Top 20 'Generosity-as-Growth' Networking Tips to pursue for Ambitious Professionals Who Hate 'Using' People in 2025 - Goh Ling Yong
Let's be honest. Does the word "networking" make your skin crawl? For many ambitious, thoughtful professionals, it conjures images of stuffy conference rooms, forced smiles, and a desperate exchange of business cards. It feels transactional, calculated, and frankly, a bit icky. The idea of "using" people to get ahead just doesn't sit right, even if you know building connections is vital for your career.
What if there was a better way? A strategy for 2025 and beyond that builds a powerful, supportive professional circle without making you feel like a soulless opportunist? There is. It’s a philosophy we call ‘Generosity-as-Growth.’ It’s the simple but profound idea that the most sustainable and rewarding career growth comes not from what you can get, but from what you can give.
This isn't about aimless altruism; it's a strategic, human-centric approach to building relationships. By leading with value, you build trust, respect, and genuine connections. The opportunities, collaborations, and career advancements become a natural byproduct of the goodwill you create. Ready to ditch the transactional tactics? Here are 20 actionable 'Generosity-as-Growth' networking tips to build a career you're proud of.
1. Master the Art of the Value-First Share
Instead of reaching out with an ask, reach out with a give. This is the cornerstone of generous networking. It means sharing a resource—an article, a podcast, a tool—not as a thinly veiled excuse to connect, but because you genuinely believe it will help the other person.
The key is specificity. Don't just blast a generic link to your entire network. Send a personalized message that shows you've been paying attention. For example: "Hi Sarah, I remember you mentioned you were tackling supply chain logistics for your new product line. I just read this in-depth report on sustainable sourcing that had a fascinating case study on page 8. Thought it might spark an idea for you."
This simple act accomplishes three things: it shows you listen, you remember details, and you are actively thinking about how to help others succeed. It’s a powerful way to stay top-of-mind without asking for anything in return.
2. Make "Double Opt-In" Introductions
Connecting two people who could benefit from meeting is one of the most generous things you can do. However, a poorly executed intro can create an awkward obligation for both parties. The gold standard is the "double opt-in" introduction, which respects everyone's time and agency.
First, reach out to each person individually. Explain why you think they should connect, highlighting the specific, mutual value. For Person A, you might say, "I'd love to introduce you to Person B; she's an expert in the exact funding model you were asking about." Then, ask for their permission: "Would you be open to an introduction if she is?"
Only after both parties have enthusiastically agreed do you send the connecting email. This turns you from a random connector into a thoughtful, respected curator of valuable relationships.
3. Amplify Someone Else's Win
In a world of self-promotion, be the person who champions others. When a colleague, a connection, or even a mentor posts about a project launch, a new job, or a published article, don't just "like" it. Amplify it.
Share their post with a genuine, insightful comment about why their work matters. For instance, instead of just "Congrats!", try: "This is a huge achievement! I was particularly impressed by the user-centric design approach Mark's team took here. Anyone in UX should take a look at how they handled the onboarding flow. Fantastic work, Mark!"
This provides social proof for them, gives them visibility to your network, and positions you as a confident, supportive leader who celebrates the success of others. That's a reputation that attracts opportunities.
4. Offer a "15-Minute Brainstorm"
Sometimes, the most valuable thing you can offer is a fresh perspective. If you see someone in your network grappling with a problem you have experience in, reach out with a low-commitment offer of help.
Frame it as a "micro-consultation." You could say, "Hey Alex, I saw your post about searching for a new project management tool. I've tested a few in my past role and have some thoughts. If you'd like to hop on a quick 15-minute call to brainstorm, no strings attached, just let me know."
This is incredibly generous because you are offering your most valuable asset—your time and expertise—with no expectation of return. It's a quick, high-impact way to build a reputation as a helpful, knowledgeable professional.
5. Become a Community Weaver
Instead of just joining communities, build them. You don't need to launch a massive conference. Start small. Identify a handful of people in your network who share a common interest or challenge—like "marketing managers at tech startups" or "freelancers navigating AI."
Create a private Slack channel, a LinkedIn group, or even a simple monthly coffee Zoom call for them. Your role is simply to facilitate connection. You can start discussions, share resources, and create a safe space for others to ask questions and share their own experiences.
By becoming a weaver, you create immense value for an entire group. You become the central node in a network built on mutual support, a philosophy we champion here on the Goh Ling Yong blog.
6. Write a Meaningful LinkedIn Recommendation
A LinkedIn recommendation is a public, permanent testament to someone's skills and character. Most are generic and forgettable. Make yours stand out by being specific and story-driven.
