When most people hear the word “networking,” they often think of crowded events, exchanging business cards, and trying to impress someone with credentials or titles. I’ve been in those situations plenty of times, and honestly, it can feel exhausting. Over the years, however, I’ve learned that the most meaningful connections aren’t built that way. They’re built when you lead with service, when your focus shifts from “What can I gain?” to “How can I help?”
In my career in healthcare marketing and patient support, this approach has transformed the way I work. Leading with service not only strengthens relationships but also creates trust, respect, and long-lasting professional connections.
Shifting the Mindset
Early in my career, I approached networking like many people do: I focused on what I could get from the connection. While it worked on some level, I quickly realized it often felt transactional. The relationships I formed were surface-level and didn’t last.
When I shifted my mindset to leading with service, everything changed. Instead of thinking, “What can this person do for me?” I asked myself, “How can I help this person?” This simple shift immediately made interactions more authentic. People could sense my genuine interest, and the connections became deeper and more meaningful.
Listening Before Acting
Leading with service starts with listening. I try to understand the person I’m connecting with—their challenges, their goals, and their priorities—before offering advice or resources.
In healthcare, this is especially important. Families and providers often face stressful decisions, and they need someone who truly hears them. By listening carefully, I can offer guidance or connections that actually make a difference, rather than generic suggestions. Listening first builds trust and shows that I value the other person’s experience.
Providing Value Without Expectation
One of the most powerful ways to lead with service is by giving without expecting immediate returns. Whether it’s sharing an article, connecting someone with a helpful contact, or offering advice, these small gestures signal that you care about more than just your own interests.
I’ve found that when you genuinely give first, people naturally want to reciprocate. But the goal isn’t to get something back—it’s to make a real, positive impact. That mindset changes the dynamic from networking as a transaction to networking as a mutually supportive relationship.
The Ripple Effect of Service
When you focus on serving others, the impact often spreads further than you can see. I remember helping a colleague connect with a provider who could assist a family in need. The family received timely support, the provider gained a new referral, and my colleague felt supported. That one act of service created a ripple effect of goodwill, trust, and collaboration.
This is why service-oriented networking is so effective: it benefits multiple people, not just yourself. The relationships that grow from this approach are stronger, more genuine, and often last far longer than traditional networking connections.
Building Credibility and Trust
In my line of work, credibility and trust are essential. Families and providers need to know they can rely on me, not just for expertise, but for integrity and honesty. Leading with service reinforces that trust.
When people see that I consistently put their needs first—whether it’s providing guidance, connecting them to resources, or following up on a concern—they know they can count on me. Trust isn’t built overnight, but small, service-driven actions consistently applied make it possible.
Networking Becomes More Enjoyable
Another benefit of leading with service is that networking becomes genuinely enjoyable. Instead of feeling pressured to “sell” yourself or tally connections, you focus on helping others and learning from them.
I find that when I approach networking this way, conversations flow naturally. People open up, share insights, and appreciate the interaction. It stops being about business cards and starts being about relationships. That’s when networking transforms from a task into a rewarding experience.
Practical Ways to Lead With Service
For anyone looking to try this approach, here are a few practical strategies I use:
- Listen actively: Before offering help, understand the other person’s needs and goals.
- Offer resources: Share articles, contacts, or advice that may help someone—even if it doesn’t benefit you directly.
- Follow up thoughtfully: A simple check-in or thank-you message shows you care beyond the initial interaction.
- Be consistent: Service isn’t a one-time act. Consistency over time builds credibility and deepens relationships.
- Be authentic: People can sense when your actions are genuine. Lead with sincerity, not strategy.
Final Thoughts
Networking doesn’t have to feel awkward, transactional, or overwhelming. By leading with service, you create connections that are authentic, meaningful, and long-lasting. It transforms networking from an obligation into an opportunity—to help, to listen, and to support others in ways that matter.
In my career, this approach has not only strengthened professional relationships but also reinforced the values I hold dear: integrity, empathy, and care. Leading with service reminds me every day that success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about how you make a difference in other people’s lives.
If we approach networking as an opportunity to serve, every conversation, every meeting, and every connection can become a step toward building a more compassionate, trustworthy, and collaborative professional community.