and move on. But deep down, I knew this wasn't sustainable. Clients aren’t just projects to complete and forget about. So, I sat down with my team and decided to dig deep: Where were we going wrong? What was missing? Turns out, a lot. We weren’t building relationships. If we wanted clients to come back to us without even asking… We had to stop seeing them as one-off deals. So we changed everything. We focused on understanding each client’s long-term goals. We personalized our communication, not just templates. We checked in even when there wasn’t a project on the line. We went beyond delivery we became their partner. It wasn’t easy at first. We didn’t see the results in a week or even a month. But slowly… Clients started returning. Referrals started flowing in. Loyalty built itself without much effort. Trust deepened. And then it clicked. The more we cared, the more our clients did too. It took 90 days to see a complete shift From quick projects to long-term partnerships, From one-time payments to recurring revenue, From chasing clients to having them knock on our door. This is a reminder: Every client is a relationship. When you treat them well, they’ll come back, again and again. Not because you asked them to, but because they want to. If you're stuck in a transactional mindset, it’s time to rethink. It’s not just about the work; it’s about the relationship behind the work. P.S. Social media makes it look easy, but building client loyalty takes time, effort, and a lot of genuine care. The return isn’t immediate, but it’s always worth it. How are you building relationships with your clients these days? #relationship #marketing #facebook #facebookadsexpert #funnelexpert #leadgenerationexpert

Meaningful partnerships are important to me. Lately, a significant portion of my work has involved connecting professionals in the healthcare innovation sector. My trip to Dallas last week started with organic introductions I made in 2024. Some may view making business introductions as a simple and quick process. The process takes time, and time has a cost. In healthcare, innovation doesn’t thrive in isolation; it takes the right connections to move ideas forward. But real impact happens when we prioritize relational partnerships over transactional exchanges. It’s about building trust, fostering mutual respect, and creating opportunities that solve real problems. Here are my thoughts on how to make meaningful introductions: ✅ Lead with Value, Not Ego. Don’t focus on what’s in it for you. Prioritize how both sides benefit from the introduction. Relationships built on genuine value last longer and go further. ✅ Know the Gaps Before You Fill Them. Understand the pain points of both parties. High-impact connections happen when you address a critical need or opportunity. ✅ Vet Ruthlessly, Introduce Thoughtfully. Not every connection is worth making. Be selective and introduce only when there’s a clear alignment of values, goals, and capabilities. Protect the integrity of your network. ✅ Do Your Homework. Before making an introduction, ensure you have a thorough understanding of both parties to effectively explain why the connection is significant. ✅ Frame the Introduction with Context. Set the stage. Provide both parties with sufficient background information to understand the relevance and potential of the relationship. Clarity upfront fosters respect and avoids wasted time. ✅ Stay in the Loop (But Don’t Hover). Follow up to see if the introduction was valuable, but don’t micromanage the outcome. Relationships that thrive are built on trust, not control. ✅ Be a Problem Solver, Not Just a Connector. Your role doesn’t end with the introduction. Be available to offer insights or guidance if needed as the relationship develops. ✅ Protect Your Network’s Trust. Introduce only when it makes sense. One mismatched connection can erode trust and weaken your credibility. Guard your network’s reputation as carefully as your own. ✅ Build for the Long Game. Relational partnerships aren’t built overnight. Consistently show up, add value, and nurture trust over time. Sustainable impact comes from authentic, long-term connections. ✅ Celebrate the Wins. When a connection you made leads to something great, acknowledge it. Recognize the impact and reinforce the power of trusted relationships. Relational partnerships move healthcare forward. When trust and respect are the foundation, introductions become catalysts for real change. If you’re serious about advancing innovation, be intentional with your connections. It’s not about quantity. It’s about quality, trust, and lasting impact. 🔥 #healthcareonlinkedin #partnerships #innovation #sme