Don't just say, "Jane is a great team player." Instead, tell a quick story that shows it. "During the challenging Q4 product launch, our server went down at 2 AM. Not only did Jane stay online to help the engineering team, but she proactively kept our international stakeholders updated with clear, calm communication. Her grace under pressure turned a potential crisis into a moment of team solidarity. She is an absolute asset to any team."
This kind of detailed, authentic praise is rare and incredibly valuable. It takes just ten minutes of your time but can significantly impact someone's career.
7. Lead with Curiosity, Not an Agenda
Enter every conversation with the goal of learning something, not pitching something. When you meet someone new, resist the urge to immediately explain what you do and what you want. Instead, ask thoughtful, open-ended questions.
Go beyond "What do you do?" Try questions like, "What's the most interesting challenge you're working on right now?" or "What's a surprising trend you're seeing in your industry?" or "What's a skill you're trying to develop this year?"
People love to talk about their passions and problems. When you listen intently and ask great follow-up questions, you're not just gathering information; you're making the other person feel seen and heard. That's how genuine bonds are formed.
8. Remember the Little Details
Generosity is often found in the details. When someone mentions their kid's upcoming soccer tournament, a big presentation they're nervous about, or a vacation they're planning, make a mental or physical note.
A week later, a simple follow-up can make a huge impact. "Hey Ben, just thinking of you. How did that big presentation to the board go last week?" or "Hope you had an amazing time in Italy!"
This shows that you don't just listen—you hear. In a world of fleeting digital interactions, remembering the human details sets you apart and builds deep-seated loyalty and trust.
9. Give Away Your "Secret Sauce"
Many professionals hoard their best tips, templates, and processes, fearing competition. The generous networker does the opposite. They share their knowledge freely, understanding that a rising tide lifts all boats.
Did you create a killer project management template in Notion? A spreadsheet that automates a tedious task? A script for handling difficult client conversations? Share it. Write a LinkedIn post explaining how to use it and offer it to anyone who wants it.
This positions you as a confident expert who is more interested in elevating the industry than in guarding personal secrets. The goodwill and authority this builds are far more valuable than any "secret sauce."
10. Be a Sounding Board
Sometimes, people don't need advice; they just need a safe space to think out loud. Offer to be a sounding board for a colleague or connection who is working through a complex idea or preparing for a high-stakes meeting.
Your role isn't to solve their problem for them. It's to listen, ask clarifying questions, and reflect their own ideas back to them. You can say, "I've got 30 minutes free this afternoon if you just want to talk through your presentation structure. I'll just be a fresh pair of ears."
This is an act of intellectual generosity that helps people gain clarity and confidence. It's a way to support them that respects their expertise and autonomy.
11. Follow Up on Your Own Offers
We've all heard it: "Let me know if I can ever help with anything!" It's a nice sentiment, but it places the burden of action on the other person. A truly generous approach is to follow up on your own vague offer with a specific one.
If you had a great conversation with someone about their marketing challenges, don't leave it at that. A week later, send a note: "I was thinking more about our conversation about your content strategy. I have a checklist I use for SEO-optimizing blog posts that might be helpful. Can I send it over?"
This proactive gesture turns a platitude into a tangible act of support and makes it incredibly easy for the other person to accept your help.
12. Connect People to Opportunities, Not Just People
Go beyond introducing people to each other. Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities that would be a perfect fit for someone in your network—even if there's no direct benefit to you.
This could be a job opening, a call for speakers at a conference, a freelance gig, or an industry award nomination. When you spot one, pass it along with a personal note: "Saw this call for speakers and immediately thought of your expertise in AI ethics. You would be perfect for this."
Becoming known as someone who proactively shares opportunities makes you an invaluable hub of information and a magnet for others who operate with the same generous mindset.
13. Practice the "Five-Minute Favor"
Popularized by Adam Grant in his book Give and Take, the five-minute favor is any small act of help that you can do in five minutes or less. The goal is to make these small acts of generosity a consistent habit.
What does this look like in practice? It could be re-sharing an interesting article, providing a quick piece of feedback on a headline, answering a question in a forum, or introducing two people over email (with their permission, of course!).
By consistently doing these small favors, you build a massive bank of goodwill over time. It doesn't require a huge time commitment, just a mindset of constantly looking for small ways to add value to the lives of those around you.
14. Send the "No-Ask" Check-in
In a world where every email seems to contain a request, be the person who sends a message with zero agenda. A simple, genuine check-in can be a powerful way to strengthen a professional relationship.
