Thank you, and you look awesome today 😉 I just know it! Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey! Andres here,

Welcome to the networking desk! Thank you for being here, as always here are some of my learnings this week and a list of local events. Enjoy!

There were few events this week (as you can imagine) but don’t worry, I got inspired in the writing portion… lol.

🌟 Don’t forget to share your networking wins (or business wins and tips) to be featured next time!

Here’s what we got this week:

• 🍽️ The Give Menu

• A few interesting events from the community

Alright, let’s do this.

“Lean forward moment” of the week - 🍽️ The Give Menu

As we approach the holidays, I am thinking about generosity and networking.

This season reminds us to give, to reach out, to care for our people, yet it also raises a question that most professionals never admit out loud…

What is generosity? And how are you generous when you feel like you have nothing to offer? I know I feel like this sometimes, specially when I started networking and my business was brand new.

People love to say that the more you give, the more you receive. That sounds beautiful, but it also creates pressure. Give what? Help how? Are you supposed to show up with introductions, gifts, handwritten notes, insights, or emotional support?

That’s why I want to introduce:

The Give Menu.

Your “give menu” is a short list of two or three ways you naturally create value, something you can offer without draining yourself or feeling fake.

Once you know your menu, you can give easily, consistently, and sustainably. It becomes your signature move in your network, the thing people remember you for.

Now, how do you make one? Well, that’s up to you, I like to frame it into categories which fit different kinds of people: Social capital, Knowledge capital, Emotional capital, Time and attention.

You get to pick from any of those, or stick to one based on your personality.

Let’s break them down:

Social Capital

1. Introductions
A warm intro to someone helpful or interesting. It can be a connection to a partner, a mentor, or simply someone who shares a similar interest.

2. Spotlights
Publicly celebrate someone. Mention their work in a meeting, share their win on LinkedIn, or send a message saying “I mentioned you today, how are you doing?”

3. Invitations
Invite someone to a small dinner, a Zoom coffee, or a group chat with people who can support their goals.

Knowledge Capital (My favorite)

1. Helpful resources
Send a relevant article, podcast, tool, or book, something you genuinely believe will help.

2. Insights or lessons
Share a short personal learning, a mistake you made, or a strategy that helped you move forward.

3. Templates and checklists
People love shortcuts. If you create a process or tool for yourself, offer to share it.

Emotional Capital

1. Sincere encouragement
A message like “I believe in what you are building” or “I saw your progress, and it is impressive.”

2. Thoughtful questions
Ask someone about their goals and struggles, then listen without pushing your own agenda.

3. Check ins
A simple “Thinking of you, how are you holding up this week?” can create connection instantly.

Time and Attention

1. A second look
Review a resume, a pitch, a draft message, or an idea.

2. Sharing your platform
Let someone speak at your meetup, co-host a session, or feature them in your newsletter.

3. A quick brainstorm session
Offer fifteen minutes to help someone think through a challenge.

How to choose your style:

Step 1: Identify what feels natural
Ask yourself: What kind of giving feels easy for me? Conversations, resources, intros, encouragement?

Step 2: Check your energy cost
If a type of giving drains you, remove it. The goal is consistency.

Step 3: Narrow to three signature moves
Pick three items that feel completely doable.

Step 4: Tell people your style
When appropriate, mention what you love to give. This makes generosity feel authentic instead of random.

Hope this helps, I think even I learned a thing or two about myself doing this so, hey let me know if this was helpful to you too!

💻 Shameless plug

Hey! In case you didn’t know, I make websites and help non-profits to stay top of mind to create more revenue.

Know one that needs help reaching more people during the holidays? Make an intro!

OR JUST RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL!

🗓️ Now, the events…

How was today’s newsletter?

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Thank you for reading! Quick thing before I go:

1. If you are new or would like to read older posts, check out this page. There is a backlog of previous weeks of “The Networking Desk”

2. Know someone who would benefit from this newsletter? Be sure to share it with them! 📩 (just copy the link or forward this email) I will keep putting out great newsletters for them and for you. That’s a promise.

See you next week.

- Andres Inciarte