How to Network So You’re Impossible to Ignore

Networking isn’t “small talk with a name tag.” It’s making sure someone remembers you long after the moment has passed. It’s building such a pull that opportunity comes looking for you.

And no, you don’t have to juggle flaming torches or show up in a cape. You just need to connect with people in a way that sticks.

Start With a Constellation

Think of every person you meet as a point of light. One point alone isn’t exciting. But connect several and you’re staring at something meaningful.

Your career isn’t a straight line—it’s a sky full of possibilities. Fill your sky with bright, genuine people.

Talk to the person next to you on the plane. You’re going to be stuck there anyway, so you might as well have a good conversation. Introduce yourself to the quiet person in the corner. You’re not selling anything; you’re discovering what makes them tick.

You’ll hear, “Hey, I know someone who can help you with that.” That’s the moment when dots connect. That’s what people call luck—except luck finds you because you did the work.

Give. Then Give Again

You want to build a memorable network? Stop keeping a scoreboard.

My favorite line: “How can I help you?”

If you see a book someone would love—send it.
If you know someone who fits a project—introduce them.
If you hear of a chance that fits someone perfectly—share it.

People remember generosity. They remember that you cared enough to do something helpful with no strings attached. And when you show up that way repeatedly, you build something priceless: trust.

Be a Person, Not a Business Card

We connect with people, not profiles.

Talk about the time something didn’t go as planned. Talk about the thing you love doing when nobody’s watching. Talk about when life went sideways and what you learned from it.

Realness breaks barriers faster than job titles. Being your true self brings the right people closer and sends the wrong people walking—which is a blessing, not a loss.

This is how relationships go from transactional to memorable.

Get the Follow-Up Right

You meet someone great—now what?

If you blast a generic “Nice meeting you” message… you’ve become forgettable.

Follow up with something specific.
“Loved our chat about hiring challenges. Here’s that article I mentioned. No reply needed—I thought you might enjoy it.”

Instant value.
Zero neediness.
You just cemented yourself as someone thoughtful, not desperate.

That puts you on the short list of people who are actually worth knowing.

The Goal Is to Connect Others

You want to play on a higher level? Don’t just bring opportunity to yourself—pass it on to others.

If someone needs help and you know the right person, make the intro.

When people learn you’re the source that opens doors, they never forget you. They talk about you. They recommend you. Your name gets mentioned in rooms you’ve never even walked into.

That’s when networking stops being an activity and starts being an advantage.

The Bottom Line

• Be curious, not pushy.
• Show up with generosity, not expectations.
• Build real connections, not surface-level nods.

The real treasure in your career isn’t the shiny result you chase—it’s the people you meet along the way and what you do for them.

Make yourself impossible to ignore. Not by noise, but by genuine care, thoughtful follow-up, and being the kind of person others are glad to know. #MichaelAForman.com