Anyone in the start-up space knows that having a solid network can take you places.

“It has afforded me access and linkages to important people, influencers, movers, shakers, and tastemakers,” Arvi Lopez, head of branding and public relations at ALTUS Digital Capital, a private equity firm that invests in start-ups in emerging markets.

But just like any other skill, networking takes practice. Founder Sonia Thompson, in her Inc. article, suggests generosity-based habits that will help you become a highly-connected entrepreneur and expand your reach, impact, and business growth.

For Southeast Asian founders who want to harness their people skills, here are five ways to grow your network the right way:

1. Be genuinely interested in other people

According to Lopez, “effective networking requires the willingness to genuinely know and understand the other person’s perspective, what they are currently working on, or…how you can both help each other on a long-term basis.”

According to him, networking is about forging connections with the intention of mutual progress, and it’s crucial to get off to a good start.

2. Be a good listener

Therence John Resabal, CEO of Spectres.Solutions, claims in an Inc. South-east Asia article on making a good first impression that he patiently waits for the other person he just met to complete talking during a conversation to demonstrate that he is paying attention and that he understands them.

Lopez advises businesspeople to be more eager to listen and ask questions rather than blatantly advancing their own agenda. His network enabled him to quickly resolve situations while also supporting brands throughout his public relations career.

“[Networking] has also given me a more balanced outlook on certain issues and often provides me with reliable feedback on how I can improve the way we do things,” he says.

3. Give with no strings attached

“Building relationships the right way is about helping other people with no expectation that will help you in return. It’s not about quid pro quo,” Thompson writes. Don’t have any ulterior motive, she adds. “Do it for the sake of making life better for the person. Nothing more.”

Lopez says, “Entrepreneurs should always be kind, positive, and collaborative when networking.”

4. Always keep proper etiquette in mind

Since social media and technology are so ingrained in our daily lives, it is simple to forget how long-lasting relationships are formed—through perseverance, sincerity, and appropriate behaviour.

“Smile, be assured, make eye contact, and shake hands firmly at the start and conclusion of any conversation. Do not binge, advises Lopez, if you are out networking and there is food or alcohol being provided.

Additionally, he offers some advice, such as to always keep your right hand free for handshakes, eat modestly, repeat the other person’s name after they have been introduced, and always end a conversation by saying the other person’s name as you part ways. And if you discover that you know someone in common, never spread rumours about them and keep the conversation upbeat.

5. Be patient

It pays to be persistent when networking since occasionally, due to pronounced differences in ideologies or business sectors, you might not even perceive the immediate need to interact with a certain person.

It takes time and effort to establish a solid, trustworthy network. Additionally, Lopez emphasises the value of reaching out to others during times of comfort as well as times of need or urgency.