Connections That Matter – Beyond Transactional Networking #5: Nurturing Relationships: Networking is Building Trust, Not Just Asking for Favors Many people treat networking as a transactional exchange—they reach out only when they need something, then disappear until the next time they need help. But real networking is about trust and long-term connections, not just one-off requests. A Personal Story: Two years ago, I helped a young man with his job search. - I helped tailor his resume and cover letters. - I sent him job leads. - He landed interviews, and I coached him through them. - When he got an offer, I advised him on negotiation strategies. ✅ He got the job. He thanked me… and then? Radio silence. Fast forward 3 years later, I suddenly get a message from him: "Hey Khristine, can you share your calendar link? I have good news!" I was intrigued—maybe he wanted to reconnect? Maybe he was reaching out just to catch up? We get on a call. He tells me he was recently laid off and is applying for a job at a company where I have strong connections. And then—his real reason for reaching out: "I saw you’re well connected to people at this company. Can you introduce me?" I was dismayed. Another ask. No relationship-building. No check-ins, no updates over the past two years—just another request when he needed something. What’s Wrong With This Approach? 🚫 Treating networking as a one-way street – Only reaching out when you need something weakens trust. 🚫 No effort to maintain the relationship – Not checking in or engaging over time makes the connection feel hollow. 🚫 No reciprocity – It’s not about expecting something in return, but meaningful relationships go both ways. How to Network the Right Way: ✅ Check in even when you don’t need anything. A simple “Hope you’re doing well!” keeps the relationship warm. ✅ Celebrate wins together. Let your mentors and connections know how their advice helped you. ✅ Offer help before you ask for it. Share a resource, a contact, or an opportunity with someone in your network. ✅ Treat networking as relationship-building, not just problem-solving. The strongest networks are built on mutual respect and trust. Networking Tip: If you want a strong network that supports you in future job searches or big career moves, invest in those relationships NOW—not just when you need something. Have you ever experienced a one-sided networking exchange? How do you maintain long-term professional relationships? *** 💡 Want more actionable networking insights? Follow me for strategies on building meaningful connections that stand the test of time. #NetworkingTips #ProfessionalGrowth #RelationshipBuilding #ConnectionsThatMatter 📸 Throwback: Women in Tech Regatta 2020 with Melody Biringer, Zeynep Guler-Tuck and Laura Pasut. We’ve stayed in touch throughout the years since meeting in 2018.

Networking isn’t about collecting business cards. It’s about building real relationships: the kind that lead to opportunities, partnerships, and lifelong connections. After interviewing over 400 professionals on The Social Capital Podcast, I’ve seen firsthand what makes someone a great networker…and what makes them forgettable. My top 3 takeaways from those conversations: 1️⃣ Be Your Authentic Self People can smell fake a mile away. If you’re putting on a facade, trying to impress, or forcing a connection, it won’t last. The most successful networkers? They show up as their real, unfiltered selves - because trust starts with authenticity. 2️⃣ Give First Networking isn’t a transaction. The strongest relationships are built on giving without expecting anything in return. Offer value, share insights, connect people, and help however you can. When you lead with generosity, opportunities naturally follow. 3️⃣ Do What You Say You’ll Do Your reputation is everything. If you promise to introduce someone, share a resource, or follow up → do it. Following through builds credibility while flaking out can damage your reputation faster than you think. But There’s More… Beyond these core principles, I’ve learned additional strategies that take networking to the next level: ✔ Be Proactive in Building Relationships Opportunities can arise anywhere. One guest on The Social Capital Podcast shared how a chance meeting in an airport bar led to a lasting professional relationship - reminding us that networking doesn’t just happen at formal events. ✔ Cultivate Relationships Through Shared Experiences Engaging in activities outside of work - sports, hobbies, volunteering - can naturally expand your network. One professional found that playing a sport helped her reconnect and rebuild her network after maternity leave. ✔ Leverage Digital Platforms Effectively Platforms like LinkedIn are networking goldmines if used right. Sharing insights, engaging in discussions, and showcasing your expertise keeps you visible and valuable in your industry. ✔ Embrace a Relationship-Driven Mindset Shift from transactional networking to genuine connections. People remember those who invest in relationships, not just those who show up when they need something. ✔ Seek Mentorship and Continuous Learning Some of the most successful professionals I’ve interviewed credit their growth to mentorship and ongoing learning. Surrounding yourself with the right people accelerates your success. At the end of the day, the best networkers don’t just meet people - they create lasting social capital. And that starts with trust, authenticity, and generosity.  What’s the best networking advice YOU’VE ever received? #Networking #Authenticity #RelationshipBuilding

