“The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity.” — Keith Ferrazzi
About the Quote: Keith Ferrazzi is an American author and entrepreneur best known for Never Eat Alone, a bestselling book about the power of networking and generosity in building meaningful professional relationships. His work emphasizes authenticity, connection, and mutual support.
Networking Through an HR Lens
In human resources, I’ve seen countless professionals succeed not because they had the sharpest résumés, but because they built networks based on generosity. The same principle applies to solopreneurs. Real networking isn’t transactional — it’s transformational. When you give without keeping score, you establish credibility and trust that no marketing strategy can match.
What Generosity Looks Like in Practice
For solopreneurs, generosity in networking might mean:
- Sharing a collaborator’s services with a client even if it doesn’t directly benefit you.
- Providing valuable resources or advice without expecting immediate return.
- Connecting two people in your network who can help each other.
These acts cost little but build tremendous goodwill.
How Clients Respond to Generosity
Clients recognize generosity. A solopreneur who consistently adds value, whether through insights, referrals, or thoughtful follow-ups, stands apart from competitors. Generosity signals security and confidence — it tells clients you’re focused on their success, not just your bottom line.
Avoiding the Trap of Greed-Based Networking
Networking driven by greed feels transactional and insincere. Clients and peers can sense when someone only shows interest to extract value. Such interactions damage trust and make long-term collaboration unlikely. Generosity, by contrast, creates the foundation for authentic partnerships.
Conclusion
The most valuable currency in networking isn’t money or even time — it’s generosity. Solopreneurs who lead with generosity cultivate stronger relationships, earn deeper trust, and position themselves as indispensable partners in the eyes of clients and collaborators.
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