Networking on a Budget: Building Relationships That Build Wealth

Most people approach networking the wrong way.

They go to expensive conferences, send cold DMs, and hope the right people notice them. That’s networking at scale—but networking doesn’t start at scale.

When I was building my first banking consultancy, I didn’t have the luxury of waiting for a networking event. Instead, I put myself exactly where my target clients were.

I found a coffee shop near the bank where I wanted to get in. Every morning, I worked from there. I made small talk with the tellers. I introduced myself to the people in line. I became a familiar face. Eventually, I got a meeting. Once I had access inside the bank, I took it further—I started eating lunch in their cafeteria, casually sitting next to the people I wanted to meet.

It felt like serendipity to them, but in reality, I engineered those moments.

This is how you network when you don’t have money: You don’t wait for opportunities—you create them.

1. Stop Networking—Start Orchestrating Serendipity

Most people are waiting for a lucky break. A chance meeting. A random connection.

Forget that. Make luck happen.

Instead of hoping to meet the right people at some networking event, go to where they already are.

• If you want to meet investors, work from coffee shops near VC firms.

• If you want to connect with startup founders, hang out at co-working spaces.

• If you’re targeting corporate clients, find out where they eat lunch.

Don’t be a stalker. Just be present. When people see you regularly, conversations start naturally. And when they feel like they “randomly” met you, it doesn’t feel like networking—it feels like fate.

2. The Power of Physical Proximity

People underestimate the power of just being around the right people.

Here’s what worked for me:

Set up your workspace where your industry people are.

• Work from a coffee shop next to their office.

• Go to the gym where they train.

• Eat where they eat.

Use casual conversations to warm up connections.

• Say hello to the barista they always order from.

• Make small talk with regulars.

• Let people notice you before you introduce yourself.

Make the introduction feel natural.

• “I think we’ve seen each other here a few times—what do you do?”

• “Hey, I recognise you from [mutual place]. I’m [your name], nice to meet you.”

• “You’re in [industry], right? I’d love to hear about what you’re working on.”

When I did this at the bank, I wasn’t pitching myself. I was building familiarity. And when people already feel like they know you, saying yes to a meeting becomes easy.

3. How to Become a Known Name Before You Even Meet Someone

You don’t always need to be physically present. You can also create digital serendipity.

Comment Before You Connect

Instead of sending a cold DM, start showing up in their world first.

• Leave thoughtful comments on their LinkedIn posts.

• Reply with something insightful to their tweets.

• Share their work with your own audience.

By the time you send a message, they already recognize your name. That changes the dynamic completely.

Make Introductions Before You Ask for One

Want to connect with someone important? Introduce them to someone they’d value.

• “Hey, I saw you’re working on [thing]. I know someone who might be able to help—should I connect you two?”

• “I just read your article on [topic]. It reminded me of [person]—I think you two would have a great conversation.”

You become valuable before you even ask for anything.

Get Featured Where They Pay Attention

If the people you want to meet follow certain blogs, podcasts, or social media accounts, get featured there.

• Write guest articles for blogs they read.

• Get interviewed on industry podcasts.

• Share insights in LinkedIn groups they’re active in.

They’ll hear your name before you ever introduce yourself. That makes your first meeting feel like a warm connection, not a cold pitch.

4. Make Your First Interaction About Them, Not You

When you finally do meet someone, don’t make the mistake of jumping into your pitch.

Instead, be interested, not interesting.

• Instead of: “I’m building [business]—can we chat?”

• Try: “I saw your work on [project]—what was your biggest takeaway from it?”

• Instead of: “Can I pick your brain?”

• Try: “I noticed you solved [problem]. What advice would you give someone trying to do the same?”

When you let them talk about themselves first, they’ll naturally ask about you. And when that happens, your introduction doesn’t feel forced—it feels earned.

5. The One Networking Move That Costs Nothing But Wins Big

The simplest way to build a powerful network? Make valuable introductions.

• Connect two people who should know each other.

• Introduce someone to an opportunity you’re not taking.

• Offer insights that help someone’s business, without asking for anything in return.

Most people only think about who can help them. The real power players think about who they can help first.

The more value you create, the more opportunities come back to you. That’s how you network without spending a cent.

Your Action Plan: Engineer Your Own “Lucky” Meetings

Pick one place where your ideal connections already are.

• A coffee shop, gym, co-working space, or online community.

• Go there consistently until you become a familiar face.

Engage digitally before reaching out.

• Comment on LinkedIn.

• Reply on Twitter/X.

• Share their work with your network.

Make one valuable introduction this week.

• Connect two people who should meet.

• Offer insights that help someone.

• Send a resource that’s useful to them.

Final Thought: Don’t Wait for the Right Network—Create It

You don’t need a big budget to network. You need presence, creativity, and generosity.

Stop waiting for invites to exclusive events. Put yourself in the right places, show up consistently, and create value before you ask for anything.

That’s how you build relationships that build wealth.

And the best part? It works for anyone—starting today.

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With grit and gratitude,