Networking for Entrepreneurs: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Meaningful Connections
In business, as in life, it’s not just who you know—it’s how you show up. For Christian entrepreneurs, networking isn’t about hustle or hype. It’s about building trust, stewarding relationships well, and showing up with intention.
That’s exactly what financial advisor Jennifer Larsen brings to the table with her Networking Map—a repeatable, relationship-driven process that’s helped her grow her business and community with purpose. Whether you’re new to entrepreneurship, launching in a new city, or simply looking to build deeper professional connections, this guide is for you.
Step 1: Start by Making Friends
Jennifer calls it “making friends like you did in kindergarten.” The first touchpoint in any strong business relationship starts with a genuine connection.
Instead of leading with your pitch, ask intentional questions that allow others to open up. Questions like:
“How’s your week going?”
“What brought you into your line of work?”
“What do you love most about what you do?”
Asking sincere questions creates space for others to talk about themselves—and as we all know, everyone’s favorite subject is themselves. When you make someone feel seen, they’ll naturally want to continue the conversation.
“The ability to draw something out of somebody and invite them as an active participant in the conversation will automatically warm them up to you.” — Whitney Hooper
Step 2: Set the Expectation & Follow Through
Once you’ve made a connection, don’t just exchange business cards—set a clear next step.
Ask, “Would it be okay if I reached out tomorrow to set up coffee?” That small moment of intentionality sets you apart. Then—this part is crucial—actually follow up.
If it’s not on your calendar, it’s probably not going to happen. Block time for follow-ups so it becomes a habit, not a hope.
💡 Pro Tip: Track your follow-ups just like you would track revenue. Relationships are revenue. And remember: “Done is better than disappointed.”
Step 3: Know Your Buckets
Not every connection is a client—and that’s okay. Jennifer recommends categorizing your contacts into three “buckets”:
Potential Clients – People who may need your service now or soon.
Centers of Influence – People who know lots of people and are generous with referrals.
Nopes – People who aren’t a fit—and that’s statistically normal. Don’t take it personally.
“Sales is statistics. The math won’t math if you don’t have the numbers.” — Jennifer Larsen
This mindset removes emotion from rejection and keeps you focused on planting seeds, not just harvesting sales.
Step 4: Schedule the One-on-One
Your second touchpoint is the scheduled coffee, call, or Zoom. Show up professionally, prepared, and people-first.
Jennifer recommends you get to the four key questions:
Who are you really? Make friends.
What do you do? Get curious—learn the layers of their business.
How can I refer you? (Or as Whitney asks: “How can I champion you?”)
How can we collaborate? Explore what a partnership could look like.
If the meeting ends and you’ve only covered the surface, don’t consider it a win yet. The goal is depth, not just presence.
Step 5: Collaborate with Purpose
The next touchpoint comes from taking action together. That might look like:
Hosting a casual networking mixer
Planning a co-led event or workshop
Sharing introductions via text or email
Even inviting mutual connections to something informal (coffee, pedicures, TopGolf—yes, really)
Just make sure the rules of the collaboration are clear. If one of you brings the people, the other may bring the refreshments—or the budget. Define responsibilities early to avoid misalignment later.
Remember: your network is capital. Especially when money is tight, your relationships hold incredible value.
Step 6: The Trust Touch
By the time you reach your sixth touchpoint, the relationship should feel warm, familiar, and founded on mutual trust. That’s when people typically become:
Hand raisers (ready to work with you)
Champions (ready to refer you)
Collaborators (ready to partner long-term)
This process doesn’t have to feel forced or manipulative. It’s just about being intentional, relational, and consistent. That’s the secret most people miss.
“Networking isn’t just good for your business—it’s good for your life.” — Jennifer Larson
Final Thoughts: What Makes It Work
So many Christian entrepreneurs feel awkward about networking—like they’re bothering people or selling themselves. But when you approach it through the lens of service, connection, and consistency, it becomes less about “getting” and more about “giving.”
Jennifer's reminder is simple: Follow up. Do what you say you’re going to do. That alone will set you apart in a world full of missed texts and half-hearted follow-through.
Ready to Build a Faith-Fueled Business with Real Relationships?
If you’re looking for a community where strategy meets clarity and community, you’re invited to join the Emboldened Entrepreneur network.
It’s more than a membership—it’s a movement of Christian business builders committed to showing up with excellence, boldness, and biblical clarity.
👉 Connect with Emboldened Entrepreneur today to access coaching, collaboration, and the clarity you’ve been craving.
Download Jennifer’s Networking Magic Framework here.
Learn more about Jennifer & Wohlstand Wealth Strategies here.