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘃𝘀. 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 Have you ever had someone reach out after years of silence... only to realize they just needed a favor? It’s a familiar experience - and one that leaves a sour taste. Not because you don’t want to help, but because the connection wasn’t built on trust - it was built on convenience. That’s the difference between being transactional and transformational. In our professional lives, it’s easy to get caught up in transactional thinking -quick asks, short-term gains, and surface-level connections. But while these tactics may get you results in the moment, they won’t create lasting impact - or lasting trust. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹? Being transformational means investing in relationships authentically - not because you need something, but because you genuinely care. It’s about building connections based on mutual respect, shared experiences, and thoughtful engagement. ✅ Showing up - even when there’s no immediate benefit. ✅ Offering support without expecting something in return. ✅ Celebrating wins that have nothing to do with you. ✅ Building trust that makes future collaboration feel natural. These are the people who check in, offer encouragement, or share helpful resources - no strings attached. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿? People know the difference. While transactional connections may get you a quick response, transformational relationships are the ones that open doors you didn’t even know existed. It’s these connections that inspire people to: ✅ Advocate for you in rooms you’re not in. ✅ Recommend you for opportunities you never expected. ✅ Offer guidance and mentorship - not because they have to, but because they want to. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 1️⃣ 𝗕𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁: Don’t just connect when you need something - engage consistently. 2️⃣ 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁: Offer value before asking for anything in return. 3️⃣ 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀: A small note of encouragement goes a long way. 4️⃣ 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: Relationships take time. Trust is built through consistent actions. When you choose to be transformational, you’re creating something far more valuable than a single favor - you’re building a network of trust, support, and shared success. And that’s the kind of investment that pays off in ways you can’t always predict - but will always appreciate.

"I'll reach out to the hiring manager when I'm ready to apply" said my client confidently as she spotted a dream role. The logic seemed sound. Apply first, then connect with the hiring manager. Perfect sequence, right? Wrong. By the time she applied, three internal referrals had already been shortlisted. The position was practically filled before it was even posted. The mistake? Transactional networking. I think our generation has been conditioned to see networking as something you do when you need something. Need a job? Start networking. Need a client? Start networking. Need a favor? Start networking. It isn't just limited to careers. Want more followers? Network. Looking for investors? Network. Need advice? Suddenly everyone's LinkedIn connections matter. Networking has changed from being about relationships to being about transactions. Don't get me wrong. I think strategic networking is essential. But most of us are hiding behind the fallacy of "perfect timing." What if they think I'm using them? What if they say no? What if I seem desperate? What if I don't have anything valuable to offer yet? The fear of rejection powered by the illusion of perfect timing. Unfortunately, authentic networking is an on-going activity and not a onetime task! Ask me about it... When I moved to America, I spent months volunteering at a food bank without asking for anything. I helped them improve their processes. Built genuine connections. I wasn't there for a job. But guess what? Those relationships led to my first opportunity. Relationships are built before you need them, not when you need them. The beauty of genuine networking is seen in reciprocity. The connection from month 1 to month 3 is nothing compared to year 1 to year 2. Year 3 connections can open doors you didn't even know existed. Consistent networking enables compound growth in everything. Career. Opportunities. Knowledge. Support. My client a month later took a different approach. "I started adding value first instead of asking for favors." She connected with professionals, shared insights, offered help. When another role opened, she already had three people vouching for her. "I needed to build relationships first, not just when I needed them." She got the job. Great opportunities come from existing relationships, not emergency phone a friend! #networking #careergrowth #jobsearch #relationships

