16 Ways to Build Meaningful Network Connections That Go Beyond the Surface

In business, who you know is everything. That means building real connections — ones you can count on, that go beyond surface-level acquaintances — should be a high priority for professionals looking to advance in their careers or business. However, just networking likely won’t get you the kind of relationships you’ll need to succeed.

To build real connections, follow the 16 tips outlined by the culture and business experts of Rolling Stone Culture Council and see why being intentional about your relationships can propel you forward far faster than just networking alone.

Show Genuine Interest in Others

Ask people how they’re doing, but mean it when you ask. Show a genuine interest in someone as a fellow human being, beyond what they do or even what they can do for you. I work in music, so I ask everyone, “What’s the last great song you heard? What track knocked your socks off?” Let them be the tastemaker and expert. People love that. We all want to be valued — and I learn something every time. – Jed Brewer, Good Loud Media

Prioritize Face-to-Face Meetings

Connecting in person is a powerful networking tool, not only at the beginning of building professional relationships but throughout, ensuring a lasting bond. People organically offer more support, build alliances and collaborate seamlessly with those they interact with in real life, as opposed to being merely a name queued in emails and texts. – Andy Hale, Hale & Monico

Connect Over Your ‘Why’

In many industries, we often do not realize that we’ll encounter the same people over and over again. So the particular thing you might be looking to make happen with the person or the transaction you seek is really one small piece of something larger. Lasting relationships stem from how people feel around you. Connect over your “why” and be curious about who you are connecting with. – Nicole Plantin, Soeur Agency, LLC

Engage in Authentic Exchanges of Ideas

Authenticity is key to forming meaningful network connections. These network connections are defined by a two-way exchange of ideas, information and resources. One must not only ask and receive, but one should also answer and give. This demonstrates a level of authentic empathy that values your connection’s time as much as your own. It also recognizes that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. – Justin Fredericks, Art House

Learn Alongside Those Who Share Your Interests

I attend a lot of business events that go beyond networking, like industry workshops and information sessions where the goal is to learn something, not just network, and where I find people whose interests are aligned with mine. I establish authentic connections with people based on shared business or personal interests — people with whom I am willing to be open and engage at a more personal level. – Marietta Ulacia, Afro Latin Jazz Alliance

Offer Personal Customer Support

We’ve built our business relationships by offering excellent personal customer support. Our interactions truly demonstrate how much we care about our clients’ businesses. It’s very natural, genuine and meaningful — and long lasting. – Dustin Eide, CanPay

Focus on Being Yourself

Be yourself and share honestly and authentically. You will find your community, and the right people will gravitate toward you. Those individuals are your people. You will form solid connections, and those are the foundation for building long-lasting relationships, both personally and professionally. – Justine Murphy, mymuybueno

The Rolling Stone Culture Council is an invitation-only community for Influencers, Innovators and Creatives. Do I qualify?

Be a ‘Giver’ Rather Than a ‘Taker’

The key is to not go into a first conversation attempting to get something from a person. If you see networking only as a way to gain, you’ll risk coming off as disingenuous. Instead, think about the long-term benefits of a lasting connection; this is achieved by being as much or more of a giver than the other person is to you. – Victoria Chynoweth

Put Yourself in Situations With New, Diverse People

Do real-world, in-person activities that put you in physical proximity to new people. Go to meetups, trade shows, conferences and events like lectures, and be open to (and invite) serendipitous conversations. If there is a forum for Q&A, be that person who stands up and asks an insightful question; you’ll be surprised how many people approach you later. A great human network is a diverse network. – Sarah DaVanzo, Pierre Fabre

Follow Up Regularly

When I meet someone interesting, I make it my mission to follow up with that person frequently. I ask about the projects in which they are involved, the challenges they’re facing, the things they are most proud of. By following up on an ongoing basis, I have the opportunity to regularly learn from and about the person — which in turn builds the intimacy and trust upon which a strong network relies. – Vanessa Nornberg, Metal Mafia

Discuss Your Most Important, Relevant Concerns

Many people have more than one network, more than one mission and often multiple businesses, but to make a lasting connection, focus your conversations on the most important or relevant concerns or vision you have now. It’s easier to share opinions, swap ideas and gain and maintain genuine access to new resources when prioritizing the topics that matter most. – Cynthia Johnson, Bell + Ivy

Create a Win-Win Situation

My calls get answered not only because of where or how I met a person but because I respect where they are in their lives and make sure to offer something. How can I help? Would you like an introduction to X? What do you need right now that I may be able to assist with? I’d love to work with you on X and can bring this to the table. Mention what is comp and what is not. – Susan Johnston, New Media Film Festival®

Treat People Like Humans

Be honest. Be real. Ask genuine questions. Talk less and listen more. Have empathy and curiosity. Don’t be so tense — or formal. Everyone in every position is just a human. Treat humans like humans because that bond builds true friendship, trust and the opportunity to create beyond that. – Tim Jack, Rise

Be a Resource to Others

It is connections that are both meaningful and mutually beneficial. Reflecting on my journey, I’ve observed a common pitfall where individuals network with a narrow focus on personal gain, quick to sever ties if immediate benefits aren’t apparent. Contrary to this approach, I’ve found that truly impactful connections are nurtured through listening, learning and becoming a resource for others. – Kelley Swing, Head Case Hair Studio

Listen and Give Others Your Sincere Attention

In this era of earning attention, social media and social media monitoring tools fuel personalized connections at the purpose, passion or hobby level. People and brands should add value, not spam people in new ways. Always listen first to sincerely connect at much deeper levels. We are people, and we all appreciate sincere or relevant attention. – Igor Beuker, Igor Beuker

Just Show Up and Be Curious

I’ve found that, for myself, the thought of “networking” can be grueling, but the idea of showing up and being curious is the right mindset. Going to events and industry panels (where you share similar interests) all while being open to new possibilities helps. That’s where you’ll find the people you are supposed to meet, and the rest takes care of itself. – Karina Michel Feld, Tallulah Films