The importance of networking in career success is undeniable. Networking is a powerful tool to build relationships, exchange ideas, and open doors to new opportunities. Sustainable networking is an even more powerful tool that can help you set yourself up for long-term career success.

Sustainable networking is most of all about the practice of building relationships with individuals and organisations in a way that is mutually beneficial and respectful. It’s about nurturing relationships over time and recognising that the relationship is a two-way street. It is about creating a strong foundation of trust and respect, which can lead to valuable opportunities in the future. So it is based on the idea that relationships should be built with an eye toward the future, rather than on the short-term goal of immediate gratification.

The key to successful sustainable networking is trust. Building trust is not something that can be done overnight; it requires effort and dedication. It can take time to build trust with someone, and it is important to be patient and keep trying.

One way to build trust with someone is to set and keep clear boundaries. People are more likely to trust you if they know what to expect from you and if you are consistent in your behaviour. Establishing clear boundaries and expectations from the beginning will help create trust.

Another way to build trust is to be honest and authentic. People are more likely to trust someone who is genuine and not afraid to be vulnerable. It is important to be honest with your words and actions, and to be clear about your intentions. People can sense when someone is trying to manipulate them or is not being genuine.

It is also important to be reliable and dependable. People are more likely to trust someone who is reliable and can be relied upon to do what they say they will do. This means being consistent in following through on commitments and being reliable in responding to requests.

Being willing to listen and learn is also an essential contributor to building trust. Listening to what is said and being open to understand other perspectives is key to fostering trust. Listening also means being willing to take feedback and act upon it.

Last but not least, sustainable networking is about having the courage to give first, be generous, and be authentic. So it is about giving before taking and showing your true self. With patience and persistence, you can create a strong foundation of trust and respect that can open the door to new opportunities. If you are willing to invest in building relationships, you will be rewarded with long-term success.