We all know that networking is crucial, but here’s the secret most people overlook: genuine connections are worth more than the number of business cards you collect. Instead of trying to meet as many people as possible, I started focusing on quality over quantity. I reached out to people I admired in my industry—not for career opportunities, but to learn from their experiences. I asked insightful questions, showed interest in their work, and maintained a real relationship over time. By being authentic and offering value (like sharing an interesting article or connecting them with someone who could help), I found that doors opened without me even asking. One of these relationships led to a job referral, and another resulted in business advice that helped me land my biggest project yet. The true power of networking lies in creating real, lasting connections rather than just collecting names.