Networking has been a cornerstone of my journey as an entrepreneur and podcast host. Recently, someone asked me how an 18-year-old could develop the kind of connections I’ve built at a relatively young age. It’s a fair question that made me reflect on what’s truly behind meaningful relationship-building.The answer isn’t as complicated as many make it out to be. In fact, it boils down to something we all can do but few practice consistently: genuine listening.
The Larry King Lesson That Changed Everything
Back in 2019, I had the privilege of interviewing broadcasting legend Larry King. During our conversation, he shared a philosophy that fundamentally changed my approach to connecting with people.
He told me: “I’ve never learned something while I was talking.”
This simple yet profound statement has become my guiding principle in both interviews and everyday interactions. True connection doesn’t come from impressive talking points or self-promotion. It comes from creating space for others to share their stories, insights, and wisdom.
When you genuinely listen to someone, you give them the rarest gift in today’s distracted world: your full attention. This creates an immediate bond that no elevator pitch or business card exchange can match.
Curiosity: The Secret Ingredient
Beyond just listening, I’ve found that maintaining genuine curiosity about people and the world creates natural pathways to meaningful connections. This isn’t something you can fake – people can sense when your interest is authentic.
My podcast success hasn’t come from having the perfect questions prepared, but from being truly interested in my guests’ stories and perspectives. This curiosity has led me to:
- Ask follow-up questions that others might miss
- Remember personal details that matter to people
- Connect dots between different conversations and introduce people who should know each other
- Approach each interaction as a learning opportunity rather than a networking exercise
This approach transforms what might otherwise be transactional networking into something much more valuable: relationship building based on mutual respect and interest.
The Daily Practice of Connection
For young people looking to build meaningful networks, I recommend making listening and curiosity daily habits. Every interaction becomes an opportunity to learn “what to do and what not to do” as Larry King taught me.
This isn’t about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections. It’s about approaching each conversation with the mindset: “What can I learn from this person?” rather than “What can this person do for me?
The most valuable connections in my life have come from genuine interest in others, not strategic networking plans. When you consistently show up as someone who listens more than you speak, people remember you and want to help you succeed.
Beyond Technique to Authenticity
There’s no magic formula for building the kind of network that propels your career forward. What works for me might not work for everyone. Our personalities, interests, and communication styles differ.
But the foundation remains the same: Be genuinely interested in people. Listen more than you speak. Stay curious about the world around you.
These principles have guided me through hundreds of podcast interviews and countless personal connections. They’ve opened doors I never could have accessed through traditional networking approaches.
To the 18-year-old wondering how to build meaningful connections: Start by being the person who truly listens when everyone else is waiting for their turn to speak. The rest will follow naturally.