Have you ever heard someone proudly say, "I'm self-made" or "I did it all by myself"? It sounds impressive, but let me tell you—that's far from the truth. No one achieves success alone. Trevor Noah put it perfectly in The Diary OF A CEO podcast: "People need other people to get to where they're trying to go." The idea that you can "put your head down and crush it" without help isn’t just unrealistic—it’s isolating. Acknowledging the support you’ve had doesn’t diminish your achievements; it actually makes them more meaningful.
The hidden strength behind every triumph comes from the people who lift you up when you need it most. Behind every victory is a team of mentors, peers, and connections that helped pave the way. That's why building meaningful relationships is the key to standing out and reaching new heights. It’s about more than collecting contacts—it's about cultivating real connections that fuel your growth, both personally and professionally.
“No one who achieves success does so without the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.” -Althea Gibson
While acknowledging support is vital, the true test is in how you genuinely contribute your share. But let´s take a step back here. Networking in the sports industry can feel like navigating a high-stakes game where you’re balancing authenticity and ambition. You want to build real connections based on shared passions, but there’s also the pressure to move your career forward. How do you balance both without feeling transactional? This tension often leaves people unsure of how to approach networking in such a competitive field, leading many to neglect the topic altogether or avoid making connections out of fear of coming across as insincere or self-serving.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of networking only when you need something—a job, sponsorship, or advice. But here’s the hard truth: networking isn’t about what you can get. Genuine, honest interactions always go further. We all know that in the world of sports, trust and loyalty are just as valuable—if not more so—than talent and skill. Therefore, successful collaboration is about creating long-term partnerships, not short-term wins.
Adam Grant, in his book Give and Take, highlights the power of being a “giver.” He found that the most successful networkers are those who focus on helping others without expecting anything in return. When you approach networking with generosity—whether it's offering your time, resources, or knowledge—you build goodwill and foster stronger, more reliable connections. This is why having a “give-first” mindset can truly set you apart.
But why is helping others so effective? The sports industry is highly competitive, and many professionals approach networking purely with self-interest. When you’re someone who consistently gives—whether that’s sharing valuable insights, promoting others’ work, or providing access to your own network—you stand out as someone who contributes positively to the community. This helps build a reputation as a valuable asset within your network. People will remember you for your generosity and seek you out for advice, partnerships, or leadership opportunities. Over time, this approach shapes your reputation in the industry and opens doors you never expected.
By investing in the future of the industry, you build a loyal network of professionals eager to return the favor when the right opportunity arises. This is how you transform short-term connections into lasting relationships, while also building a reputation of trust. In an industry where your connections and reputation often carry more weight than anything else, these qualities can truly catapult you to success.
So, how can you apply the “give-first” principle in your own networking strategy?
- Help Peers at Any Level Even if you think you have nothing to offer, you’re wrong—everyone has something valuable to contribute. Take a moment to reflect on what you can bring to the table. Participate in both online and in-person events, engaging with people and making connections—you'll often find opportunities helping others by simply by being present. Next, identify a topic in your industry that excites you and is relevant to your goals, then double down on it. Sharing your insights from this focused area can make you a valuable resource for your peers. Finally, think outside the box and create small projects — like writing articles or organizing informal networking events, that demonstrate your passion, knowledge and the willingness to support others on their journey.
- Offer Introductions Connecting two people who can benefit from knowing each other is one of the simplest ways to add value. For instance, if you know a sports agent looking for sponsorship opportunities and a brand manager looking to invest in athletes, making that connection can lead to significant deals. You become the facilitator for meaningful relationships, building trust in your network.
- Share Knowledge Sharing your expertise is a powerful way to elevate your profile. If you’re experienced in athlete branding or digital marketing, offer insights through blog posts, webinars, or social media. For example, a sports marketer could write a LinkedIn post sharing tips on leveraging social media to boost athlete visibility. This positions you as a thought leader and helps others grow.
- Promote Others Celebrating others' achievements or sharing their work publicly builds goodwill. For example, if you see a colleague's sports documentary gaining traction, sharing it with your network or endorsing it helps increase its visibility. In return, those you support are more likely to promote your work when the opportunity arises, creating a reciprocal relationship.
- Be a Mentor Offering guidance to those new to the industry not only builds lasting relationships but also establishes you as a leader. A sports executive mentoring young sports students or aspiring industry professionals can create a legacy of trust and open doors for future opportunities. Mentees will often speak highly of you and advocate for you, enhancing your reputation in the long run.
- Volunteer or Serve on Committees Actively participating in sports organizations or events not only expands your network but also boosts your credibility. Serving on a sports industry committee, such as a local athletics association or a sports business forum, places you in proximity to key decision-makers while allowing you to help shape the industry. This can lead to new connections and opportunities down the road.
Remember, networking isn’t just about how many wins you achieve—it’s about the key moments where you help others succeed. The real MVPs aren’t always the top scorers, but the ones who carry the whole team with their support and vision. So, next time you have a chance to assist someone in your network, go for it. Think of it like delivering the perfect pass—you’ll feel just as fulfilled as if you made the winning shot yourself. In the end, the energy you put into helping others is the same energy that will find its way back to you—networking, like karma, rewards those who give selflessly.
Now that you understand the power of giving in your networking strategy, it’s time to reflect on your own approach. Are you truly building lasting relationships, or are you just keeping score? Imagine the impact if you shifted your focus from what you can get to what you can give.