Every day, you’ll come across advice about how people use networking to find a better job. Books and articles abound, offering strategies to uncover hidden positions and build useful career connections. But what if you’re not looking for another job at all?
This article is for the unemployable, the serial entrepreneur, or the corporate escapee—someone who doesn’t want to climb the corporate ladder, but instead wants to build their own business from home. If you’re seeking independence and the freedom of working for yourself, networking is still a powerful resource.
Here are 7 networking strategies that can launch your work-from-home career:
1. Create Your Own Board of Directors
Why leave strategic guidance to corporations? Create a small, personal advisory board of people you trust—mentors, friends, industry professionals. Use them for brainstorming, feedback, and accountability. These individuals can often see talents and opportunities you might miss. As you clarify your goals, tap into your network using the six degrees of separation principle—you’re never more than a few introductions away from a game-changing connection.
2. Join Entrepreneur-Focused Networking Groups
Surround yourself with like-minded people by joining organizations such as:
- Chamber of Commerce
- BNI (Business Networking International)
- LeTip
- Rotary International
These groups are hubs for opportunity. Attend meetings, share your vision, and seek collaboration—not competition. Before joining any group, know exactly what you want. Visualize your future business, lifestyle, and income goals. Ask yourself:
- What would I love doing even without pay?
- How many days/hours a week do I want to work?
- What kind of home-based business excites me?
- Where do I want to live?
- What’s my financial freedom number?
Being clear on your vision helps you align with the right people and opportunities.
3. Give Before You Receive
Successful networking starts with generosity. Instead of asking, “What can I get?” ask, “How can I help?” Whether it’s sharing helpful articles, introducing contacts, or offering your skills, giving builds trust—and trust builds opportunity.
Ways to give:
- Share helpful resources or industry news
- Refer clients or connections
- Volunteer your skills or time
- Encourage others and celebrate their wins
Giving creates a ripple effect. You’ll find that the goodwill you invest will circle back, often multiplied.
4. Learn the Power of Joint Ventures
A joint venture is a partnership where two (or more) parties collaborate for mutual gain. You don’t even need a business to start. Just connect the right people and take a cut.
Example: Know a vet with 700+ clients and a new pet groomer in town? Introduce them. If the groomer gets new clients through your connection, you earn a referral fee. That’s mailbox money—passive income that doesn’t require day-to-day work.
5. Create a Written Networking Plan
Most people plan job searches in detail—but wing it when it comes to launching a business. Be intentional.
Include:
- Your goals (specific, time-bound)
- Target contacts or groups
- Events worth attending
- Weekly or monthly networking activities
Writing your plan adds structure, clarity, and momentum.
6. Attend Bootcamps and Seminars
Seminars offer both education and opportunity. You’ll learn from experts, meet peers, and get new ideas. To maximize results:
- Meet 3 new people and ask what they’re looking to achieve
- Have lunch with someone and discuss what you’ve learned
- Introduce yourself to the speaker and ask: “What’s the #1 skill behind your success?”
These moments lead to relationships and insights that can change your path.
7. Set a Clear Outcome for Each Networking Event
Don’t just “work the room.” Know why you’re attending and who you want to meet. Plan in advance.
If there’s someone specific you’d like to connect with, ask the host for an introduction. Being clear on your intention increases your odds of success.
Final Thoughts
Networking isn’t just for climbing the corporate ladder. If you’re aiming to escape that ladder altogether and start a thriving work-at-home business, relationships can accelerate your journey. Use these strategies to grow your network with purpose, confidence, and generosity.
Remember: clarity leads to opportunity. Set your goals, give freely, and let your network guide you out of the rat race—and into the life you’ve imagined.