Most networking is asking. Collaboration starts with offering.
Think about the last time someone reached out to you. Was it "can you help me with X," or was it "I noticed you're working on X, here's something that might help"?
Most of us default to asking first — for time, for advice, for an intro. It's not wrong, but it rarely builds anything lasting. The connections that actually turn into something almost always start with someone giving before they get.
Next time you want to build a relationship with someone whose work you respect, try leading with what you can offer — not what you need.
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