Networking Can Be Your Greatest Asset in Business

Welcome to the Dave vs. Startups.

I failed at networking for years.

Didn't care about it. Didn't see the value.

It's one of my biggest startup mistakes that eventually changed my entire approach to business.

Here's what I learned about overcoming the networking fear:

Looking back, I wonder how much better I could’ve done if I had valued networking earlier.

Relationships matter a lot, especially in B2B.

This was a genuine failure in my business journey, one I had to overcome.

The shift happened when I realized something…

My arrogance and selfish behavior were limiting our growth potential.

I had to transition from that mindset to one focused on empathy and actually caring about connections.

Building a business isn't just about the product.

You need to build relationships along the way.

When I finally embraced networking, new doors opened that I never knew existed.

Here's my advice from this experience…

Start by shifting your mindset.

Networking isn't about "using" people.

Networking is more about building genuine relationships where both sides benefit.

When approached with authenticity, it stops feeling uncomfortable.

Don't wait until you're desperate to start networking.

That's what I did, and it made everything harder.

Build connections when you don't need them, so they're there when you do.

In B2B especially, people buy from people.

Your network can become your best source of:

• New customers

• Market intelligence

• Strategic partnerships

I missed these opportunities for too long.

The most valuable networking advice I can give…

Focus on giving value first, not taking.

Ask how you can help them, not how they can help you.

This completely transforms the networking experience.

My biggest networking regret was not starting sooner.

The connections you build today can open doors years from now that you can't even imagine yet.

If you're avoiding networking because it feels uncomfortable or inauthentic, you're making the same mistake I did.

Change your approach, not your goal.

The right connections can completely transform your business trajectory.

Thanks for reading!
Dave