Jo Sainsbury from Kickass Women writes about how having a generous mindset when networking helps build relationships.
Article originally published in The Lunch Mag, Issue 3, July 2024.
When you think of the word ‘networking’, what image comes to your mind?
Do you see yourself darting around a room, shaking people’s hands, exchanging business cards and giving quick pitches?
I was never entirely comfortable with immersing myself in those sorts of situations. Not because I lacked the social skills, but because the idea of engaging strangers in small talk with the prime motive of upward mobility seemed superficial and opportunistic to me.
But I knew that being reclusive and avoiding events where I could make beneficial associations would be a big mistake. Today, success is increasingly dependent on the quality of our personal connections. Social capital is the new currency that’s essential to us getting ahead.
As an attendee at a women’s networking event, you have something to offer the women around you, and they have something to offer in return. You don’t have to be in a high-ranking job or own a well-established business to have high social capital. Anyone can build a network from the ground up by providing value in the form of time, knowledge, skills and emotional support.
Realising the importance of networking, I tried to seek out a humane approach, one that does not involve exploiting others for my own, selfish gain. I wanted to build win-win relationships that added value. That’s when I stumbled on this quote “The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity” – Keith Ferrazzi.
In order to be a great networker, you have to come from a place of generosity. Ironically, being instrumental in other people’s success will bolster your prospects as well. Don’t keep score: it’s never simply about getting what you want. It’s about getting what you want and making sure that the people who are significant to you get what they want, too.
It’s also essential to view networking as relationship building. Instead of being a business transaction where the interest is only a short-term connection with immediate benefits, you must shift your focus to creating experiences and long-term relationships without any agenda and expectations.
By being curious and open to others, you’ll have the chance to understand what matters most to them and how you can share your social capital. Ultimately, effective networking is not about serving yourself but finding ways to serve others. Instead of asking “what’s in it for me?” ask yourself “how can I help this person?” This will instantly shift the dynamic in your connections.
The people who achieve professional and social success are the ones who are the most generous.
Here are four reasons why leading with generosity is the key to effective networking and personal fulfillment:
1. You’ll increase your social intelligence:
Our social intelligence develops when we practice generosity which requires us to be curious and ask insightful questions, to get more clued into the needs of the people that we meet.
2. You build deeper and high-quality connections:
When it comes to networking, quality always trumps quantity. When you lead from a place of generosity, cultivating relationships with sensitivity and care is a surefire way to develop sincere and genuine ties.
3. The good vibes will eventually come back to you:
We’re all familiar with the forces of Karma – what goes around will come back around. Whether or not people reciprocate your generous deeds and acts of kindness, you can be sure that good karma has been set into motion.
4. Your network will become rich and varied:
Generosity is a natural confidence booster, and it will, therefore, give you an edge over other networkers who are “takers”. Taking the time to cultivate relationships by being generous with your time and experience will propel you into all kinds of circles of impact and open doors that would normally be closed to you.
Generosity doesn’t require you to give fancy gifts, or even be an asslicker. Something as simple as emailing a useful article, making an introduction, or buying a latte for someone is just as effective. What matters is the intention behind your act of generosity, if it’s sourced from a place of authenticity and dignity, you’re on the right track!
To get in touch or Follow Jo Sainsbury on Social Media:
ABOUT Jo Sainsbury
Jo has over 30 years of combined service in Administration, HR, WH&S and Project Management in the private sector and industry, this knowledge has equipped her with all the necessary tools to focus on addressing issues of self-confidence and empowering women to have self-fulfilment, financial independence and reignite personal branding – their kickass attitude, that is. Her mission in life is to inspire and empower women to kick off their heels and tap into their steel caps and become the leaders and changemakers with impact they are born to be!
Jo has contributed to conferences and events all around the country and overseas in order to gain new inspiration on her advocacy, thought leadership and inspire others to dig deeper, motivating women to overthrow the status quo and think differently about their capabilities, their possibilities, opportunities, what it takes to drive change and what action is needed to find their kickass attitude and succeed in a career transition into varied male-dominated industries.
PHOTO (right/below)
Jo’s article: Real Networking with Generosity was originally printed in Issue 3 of The Lunch Mag.
Jo joined Ladies Who Long Lunch Hosts Kirsty Fields and Jo Stevens at their first International Women’s Day event in March 2022 as an Empowerment Panelist, and continues to attend many events annually as a guest and friend to many within our community.
We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Country across our region. We also acknowledge and pay our respects to the Kabi Kabi, Jinibara and Turrbal Traditional Custodians, and their elders past, present and emerging.
Copyright © 2026 Ladies Who Long Lunch. Website designed locally with ♥ by Social Ocean