Be Specific or Be Overlooked: How to Make Better Networking Asks

If you’ve ever sat in a networking meeting and heard someone say, “I’m in mortgages and I’d like to connect with financial advisors,” you’ve probably also heard… silence. Or maybe some polite nodding. Maybe even a business card exchange. But rarely does a statement like that result in meaningful introductions.

Why? Because it’s just not specific—or compelling—enough.

As a Community Builder here in Denver, I’ve seen this scenario play out over and over again. Someone makes a vague request, expecting others to fill in the blanks. But the truth is, if you don’t know exactly who you’re looking for and why, no one else is going to figure it out for you. And more importantly, they won’t know why making that introduction is a win for everyone involved.

Let’s break it down.

The Problem: Vague Asks Get Vague Results

In a relationship-driven network like ours, people want to help. But they’re busy, and they need clarity. When you say something general like, “I’d like to meet business owners,” or “I want to connect with financial advisors,” that puts the burden on the listener to figure out:

1. Which ones? (There are thousands in Denver alone.)

2. Why them? (What’s the point of the connection?)

3. What’s in it for them? (Will this introduction benefit both parties?)

   
   

Without clear answers to these questions, most people will move on and forget your ask before the meeting is even over.

A Better Way: Create Win/Win Scenarios

Let me give you an example of a specific, compelling ask that’s much more likely to result in a valuable introduction:

“I’d like to meet financial advisors who work with high-net-worth clients—especially those who are asset rich but don’t have enough monthly income to qualify for a traditional mortgage. I work with a lending product designed for exactly that scenario, and it can help the advisor deepen their relationship with the client by solving a tricky financing problem.”

See the difference?

Now I know exactly:

• Who you’re looking for (financial advisors with high-net-worth clients),

• Why you’re looking for them (a shared client challenge), and

• How this helps both sides (the advisor looks like a hero and the client gets the loan they need).

That’s a win/win. That’s an introduction I want to make.

How to Sharpen Your Ask

If you want to get better introductions—and build stronger, more valuable relationships—start thinking like a connector. Here are a few quick tips:

1. Get Specific. Who exactly do you want to meet? Industry, niche, company size, location?

2. Name the Pain. What common problem are they or their clients facing that you can help solve?

3. Show the Win/Win. How does this help both you and the person you want to meet?

4. Use Real Examples. Think of a recent client story you can share that illustrates the problem and your solution.

Final Thoughts: Relationships Are Built on Relevance

At the end of the day, networking is about helping others solve problems. If your ask isn’t relevant to the person hearing it—or to the person you want to meet—it’s unlikely to go anywhere.

But when you’re specific, relevant, and focused on creating mutual value, the doors start to open. Your network becomes more engaged, more proactive, and more willing to connect you to the right people.

So next time you’re about to say, “I want to meet financial advisors,” stop and ask yourself: Which ones? Why? And how can I make it a win for them too?

Let’s raise the bar on how we connect—and the results will follow.