This is especially effective with contacts you haven't spoken to in a while. A short and sweet note is all it takes: "Hi David, I was just thinking about the fantastic work you did on the rebranding project last year and wanted to say hello. Hope you're having a great 2025 so far."
That's it. No ask. No "let's catch up" (unless you genuinely want to). Just a simple, human connection that reminds them they are valued as a person, not just as a potential resource.
15. Give Credit Generously and Publicly
When you're working on a team or a collaborative project, make it a point to give credit where it's due—loudly, publicly, and specifically. Never take credit for someone else's idea or hard work.
In a meeting, say things like, "Building on Sarah's excellent point about customer retention..." or "The credit for that successful campaign really goes to Tom's data analysis." When you send a project summary email, name the individuals who made key contributions.
This fosters a culture of psychological safety and collaboration. People will want to work with you because they know you are a secure, confident leader who celebrates the team's success over your own ego.
16. Ask for Advice (The Right Way)
This might seem counterintuitive, but asking for advice is a form of generosity because it is an act of respect. It shows that you value someone's expertise, experience, and opinion. The key is to do it thoughtfully.
Don't ask a vague, time-consuming question like, "Can I pick your brain?" Instead, ask a specific, well-researched question that shows you've already done your homework. For example: "I'm deciding between marketing automation platforms A and B. I know you used platform A at your last company. Could you share one pro and one con from your experience that I might not find in a review?"
This makes it easy for them to help, respects their time, and makes them feel like the expert they are.
17. Engage Thoughtfully on Social Media
Your "likes" are fleeting, but your thoughtful comments build relationships. Instead of just scrolling, spend 10-15 minutes a day engaging deeply with a few posts from people in your network.
Go beyond "Great post!" Add to the conversation. Ask a clarifying question, share a related resource, or offer a complementary perspective. A well-written, insightful comment can be more powerful than a coffee meeting because it's public and showcases your expertise to a wider audience.
This is a scalable way to nurture dozens of relationships simultaneously. You're adding value to your contact, their audience, and building your own personal brand as a thoughtful contributor.
18. Send a Thank-You Note—On Paper
In a digital-first world, a physical object stands out. After a particularly helpful conversation, an introduction, or a meeting, take five minutes to write and mail a handwritten thank-you note.
It doesn't need to be a long letter. Just a few sincere sentences on a simple card can leave a lasting impression that an email simply can't replicate. It's a tangible reminder of your gratitude and thoughtfulness.
This classic, old-school gesture cuts through the digital noise and demonstrates a level of care and intention that is increasingly rare—and therefore, increasingly valuable.
19. Play the Long Game
Generosity-as-Growth is not a short-term tactic; it's a long-term strategy. The goal is not to get a referral next week. The goal is to build a relationship that could lead to unforeseen opportunities five, ten, or even twenty years from now.
This mindset frees you from the anxiety of immediate returns. You can give freely without keeping a mental scorecard of who owes you what. You focus on the quality of the relationship, trusting that the value will compound over time. As my mentor Goh Ling Yong often says, "True influence is built on a foundation of trust, not transactions."
When you play the long game, you make better decisions, build more resilient connections, and create a career that is both successful and deeply fulfilling.
20. Track Your Giving, Not Your Getting
To build this generous habit, consider keeping a "Generosity Journal." This isn't about keeping score or tracking favors owed. It's for you alone, to ensure you are being intentional with your actions.
At the end of each week, jot down a few ways you've added value to your network. Did you make an introduction? Amplify someone's work? Send a helpful article? This practice helps you see if you're truly living up to your goal of leading with generosity.
Over time, you'll see a rich tapestry of the positive impact you're having. It's a powerful motivator and a practical tool to transform your networking from a dreaded chore into a rewarding practice.
Your Network Is Your Net Worth—of Goodwill
Shifting your networking approach from "what can I get?" to "what can I give?" is the single most powerful change you can make for your professional development in 2025. It transforms a source of anxiety into a source of genuine connection and fulfillment. You're not "using" people; you're building a community, brick by brick, through acts of service and support.
The beauty of the 'Generosity-as-Growth' model is that it's a virtuous cycle. The more you give, the more you build your reputation as a valuable, trustworthy professional. And that is the kind of reputation that attracts the most exciting and meaningful opportunities.
So, where will you start? Pick one tip from this list that resonates with you. Just one. Try it this week. It could be amplifying someone's win on LinkedIn, sending a no-ask check-in, or making a double opt-in introduction.
Which tip will you put into practice? Share your choice in the comments below—we’d love to see what you’re committing to!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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