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When your friend becomes your business partner
Why the best networks don't feel like "networking" at all
Zvi Band
August 05, 2025
I write weekly about the strategies, habits, and tactics around cultivating the connections that matter to you.
Yesterday I grabbed coffee with someone I met at a conference two years ago. We started talking shop, then somehow ended up debating whether pineapple belongs on pizza for twenty minutes. By the end, he'd referred three potential clients my way.
Here's the thing nobody talks about: the moment your "network" stops feeling like work is the moment it starts working for you.
Most people treat friendship and networking like oil and water. But successful people know something different. They've figured out how to blur those lines without being fake about it.
The grocery store test still applies
Remember my grocery store test? If you'd genuinely be happy to bump into someone while buying cereal, they belong in your inner circle. These are the people who get your random "thinking of you" texts, your genuine interest in their kids' soccer games, and your authentic care when they're struggling.
The magic happens when these relationships naturally include business opportunities. Not because you're hunting for them, but because people want to work with folks they actually like.
Stop the professional performance
Here's what I've learned from coaching thousands of professionals: the ones who share their real selves get better business results. Not their LinkedIn highlight reel. Their actual interests, struggles, and stories.
Your hobbies aren't random small talk. They're your differentiation strategy.
Three moves that work
Send the random check-in. Not when you need something. When you're genuinely thinking about them.
Share your failures, not just wins. Vulnerability creates connection faster than success stories.
Make introductions without agenda. Connect two people who should know each other. Don't keep score.
The bottom line
Stop thinking about friendship and networking as separate things. Start thinking about building relationships with people you actually want to spend time with. The business results follow naturally when you're not chasing them.
Your network isn't a collection of business cards. It's a group of humans who know you, like you, and trust you enough to bet their reputation on yours.
Now go text someone you haven't talked to in a while. Not because you should. Because you want to.
Until next week, Zvi
P.S. Warning: sending random check-ins may result in brunch invites, new clients, or both.
Feedback is a gift! What did you think this week? |
Ever feel like you're connected to everyone but close to no one? In this video, I share the mindset shift that helped me stop collecting contacts and start building real, meaningful relationships.
What You’ll Learn:
Why having too many connections is hurting your relationships
A simple question to figure out who really matters in your network
How to tier your contacts (without feeling guilty)
Why fewer, deeper connections lead to more opportunities
What to do instead of blindly expanding your network
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.