Rethinking Networking as Strategic Capital

Jennifer He
Jun 24
2 min read

Updated: Aug 7

At VOYO, we work with founders, builders, and ambitious teams who are laying the foundation for long-term, meaningful growth. And one theme keeps surfacing across sectors and stages: the word “networking” feels outdated, even counterproductive.

When did connecting with others become so transactional? So pitch-driven? So… exhausting?

Let’s flip the script.

In this episode of Roots & Wings podcast, David and Jennifer shared that networking is not for immediate transaction.

Networking isn’t a numbers game. It’s not a deck swap. And it’s definitely not a shortcut to sales.

Done right, it’s long-term capital — the kind that compounds over time and pays off in unexpected ways.

Whether you’re a founder looking for your next investor, a consultant ready to reposition your business, or a brand leader building trust in a noisy market — here’s what we’ve learned from the field:

Transactional Thinking Is Expensive

Treating people like stepping stones comes at a cost. It shrinks your influence. It burns bridges.

And it makes you “that person” — the one who only shows up when they need something.

From a revenue lens? That’s churn.

So What’s the Alternative?

We believe networking is strategic capital. Not just who you know — but who knows you, and what they say when you’re not in the room.

It’s not about the next pitch. It’s about the next 10 years.
It’s not about being seen everywhere. It’s about being remembered where it matters.
It’s not about conversion. It’s about curiosity.

At VOYO, we’ve seen this firsthand:

Founders closing deals because of a dinner months earlier where no one talked shop.

Consultants landing dream clients because they gave first — not asked.

Long-term growth, born from long-game trust.