There was a time when “networking” meant awkwardly shuffling around a conference room, balancing a plastic cup of wine in one hand and your stack of business cards in the other. Fast forward to 2025, and the rules of connection have shifted. We live in a world where a single DM can open the door to a multi-million-dollar deal, and where “who you know” is less about volume and more about value.
But with all the chatter about networking—how to do it, who’s doing it best, why you’re not doing it enough—the real question is: what does networking the right way actually look like today?
Forget Collecting, Start Curating
In 2025, nobody is impressed by the fact that you have 5,000 LinkedIn connections if half of them couldn’t pick you out of a line-up. The smartest networkers are focused on depth over breadth. Think of your network like a dinner party guest list—you want people whose presence adds value, conversation, and opportunity. A smaller, curated circle that knows you well will take you farther than a bloated contact list.
Authenticity Is the New Currency
The performative handshake era is over. In a time when AI can draft a flawless email and LinkedIn feeds are packed with polished posts, authenticity has become priceless. People crave real connection. That means asking thoughtful questions, listening more than you speak, and showing genuine curiosity. If your first instinct is, what can I get from this person?, you’ve already lost. The right way to network in 2025 is to approach conversations with a spirit of exchange—not extraction.
Tech Is Rewriting the Playbook
Here’s what’s new: networking apps powered by AI that match people by shared interests, VR conferences where you can “bump into” someone in a virtual cocktail lounge, and online communities that feel more valuable than any after-work mixer. A few years ago, networking was about physical spaces; now, it’s about blended spaces. One Lagos-based consultant even admits her biggest client came from a casual conversation in a Clubhouse room, not a traditional boardroom. The future belongs to those who embrace both digital and physical arenas.
Generations Network Differently
Networking style now has a generational flair. Gen Z prefers WhatsApp groups, Slack channels, and TikTok DMs—they’re quick, informal, and fearless about reaching out. Millennials still swear by coffee catch-ups and curated LinkedIn posts. Boomers? Many still favour the old-fashioned lunch or golf course deal. The lesson? Adapt your approach depending on who you’re speaking with. Cross-generational networking is a skill in itself.
Follow-Up Is the Real Flex
Anyone can say, “Let’s stay in touch.” Few actually mean it. Following up is where most networking efforts collapse. In 2025, the follow-up doesn’t need to be stiff or formulaic. Send a quick message referencing something you discussed, share a relevant article, or simply check in a few weeks later. Consistency is the flex—it shows you’re not just transactional, you’re invested.
Etiquette Still Matters
The new rules of networking have their own etiquette. Don’t cold-DM without context. Don’t hijack someone else’s spotlight online. Don’t send 5 follow-ups in a row like you’re chasing a lost parcel. The right tone is warm, concise, and respectful of someone’s time. Good manners are remembered long after a flashy pitch is forgotten.
Hybrid Spaces Are the New Cocktail Parties
Gone are the days when networking was limited to events labelled “networking night.” These days, meaningful connections happen in more fluid spaces: co-working hubs, alumni WhatsApp groups, virtual communities, and even luxury gym locker rooms. The people you meet while volunteering at an NGO or collaborating on a passion project can become part of your strongest professional circle. Networking in 2025 means keeping your radar on in unexpected places.
Networking Is a Two-Way Street
The fastest way to be remembered is to be helpful. Make introductions, share opportunities, and recommend people even when it doesn’t immediately benefit you. Think of networking like tending a garden—you nurture it over time, and it eventually bears fruit. The people who thrive in 2025 are the ones who understand that the most powerful connections are built on reciprocity.
