This is a relationship business.

Of course networking is important.

But does it ever feel… forced?

Maybe it’s a room full of strangers, awkward small talk, and the nagging sense you’re “crossing off a to-do list” instead of building relationships.

If that sounds familiar, there’s a better way.

The key isn’t to network harder. It’s time to shift your focus.

Stop collecting contacts.

Start building social capital.

Real connections open doors, solve problems, and create mutual value.

Let’s explore how you can network with intention, authenticity, and impact.

Why Social Capital Matters More Than Ever

In real estate and entrepreneurship, relationships are everything.

Deals happen through connections.

Referrals come from trust.

Opportunities emerge when people remember your name for the right reasons.

Traditional networking often feels transactional:

Shaking hands, swapping cards, and hoping something sticks.

Building social capital is different - cultivating deep relationships over time.

Research shows the difference:

Balancing spontaneous outreach with strategic relationship-building is the way to thrive.

Over time, narrow your focus to deepen the most important connections. (Yammine et al., 2020)

Social media isn’t just for visibility.

It’s a tool for building genuine rapport through intentional communication.(Ellison et al., 2014)

When done right, networking shifts away from “using people.”

Instead, it becomes about creating win-win opportunities.

Why Traditional Networking Fails

Most people approach networking with one of these 3 mindsets.

1) Over-expansion:

Trying to meet as many people as possible, but never actually getting to know anybody

2) Over-strategizing:

Viewing every interaction as a transaction, which everybody sees right through.

3) Inactivity:

Avoiding it entirely because you're too nervous.

These approaches don’t create trust or lasting value.

Instead, they leave you feeling disconnected and frustrated.

How to Build Social Capital That Pays Dividends

1. Build Genuine Rapport

Start conversations with curiosity: “What are you working on that excites you?”

Look for common ground—shared interests, challenges, or goals.

Follow up with a small gesture, like sharing an article or making an introduction.

2. Be Visible (Authentically)

Use LinkedIn or other platforms to share thoughtful, relevant content about your industry.

Engage with others’ posts—commenting, sharing, or messaging to deepen connections.

And when you show up at events, listen more than you talk.

3. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity

Identify 3-5 key relationships you want to deepen and invest in them regularly.

Set reminders to check in—whether it’s a quick email, a coffee chat, or a casual text.

Filter your networking efforts: be around people who root for you.

That's how colleagues become friends and friends become family.

4. Create Long-Term Value

Ask yourself: “How can I help this person succeed?”

AND act on it.

Treat networking as a long game. Relationships take time, but the payoff is worth it.

The Payoff

When you network to build social capital, here’s what happens:

Opportunities find you.

Your connections will think of you first when deals or collabs arise.

Deeper relationships develop.

You build trust, and this leads to meaningful partnerships and referrals.

You create a strong personal brand.

People associate your name with value, generosity, and expertise.

Your Next Step

Start small.

Pick one person you’d like to reconnect with this week—someone you haven’t talked to in a while. Send them a thoughtful note.

Ask about their projects or offer help.

Every intentional connection you make is a step toward building social capital that lasts.

What’s your go-to networking strategy?

Reply and share—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you.

Here’s to relationships that matter,

Chris

Whenever you’re ready, here’s how I help you:

1. Become a $500MM Syndicator

A 1:1 custom experience designed to 3x your capital raising and 10x your assets under management. Train your brain to make success inevitable without sacrificing your personal life.

2. STAR Syndicator Group

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