The most powerful tool in a networker’s arsenal is the ability to give back to your network. By following the 10 key points outlined by Jean Evans, you’re guaranteed to cultivate a strong and supportive business network.

One of the first things you learn about networking is the importance of giving back to your network, and most people starting out can become overwhelmed by this notion. You might think you don’t know anyone, or you’re worried that you don’t have anything of value to give to another person in your network. However, it’s a lot easier to give back than you think.

Here are 10 things you can do to give to your network.

Show up consistently

If you’ve taken the time to join a network, I’m going to make a bold assumption and say that you’ve done your due diligence and you know the schedule and the frequency. Put this in your diary and schedule any other meetings around your networking meetings. This time spent networking should be sacrosanct.

The know, like and trust factor

Schedule one-to-one time with people in your networking groups as part of your networking process. Do a minimum of one of these individual meetings each week per networking group you are a part of to consistently and constantly build up your network. It’ll be noticed and appreciated.

Add value

As you get to know people and their businesses in your network groups, you’ll start to understand what matters to them. For example, you might come across an article that could be of interest. Why not email it on, share it on LinkedIn, or tag the person on a social media post? Then, they’ll see the article or post and know you were thinking of them.

Referrals

People generally network to get referrals. Of course, it’s great to be able to refer business to your fellow networkers. A word of caution, however: don’t be hasty. Always do your one-to-ones in advance to learn about a person’s offering before giving a referral.

Testimonials

If you’ve used a service or product of someone in your network, think about how a testimonial might add value to them personally or to their business. For example, a personal recommendation or testimonial might be put on LinkedIn. If it’s a business testimonial, ask where is best to place a recommendation (e.g. Google Reviews, LinkedIn, or just sending a testimonial by email that can be published on their website). If you include your full name and your company, it’s a little bit of micro-networking for your business too.

Get social

Find out what social media channels people are on, both personally and professionally. Then, follow them and start engaging – commenting, sharing, tagging others – with relevant content. Get involved and show you care.

Be a connector

Everyone in business has problems and pain points they are trying to solve. You might not be in a position to help, but you might know someone who could. Make the introduction and connect the two parties. They’ll both remember you for this gesture and the fact that you took time out to help.

Share your knowledge

One of the amazing benefits of networking is how much you learn from other people in your groups. Most networks have an ‘ed slot’ where five minutes are assigned to a member sharing business insights with the rest of the group. Be willing to share your knowledge.

Be yourself

Be your authentic self. Know your values, beliefs, and what you stand for, and be sure you can articulate this. This is important as, bit by bit, you’ll want to build a network of people aligned with your values. Don’t try to be something you’re not.

Follow up

If you offer to do something, be it giving a testimonial, an introduction, or organising a one-to-one, make sure to follow up. This is mission-critical. Everything succeeds or fails based on our ability to follow up. This speaks to your reputation and your reliability.

All these actions go towards building up your social capital. If you invest in yourself and build relationships consistently over time, you’ll become known as a stellar networker. It does take discipline, effort, energy and time, but the rewards could be great.

Jean Evans is a Networking Architect and Founder at NetworkMe.