From Networking to Needworking

How intentional connections can fulfill your needs and elevate the climb

Networking has been a cornerstone of professional life for decades. It’s all about meeting people, building connections, and hoping that somewhere down the line, those connections might lead to opportunities. But let’s be honest: traditional networking often feels like a numbers game. You go to an event, shake hands, exchange cards, and hope something comes of it. Sometimes it does, but more often than not, it doesn’t go deeper than surface-level interactions.

That’s where Needworking comes in.

Needworking is about flipping the script. Instead of focusing on building an endless list of connections, it starts with a specific need—yours or someone else’s. It’s intentional, purposeful, and rooted in mutual support. Needworking doesn’t ask, “Who do you know?” It asks, “How can we work together to fulfill a need?”

The concept of Needworking was born out of a simple realization: we all have needs, but we don’t always recognize that we have the tools—and the people—to meet them. Sometimes, the solution is already in your orbit, waiting to be activated. Needworking is about taking a step back, identifying what’s missing, and leveraging the power of collaboration to move forward.

That’s why I created Needworking.com. It’s a place where this idea can live, grow, and become something tangible. My goal is to build a community where professionals can come together, not just to network, but to Needwork—to help each other solve challenges, make meaningful connections, and create real opportunities.

One of the most incredible things I’ve experienced since launching Needworking is how people show up when you least expect it. Time and time again, people have stepped forward to offer guidance, share their expertise, or connect me with someone who could help. It’s been amazing to see how much generosity exists when you’re open to asking for help and clear about your purpose. These moments aren’t just coincidences—they’re a testament to the power of mutual support and collaboration.

Think about your own life for a moment. Who has shown up for you when you needed it most? Maybe it was a mentor who gave you advice, a friend who connected you with someone in their network, or even a stranger who extended a hand. These are the moments that remind us we’re not climbing alone. There are always people willing to help—sometimes we just need to take the first step and ask.

Needworking isn’t about collecting followers or business cards. It’s about building relationships that are rooted in purpose. It’s about recognizing that the people in your life—whether you’ve known them for years or just met—can be part of your journey, just as you can be part of theirs.

The beauty of Needworking is that it’s not about quantity—it’s about quality. It’s about finding meaningful ways to connect with others, to share knowledge, resources, and opportunities. Whether you’re climbing the mountains of professional growth or navigating the valleys of personal challenges, Needworking provides the tools and the mindset to help you move forward.

At its core, Needworking is a reminder that we don’t have to climb alone. By being intentional about how we connect and collaborate, we can create pathways for ourselves and others to reach new heights. I have to personally thank Olive Mawyer for introducing me to Substack it’s an outlet I wouldn’t have thought of.

If this idea resonates with you, I invite you to explore Needworking.com. It’s a space for learning, sharing, and growing together. And as you reflect on your journey, consider taking a moment to recognize someone who made an impact on you. Whether it’s a note, a call, or a simple thank-you, those small gestures of gratitude strengthen the bonds that help us all climb higher.

If you're interested in diving deeper into the connections between personal growth, relationships, and success, check out my book, Stop Networking Start Needworking: The Intersection of Maslow's Needs and Networking. It’s a guide to building meaningful relationships that truly support your journey—both personally and professionally.

Feel free to thank someone you are thinking of in the comments, and let’s keep climbing together.