I’ve spent the last 15 years building businesses, and if there’s one overlooked thing that matters more than strategy and funding, it’s the people you surround yourself with. Imagine building a network of people who get you, share your enthusiasm, and open doors you didn’t even know existed. The good news? It’s entirely possible, and you can do it with a few simple steps. ➡️ 1. Approach with authenticity. People connect with people who do things just like them. Share your journey, whether it's the wins, losses, or simply lessons. Vulnerability builds trust faster than polished highlights and celebratory reels. ➡️ 2. Stop being transactional. Great networks aren’t built on favors. They’re built on shared energy. Find spaces (online or offline) where people discuss and share about the same things you do. Build up on each others’ enthusiasm. ➡️3. What you give comes back. Offer value, share insights, connect others, or simply listen. Reciprocity is the glue of every strong network. Shake everybody’s hand and expect nothing in return. ➡️4. Be consistent & curious. Anyone can show up once. But when you keep engaging with genuine interest, people start to feel seen and that’s what transforms a contact into a connection. Curiosity isn’t just polite, it’s also a bridge. ➡️5. Don’t take things personally. Not everyone replies right away. Not everyone becomes your “people.” Give grace. Great connections often take time. At the end of the day, success isn’t a solo sport. The people around you, one way or another, will influence how far you go. After 15 years, one thing is clear to me; businesses come and go but relationships endure. Build with intention, give more than you take, and watch what happens.

How I Network Without Being Transactional As a Program Manager at Amazon You know the drill: You get a cold DM with a vague ask. Or a connection request with no context. Or someone who only reaches out when they need something. It feels…off. Networking isn’t about collecting names. It’s about building relationships. Here’s how I approach networking intentionally: 1️⃣ I lead with curiosity, not credentials Instead of “Here’s what I do,” I ask “What are you working on that excites you right now?” It’s amazing how fast people open up when they feel seen. 2️⃣ I add value before I ask for anything If I spot something helpful—a link, a contact, a resource—I send it with no strings attached. People remember how you make them feel, not how impressive your resume is. 3️⃣ I stay consistent, not just convenient Networking isn’t just for job searches. I check in when there’s no ask, celebrate wins, and stay in touch in small but real ways. 4️⃣ I follow up like a human, not a pitch deck I don’t just say “Circling back.” I say: “Hey, I’ve been thinking about that point you made on X—wanted to share something related.” It builds trust, not fatigue. The truth? Networking isn’t a sprint to a favor. It’s a slow build toward trust. The key is showing up with empathy, curiosity, and no hidden agenda. How do you approach networking without feeling slimy?

Tech doesn’t replace trust, but it can amplify it. In a Vested agreement, one of the most overlooked yet powerful concepts is Jointly Managed Accountabilities. It’s not just about defining roles. It’s about building shared systems to manage work together—especially when tech is involved. When partners align on communication platforms, data tools, and delivery systems, they are not just coordinating. They are co-owning the outcome. This approach reduces silos, shortens feedback loops, and increases adaptability. It shifts the relationship from transactional to transformational. I’ve seen this model work across industries. FedEx, for example, uses route optimization software not only to reduce costs but to strengthen partner trust through real-time transparency. It’s a smart tech move that works because of a strong accountability structure behind it. If your partnerships feel stuck or your tech isn’t improving outcomes, it might be time to revisit how you share ownership. Curious to hear: what’s one tool or process that’s helped foster better shared accountability in your partnerships? #Vested #Innovation #Tech #Collaboration #StrategicPartnerships #FutureOfWork #Leadership