The three people your network is missing

I write weekly about the strategies, habits, and tactics around cultivating the connections that matter to you.

Your CRM is probably full of solid business contacts. People with relevant titles, shared industries, obvious synergies. That's the foundation - flagging people for business relevance or personal affinity should be your primary filter for who gets proactive attention.

But here's a secondary layer that most people miss entirely. Beyond your main network of business-relevant connections, there's value in thinking about specific roles. Are there particular types of people that are just helpful to always have around?

After years of building and maintaining networks, I've identified three types of people that most professionals overlook but desperately need. Get these right, and your network transforms from a collection of contacts into a genuine strategic advantage.

The Professional Contrarian

This is the person who immediately red-teams everything you say. Not because they dislike you, but because they're wired to find holes in every argument. Most people avoid these relationships because they're exhausting. That's exactly why you need them.

Your contrarian challenges your assumptions before the market does. They force you to strengthen your thinking and spot blind spots you'd never see alone. The key is finding someone who disagrees constructively, not destructively. Look for people who challenge your ideas but respect your goals.

The Industry Oracle

Every sector has them. They're not necessarily the most famous or highest-ranking people, but they always seem to know what's happening and what's coming next. They have their finger on the pulse of trends, changes, and opportunities before they hit the mainstream.

These people are gold mines of intelligence. They help you anticipate market shifts, spot emerging opportunities, and avoid costly mistakes. The best oracles often work in adjacent industries or specialized roles that give them a unique vantage point on your world.

The Universal Connector

This is the person who always knows someone. Need a website designer? They've got three recommendations. Looking for the right lawyer? They know exactly who you should call. Facing an unusual problem? They know someone with that exact set of skills.

These connectors are force multipliers for your network. One relationship with the right connector is like having relationships with dozens of specialists. They're often found in consulting, journalism, or other roles that expose them to diverse networks.

Finding Your Missing Pieces

This isn't about replacing your main networking strategy. Keep focusing on people you meet who have business relevance or align with your professional goals. But as you build that core network, ask yourself: Are there particular roles that would be helpful to always have around?

Look through your current relationships and see if you naturally have someone who challenges your thinking, someone who keeps you informed, and someone who can connect you to resources. If not, start noticing these qualities in people you meet.

The contrarian might be that colleague who always plays devil's advocate in meetings. The oracle could be someone in a trade publication or industry association. The connector might be that person who somehow knows everyone at conferences.

Your network's main job is connecting you with people relevant to your business and goals. But having these specific roles in your kitchen cabinet? That's what transforms a good network into a genuinely strategic advantage.

Are there other particular flavors of people you try and always have around?

Until next week, Zvi

P.S. If you already have these 3 people in your network, congrats—you’re basically running the Justice League of business.

On YouTube: How to Build Your Network Without Being Annoying

Tired of awkward coffee chats and endless networking events? In this video, I’ll show you a shockingly simple 4-step system to grow your network—without the stress.

What you’ll learn:

• Why your best networking opportunities are with people you already know

• A simple way to remember key details that make you unforgettable

• How to stay consistent with just 30 minutes a week

• Easy, no-pressure ways to reach out without being “that person”

• The truth about building a network that actually lasts

You can see all my videos and interviews on my channel! If you find these helpful, I’d appreciate a like, subscribe, and share with a friend, colleague, or enemy.

If you found this valuable, you might love Relatable. It’s the CRM built from the ground up to help you grow your network, not your business pipeline (but it does that too).