Networking Strategies for Business Growth
- Lindsay Johnson
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 26
Hate Networking? You’re Not Alone.
If the word “networking” makes you cringe, you’re not broken. You’ve just been taught the wrong way to do it.
In this networking strategies for business growth blog, we’ll unpack how to make networking feel fun, natural, and wildly effective for your business growth (without feeling like a weirdo or wasting your time on awkward coffee chats).
The Problem: Most People Are Doing Networking All Wrong
Let’s be real, most of us have been taught to network like we’re speed dating for sales.
Random Zoom calls that go nowhere
Cold outreach that feels robotic
Commenting on strangers’ posts hoping they notice us
Watch the Full Workshop
I've got a workshop replay for your where I'll tell you the top 4 people you need to network with for rapid business growth and easier sales!
Bonus: You'll learn how to ditch the elevator pitch and give the perfect "What do you do?" response every time...
Watch now and keep scrolling for the highlights and action items!
The Reframe: Networking is Relationship Marketing
Good networking isn’t transactional. It’s relational.
It’s not about “getting clients.” It’s about making business friends. It’s about planting seeds, not begging for handouts.
When you focus on trust, shared values, and aligned audiences, networking becomes the fastest, easiest, and most joyful way to grow your business.
What Networking Strategies for Business Growth Actually Looks Like (When It’s Working)
Forget everything you thought you knew. Here’s what great networking looks like:
Intentionality – You know why you’re connecting with someone
Reciprocity – You both give and receive value
Follow-through – You keep in touch (without being annoying)
Collaboration – You find ways to co-create, cross-promote, or refer
Whether it’s a voice note on Instagram, a comment on someone’s launch, or a quick “thinking of you” DM - it's the consistency and staying involved that builds relationships.
Mindset Shift: Be the Connector, Not the Clinger
You don’t have to be an extrovert or a smooth-talking sales pro. You just have to show up with curiosity and generosity.
Stop trying to “get something” from people.
Instead, ask:
Who do I genuinely like?
Whose work do I believe in?
Who could benefit from knowing each other?
Then start making connections. Share people’s stuff. Brag about them publicly. Introduce them to others. Be a connector, not a clinger.
Action Time: How to Start Networking Without the Ick
Here’s your Networking Magic Starter Kit:
Make a List of 10 People
Think: business friends, industry colleagues, past clients, mutual admirers.
Choose One of These Outreach Prompts:
“Hey! I’ve been loving your recent content - want to swap ideas sometime?”
“I think our audiences would love each other. Want to do a lead magnet swap?”
“You popped into my brain - what are you working on lately?”
Set a Weekly Networking Goal
Start small. One connection per week. Build it into your CEO time.
Final Thought: Your Next Big Break Is One Conversation Away
Your best leads, your juiciest collaborations, and your most loyal clients? They’re all one relationship away.
You don’t need a huge following - you need a powerful network of people who know, like, and trust you.
Let networking be your secret growth superpower.
Level Up Your Business Skills
Want to put this into action? Join the Ick-Free Sales Community and dive into my in-depth networking training and how to leverage all the fabulous opportunities you uncover!
Lindsay Johnson, aka The Radical Connector, teaches ick-free, ethical business skills to service-based entrepreneurs ready to stand out, make some noise, and use their brilliance to change the world.
Creator of the 1-year, Ick-Free Sales Community, Lindsay knows that building a business is a long game with a lot of moving parts and a steep learning curve ... and they're here to support you every step of the way!
