Why do people only come to us when they need us? (Networking)

Find out why people only come to us when they need us, and learn how to cultivate genuine professional relationships. Learn how to avoid being used and promote networking based on collaboration and reciprocity.

Today I would like to address a subject that has intrigued me for some time: why do people only contact us when they need us? Many of you have certainly experienced this situation, where someone we haven't heard from in a while sends us a message or calls, apparently interested in getting to know us and helping us, but we soon realize that their intentions are just to use our knowledge or contacts for their own benefit. .

This tendency to seek contacts only when there is a specific need is something that happens all too often these days. With the ease of social networks and the constant search for opportunities, it is common to find people who only get close when they need some favor, advice or professional help. We might call this "transactional networking".

It is important to emphasize that networking is a powerful and essential tool for the professional growth of all of us. However, it has to be based on principles of reciprocity and genuine collaboration, not on selfish and profiteering interests. Unfortunately, not everyone understands the true purpose of networking.

So how can we avoid being "discarded" after helping someone or how can we protect ourselves from these self-serving approaches? The answer is simple: cultivating true professional relationships. Here are some tips:

Be present: Stay connected with your contacts, even if there is no immediate need. Be present on social networks and share content relevant to your area of expertise.

Be genuine: When you approach someone, try to create a relationship based on trust and mutual respect. Show genuine interest in each other's stories and aspirations.

Reciprocity: Be willing to help and share your knowledge with others. Cultivating solid relationships is a two-way job.

Value your time: Carefully evaluate the opportunities that arise and are fundamental to your professional career. Don't become hostage to demands that won't bring you value.

Be selective: When building your network, be selective. Choose people who share the same values and professional goals.

Explore new connections: Be open to meeting new people and expanding your circle of contacts. There's a lot to learn from people from different backgrounds and fields.

Finally, it is important to emphasize that in a highly connected professional world, building healthy relationships is essential. We should not see our contacts only as "one-time values", but as possibilities for joint growth. So let's promote networking together based on collaboration and the true value we can add to each other.