Connecting people isn’t just about helping others, it can benefit you in unexpected ways, says Marsha Egan
Think of networking like dropping a pebble in a pond. When you introduce two people who can help each other, you create a ripple effect. The positive impact of that connection can spread far beyond the initial introduction. Maybe they work together and build something amazing. Maybe they help each other grow. Maybe they remember you as the person who made it happen and, down the line, they return the favor in ways you never expected.
People naturally want to help those who have helped them. When you make valuable connections for others, you build goodwill, which often circles back to you when you need it most.
The Connector Is the Power Player
Ever notice how some people seem to know everyone? They’re the go-to person in their circle – the ones who always have an introduction to make, a resource to offer, or a door to open. That’s the power of being a connector.
When you consistently help others by connecting them, your reputation can grow. People start to see you as someone valuable, someone with influence. You become the person people trust, and that trust turns into opportunities over time.
The Magic of Karma
Not every introduction will lead to an immediate benefit for you, and that’s okay. The beauty of connecting people is that the rewards often come back when you least expect them. Maybe a job opportunity arises from someone you helped years ago. Maybe an introduction you made sparks a business deal, and those involved later bring you in on another project. Maybe someone you connected remembers your kindness and refers clients or customers your way.
The key is to trust that giving creates abundance. You never know how or when, but the value you put into the world has a way of making its way back to you.
How to Ramp Up Your Connecting
If you’re not used to making introductions, don’t worry – you don’t need to be the most connected person in the world to start. Here are a few simple ways to begin:
Listen for needs
When someone mentions a challenge or goal, ask yourself: Do I know someone who could help with this?
Connect altruistically
Give because it is the right thing to do, not because you think you will benefit.
Make casual introductions
It doesn’t have to be formal. A simple, “Hey, I think you two should meet!” goes a long way.
Stay open-minded
You never know which connections might be valuable. Sometimes, the most unexpected introductions lead to the biggest opportunities.
Follow up
A quick check-in to see if the connection was helpful shows you care and strengthens your relationships with both people.
The Bottom Line: Invest in Relationships
Even if you don’t see an immediate benefit, connecting people is an investment in relationships, which are among the most valuable assets you can have. The more you give, the more opportunities, trust, and goodwill you create. And in the long run, that’s worth more than any single favor or immediate return.
So next time you have the chance to introduce two people who could benefit from knowing each other, do it. Not because you have to, but because you can. And trust that good things will come from it – both for them and for you.
