Networking is one of the most valuable parts of running a small business. A strong network makes you better — as a person, a leader, and a business owner. It gives you resources, connections, ideas, and support you simply cannot get on your own. When you know “someone for everything,” you become incredibly valuable to your clients. You learn from other people’s expertise, you absorb their insights, and you grow faster because you’re not building in isolation.
But here’s the honest truth every entrepreneur eventually learns:
Not everyone you meet while networking is going to be great — and that’s OK.
The Reality of Networking: Some People Are Amazing… and Some Are Not
I have a wide network of trusted professionals — accountants, attorneys, mental health experts, cleaners, organizers, payroll specialists, and more. For almost any problem, I have someone who can solve it. But not everyone you meet in business networking groups will be a gem.
Some business owners are excellent at sales but terrible at execution.
Some are kind people but poor business operators.
Some are unreliable, unprofessional, or not your style.
Some simply won’t like you — and they don’t have to.
And then there are the actual scammers, pyramid schemers, and bad actors that slip into every business community. Anyone who networks long enough will eventually run into one. It’s the cost of putting yourself out there.
The Ego Bruise No One Talks About
Recently I had an interaction with a colleague who has been in the same circles as me for almost four years. I barely know him, but I approached him to ask a simple question — and he blew me off. Again. Years ago, when I first tried connecting with him over coffee, he ignored me then too. It frustrates me every time I forget who I’m dealing with and accidentally give him another opportunity.
And here’s the embarrassing part:
Even though I’m experienced, even though I’m observant, even though I tell myself I’m cynical — moments like this still sting. My confidence wobbles. I think, “I should’ve known better.” But the truth is that I’m not hardened or cynical. I’m an open book with an open heart, and that means sometimes I give people the benefit of the doubt they didn’t earn.
When Referrals Go Wrong
Another tough lesson: sometimes the people who ask for a referral end up making you look bad.
I’ve recommended colleagues to trusted vendors, only for my vendor to come back later and say,
“They were difficult to work with.”
“They never paid their invoice.”
“That project went badly.”
Nothing damages trust faster than referring a stinker to someone you value. When that happens, I immediately stop referring that person. My reputation matters, and so does protecting my network.
On the flip side, I’ve also been burned by hiring vendors I personally liked or heard great things about — only to realize later they overcharged me or did subpar work. That’s on me for not doing my due diligence. But it still feels awful.
Building a Network Requires Openness — and Vigilance
Being a business owner means walking a strange line:
You have to be open enough to form new relationships, while being cautious enough to avoid the people who drain your time, money, or energy.
For every outstanding business owner you meet, you’ll meet at least five who are not a good fit.
And developing your “nose for business” takes time. I’m still learning to spot the red flags. I still get excited by new people. I still assume the best. And yes — I still sometimes get burned because of it.
Your Success Depends on One Trait: Resilience
Networking will bruise your ego.
Bad interactions will shake your confidence.
Embarrassing moments will make you feel silly.
You will trust people you shouldn’t.
You will get ignored, dismissed, or underestimated.
But none of that means you stop.
I chose this life. I chose entrepreneurship. And that means choosing everything that comes with it — including the scammers, the mismatched personalities, the people who won’t give you the time of day, and the clients who don’t respect boundaries.
There is no way out but through.
So I keep going.
I keep meeting people.
I keep building relationships.
I keep learning and adjusting.
I keep providing good work and delivering excellent service.
Because failure is not an option.
And resilience is the number one trait of successful entrepreneurs.
The Good People Make It Worth It
For every stinker, there is someone brilliant.
For every bad referral, there is a perfect connection.
For every ego bruise, there is a new opportunity.
And the more resilient you become, the stronger your network gets.
Networking isn’t perfect — but it is still the most powerful tool you will ever have. And the good people, the generous people, the talented people? They make every awkward moment and every misstep absolutely worth it.