Why Your Net Worth Is Built Through Your Network

“I HATE NETWORKING!”

Not exactly what you expect to hear from a keynote speaker at a business networking event. Yet at the one of the first networking events of 2026, that was the line that stopped the room.

And it sparked one of the most important conversations every business owner, founder and leader needs to hear. At DSRPT, we work with ambitious businesses across Australia and the Middle East who want growth, visibility and long-term impact. But here’s the truth most people miss:

Your digital strategy matters. Your brand matters. Your offer matters.

But your network is the multiplier.

And the way you build it determines your net worth.

The Problem With “Traditional Networking”

Damian Percy, the keynote speaker, challenged the room on what most people think networking is:

Business cards
Suits and polished pitches
Forced conversations
“What do you do?” on repeat
Subtle hunting for the next opportunity

He described it as the “meat-market” approach to networking.

Transactional. Strategic. Calculated. And exhausting.

The issue? People can feel it.

When someone is networking at you instead of connecting with you, the trust barrier goes up instantly.

Be a Gatherer, Not a Hunter

Damian’s philosophy was simple:

Be a gatherer, not a hunter.

There is a massive difference between:

Networking (a transactional act), and
Building a network (cultivating genuine relationships).

Hunters look for the kill. Gatherers look for connection.

Hunters think: What can I get from this person? Gatherers think: Who is this person?

The shift is subtle. But the results are exponential.

The Principles That Build Real Net Worth

Here are the key principles that resonated deeply with the room, and why they matter for your long-term growth.

1. Gather, Don’t Hunt

Real relationships cannot be forced. If you’re only there for yourself, people will sense it immediately. Sustainable success is built on trust, not tactics.

2. Be a Collector of People

Connect because someone is interesting. Not because they “might be useful.” The most valuable opportunities often come from unexpected places, years later.

3. Authenticity Beats Strategy

Vulnerability builds credibility. When you drop the polished façade and speak honestly, people remember you. Strategy has its place, but authenticity creates loyalty.

4. Lead With Curiosity

People love sharing what matters to them. Ask better questions. Listen longer. Don’t wait for your turn to speak. Genuine curiosity is magnetic.

5. Just Say Yes

Especially early in your journey, say yes to conversations. Say yes to events. Say yes to introductions. Say yes to a coffee catch up! You never know which interaction becomes a partnership, a client, or a lifelong collaborator.

Why This Matters for Business Owners

At DSRPT, we talk a lot about visibility, positioning and digital dominance. But here’s what we know after working with hundreds of businesses:

Most breakthrough growth doesn’t come from cold outreach.

It comes from warm relationships. Referrals. Introductions. Strategic alliances. Community presence.

When people trust you, they advocate for you. And advocacy is the most powerful marketing strategy on the planet. Your net worth grows in proportion to:

The strength of your relationships
The depth of your trust capital
The consistency of your presence

You cannot automate trust. You earn it.

Influence Comes From Being a Good Human First

The biggest takeaway?

Influence isn’t built by being the smartest person in the room. It’s built by being the most genuine.

When you show up consistently. When you care about people beyond the transaction. When you build community instead of chasing deals. That’s when your network compounds.

And over time, that compounding effect shows up in your opportunities, your partnerships and yes, your net worth.

A Powerful Way to Kick Off 2026

As we head into a new year of growth, scale and disruption, this was a timely reminder:

Build relationships before you build revenue. Build trust before you build turnover. Build community before you build campaigns.

Because the businesses that last are not built on transactions. They’re built on people. And that’s the kind of networking we can all say yes to.