“Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.”
–1 Timothy 3:13
Recently, a young banker told me that he had been hired to get involved in the community by networking – making connections with prospective customers. But he was not sure how to do this. So, I thought it might be helpful to consider successful strategies for networking, along with relevant biblical principles.
The first step to remember in networking is Being Targeted. Many networking groups and opportunities can be a waste of time because they are not focused properly. I found my best customers in banking were chief financial officers and controllers. As a former certified public accountant, joining an association for accounting professionals helped me target the best prospects and resulted in many new accounts.
Proverbs 12:26 teaches, “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” To be fruitful with your networking time, choose your groups and friends wisely.
When it comes to networking, there are many groups we could join, but the best results typically come from the second step to fruitful networking: Getting Involved. Networking groups, service clubs, and other community-minded groups need leadership. People willing to become actively involved typically get noticed. When you become involved, the attention you receive can lead to new business opportunities. By serving in a leadership role, you will become better known, and if you serve well, better trusted.
In 1 Timothy 3:13 we are told, “Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.” To maximize time spent networking, take a leadership role.
The third step to fruitful networking is Being Relational. If you have engaged in many networking opportunities, you have likely met people who are more transactional in nature. They are always giving business cards to anyone who will take one and seeking ways to promote their services. However, you will not typically see them talking with someone in depth to build a genuine relationship.
We all typically prefer doing business with people we know and trust. The best way to build that trust is by building personal relationships. Proverbs 22:11 says, “One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.”
The fourth step is Being Curious. My very sociable wife, Kathy, has helped me in this area. She is naturally curious about people, always asking questions to learn more about them. Kathy has taught me to find out about other people’s families, hobbies and work, but not to stop there. She also taught me to be curious about what motivates them, seeking to discover their passions. Hebrews 13:2 teaches, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
The final step for successful networking is Meeting the Needs of Others. Everyone has needs but identifying those requires seeking to understand people and listening carefully for their biggest concerns. Ephesians 4:29 teaches, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” After listening and learning about the needs of others, then do what you can to serve their needs.
Think and Pray: Do you think about these things when you show up to your networking events? Heavenly Father, help me to be others focused when I network, trusting You in all I do in Jesus’ name, Amen.
© 2025, Unconventional Business Network. Adapted with permission from “UBN Integrity Moments”, a commentary on faith at work issues. Visit www.unconventionalbusiness.org. UBN is a faith at work ministry serving the international small business community.
