Networking Skill Every Leader Must Have
Many professionals proudly say they have a huge contact list. But when they actually need support, referrals, or guidance, nobody responds. The real problem is ...
Avinash Chate - Best Motivational Speaker in India addressing corporate audience The Networking Skill Every Leader Must Have: Build Relationships, Not Just Contacts One of the biggest misconceptions I see in the professional world is this: people believe networking means collecting contacts. They feel confident because their phone is full of numbers, their LinkedIn has many connections, and their visiting card drawer is overflowing. But the real test of networking comes when you need help, guidance, a referral, or honest advice. If nobody responds, then what you had was not a network. It was only a list. Key takeaway: networking is not about how many people know your name. It is about how many people trust your intent, remember your value, and are willing to respond when it matters. As Avinash Chate, I have seen this lesson play out repeatedly across teams, leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals from different industries. Over 15+ years of working with people and organizations, I have learned that meaningful professional relationships create opportunities that no cold contact list can ever deliver. Watch on YouTube → Why most people misunderstand networking Many professionals approach networking with a transactional mindset. They connect only when they need something. They call only when they want a favor. They message only when they are looking for an opportunity. This approach weakens trust before trust is even built. Real networking begins much earlier. It starts with genuine interest. It grows through consistent interaction. It becomes valuable when the other person feels seen, respected, and remembered. I often say this in my sessions: saving a contact is like planting a seed. Planting is important, but nobody expects a seed to become a tree without water, sunlight, and care. In the same way, a professional relationship needs follow-up, relevance, and sincerity. When leaders ignore this truth, they end up with wide but weak networks. And weak networks collapse at the moment they are needed most. The leadership value of strong professional relationships Leadership is not a solo journey. No leader succeeds in isolation. Every major breakthrough in business and career growth is supported by people who share insight, open doors, offer perspective, and stand with you when decisions become difficult. That is why networking is not a side skill. It is a leadership skill. As a TEDx speaker and author of The Winning Edge , I have spoken extensively about the invisible strengths that separate average professionals from trusted leaders. One of those strengths is the ability to build and sustain relationships without making every interaction feel like an agenda. In my work with teams, including organizations such as Rajarambapu Patil Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Limited, I have seen that the leaders who create the strongest influence are not always the loudest or the most connected on paper. They are the ones who invest in people consistently. They rememb…
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By Avinash Chate — Maharashtra's #1 Corporate Trainer & Motivational Speaker. Published 2026-03-21.