SANDY ADAMS

This morning, while sipping on my first (and very much needed) coffee and half-listening to the Today Show, a segment caught my ear.

They were talking to someone affectionately known in the NFL world as “Big Daddy”. No, he’s not a player, but he’s pretty famous for being the go-to insurance guy. More importantly he connects folks. Beyond his professional success, there’s something special about him that really stands out – his genuine personality and, more importantly, his expansive network.

His approach?

Super straightforward: “If you can help people, help them.”

This made me pause and think.

In my line of work, one of the most common questions I hear is, “How do I start building a network?“

My advice has always been to focus on giving rather than receiving. But I know that can seem a bit nebulous, particularly if you’re just starting out or tend to be more on the reserved side.

Here are three practical tips to effectively give value to your network, inspired by “Big Daddy” himself:

1. Listen More Than You Talk: The art of listening can’t be overstated. By genuinely listening to others, you not only gain insights but also position yourself as someone who values others’ contributions. This goes a long way in strengthening your bonds.
2. Share Your Knowledge Freely: Got a tip or a piece of advice that could help someone out? Share it without expecting anything in return. You’ll be surprised how much goodwill you can build by freely offering your expertise.
3. Be Authentic: In a world full of sales pitches and constant promo, being yourself is refreshing. Authenticity fosters trust and likability. Remember, people want to connect with people, not profiles.

Remember, giving value isn’t about being pushy or trying to score points. It’s certainly not about waiting around and asking, “So, when will it be my turn?” That kind of thinking misses the point entirely.

Networking, especially when tied to personal branding, is all about the long haul. It’s about nurturing genuine connections and building a solid reputation, not dashing to the finish line.

“Big Daddy” really got something right with his approach to building connections by simply being helpful. If he can create impactful relationships by sticking to his simple philosophy, why can’t we?

Do you have any experiences where helping out led to something amazing? I’d be thrilled to hear about it.

Let’s keep the conversation going.


P.S.    Ever considered writing a book, but have absolutely no clue how to start? In a recent episode of my podcast, The Sandy Adams Show, I had an enlightening conversation with author, Kelly Garrett, no connection to Charlie’s Angels 👀 Listen in on the full conversation >>RIGHT HERE<< for more on how to navigate the publishing world.