NETWORK STRATEGY: “Be a Giver First”

blacksuccessmagazine
Aug 5
4 min read

Be the plug. Add value to others. People remember who helped them before they asked.

By Black Success Magazine Staff

In today’s fast-paced, results-driven world, it’s easy to view networking as a self-serving tool—a means to get a new job, close a sale, or elevate your brand. But the truth is, the most powerful networkers aren’t the ones who take first. They’re the ones who give first.

They’re the plugs—the connectors, the value-adders, the unsung heroes who create opportunity not just for themselves, but for others. And that, dear reader, is a strategy not only rooted in success, but in wisdom, legacy, and character.

If you want to be unforgettable in business and in life, learn this foundational principle: Be a Giver First.

The Myth of Transactional Networking

Too often, networking is reduced to a business card swap or a LinkedIn add. We attend mixers, conferences, and Zoom rooms hoping someone will unlock a door for us. But if you show up only looking to gain, you’ve already lost.

True networking is not a transaction—it’s a transformation.

People don’t remember what you said. They remember how you made them feel. And when you offer help with no strings attached—before they even ask—you make them feel seen, valued, and respected.

That’s influence. That’s power. That’s legacy.

The Plug Mentality: What It Means to “Be the Plug”

In the urban business world, being "the plug" means you’re the person with the connections. The insider. The one who can make things happen. But let’s take that a step further:

Being the plug doesn’t just mean having access. It means using your access to bless others.

Maybe you know a great web designer and someone who just launched a business—connect them. Maybe you hear about a grant opportunity and think of a struggling nonprofit—send it their way. Maybe you meet a dynamic speaker and know a conference organizer looking for fresh talent—make the introduction.

When you become the bridge between people and opportunity, your name gets stamped on every success story that flows from that connection. Not for the credit, but for the character.

Adding Value: The Real Currency

What does it mean to add value?

It means you show up with more than a need—you show up with a gift. It may be:

Encouragement
Insight or advice
A connection or introduction
Time or presence
A skill or resource
Even just a listening ear

Adding value means looking for ways to uplift the room, not just benefit from it.

This is not just a business tactic—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re at a family cookout, corporate meeting, church function, or Instagram live, ask yourself: Who here can I serve? Who can I support? What can I give that costs me little but means much to them?

The Law of Return: What You Sow Will Grow

You may be thinking, “But if I’m always giving, won’t I be taken advantage of?”

Let’s clarify: being a giver doesn’t mean being a doormat. It means being intentional and discerning—planting seeds in good soil, not on concrete. But here's the promise:

What you give out comes back multiplied.

Jesus said it plainly: “Give, and it will be given to you.” Not might. Will.

In business terms, this is known as “social capital.” Every time you help someone, you’re making a deposit. And over time, those deposits compound into a wealth of goodwill, reputation, and referrals.

In the world of networking, givers are the ones everyone wants in their corner.

Real-Life Examples: The Givers Who Rose

Let’s take a quick walk through history and headlines.

Oprah Winfrey started out giving platforms to others long before she built her empire. From authors to thought leaders, many credit her for launching their careers.
Tyler Perry is known not only for his storytelling but for hiring and uplifting those overlooked by Hollywood. Now, people line up to work with him—and not just for a paycheck, but for the purpose.
Daymond John, founder of FUBU and Shark Tank investor, often shares how his early success was fueled by giving value—advice, mentorship, and sweat equity—long before he had money.

In each case, these Black success icons didn’t wait to be crowned kings and queens—they served first, and the crown followed.

What Giving Looks Like This Week

You don’t need millions in the bank to be a giver. You just need a mindset shift. Here are 5 practical ways to “Be a Giver First” this week:

Make One Introduction Think of two people in your network who could help each other. Connect them. No agenda. Just value.
Share a Resource Find an article, tool, video, or grant that could benefit someone in your circle. Send it with a quick note.
Uplift a Small Business Share a post. Leave a review. Buy from them if you can. Visibility is value.
Encourage Publicly Post something uplifting about a peer. Brag on someone who’s doing good work. Your words are powerful.
Be Present for Someone Listen. Show up. Be the ear or shoulder someone didn’t know they needed.

Small gestures, big impact.

The Legacy of a Giver

At the end of the day, networking isn’t just about getting ahead—it’s about leaving a legacy. Will people remember you as the one who was always asking… or the one who was always adding?

Every connection you make is a chance to show the world what leadership, grace, and generosity look like in action. And if you ever wonder whether it’s worth it, just remember this:

The person you help today could be the one who opens the biggest door in your future.

And even if they don’t, the seed you sow will still bear fruit—because giving always grows something.

Call to Action: This Week, Be the Plug

Now that you’ve read this, it’s time to live it.

✅ This week, choose to be a giver before you’re a getter. ✅ Choose to add value before you ask for a favor. ✅ Choose to be the person who connects others without needing credit.

And then watch what happens.

The world is full of takers. Be different. Be the one who blesses. Be the one who gives. Be the plug.

Share your success story with us at Black Success Magazine. Tag us when you make a connection, lift someone up, or open a door. Use the hashtag #BeThePlug so we can celebrate with you.

Let’s build a culture where giving isn’t rare—it’s the rule.