The 5-Minute Networking Favour That Makes You Unforgettable

Want to be the kind of networker that people don’t forget?

Or the first person others think of when they need what you do?

Or if someone they know needs what you do?

Good news. It doesn’t take years.

It doesn’t mean investing more time out networking.

It’s about what you do between events.

And it takes only 5 minutes (or less).

Introducing…The 5-Minute Favour

A concept I learned from Adam Grant (author of Give and Take - highly recommend), The 5-Minute Favour is simple:

Do something for someone that takes you 5 minutes but creates massive value for them.

That’s it.

No big, flashy gestures.

No expectations. No immediate returns.

Just a small act of generosity that strengthens relationships, builds trust, and keeps you top of mind.

Why It Works

Most people network transactionally.

• “What can I get?”
• “How do I make a sale?”
• “How can this person help me?”

But real relationships are built on generosity.

The more you help people (without asking for anything in return), the more people want to help you back.

It’s human nature. It’s laws of reciprocity.

How to Use The 5-Minute Favour Today

Here are 5 easy ways you can apply The 5-Minute Favour with a connection today:

1️⃣ Make an introduction
​“Hi [Name], I know someone you should meet—[Other Name]. I think you’d get a lot of value from knowing each other. Happy to introduce you both if you’re open to it?”

2️⃣ Engage with someone’s content
​Like, comment, or share their latest LinkedIn post. It takes seconds but boosts their visibility and shows you care.

3️⃣ Send a useful resource
​See an article, podcast, or book recommendation relevant to someone? Send it. “Saw this and thought of you—hope it helps!”

4️⃣ Give a public shoutout
​Post about someone’s great work, recommend them on LinkedIn, or tag them in a post where they add value.

5️⃣ Leave a review or testimonial
​Did someone provide great service? Leave a Google review, LinkedIn recommendation, or share a testimonial. It costs nothing but carries huge weight.

The Wrap Up

The best networkers aren’t the ones who take.

They’re the ones who proactively give (and not when they need something).

Not with grand gestures.

Just with simple, thoughtful, 5-minute actions that show you’re thinking of others.

Or making them feel heard.

So today—find one person in your network.

Maybe a client. Or a long standing contact you’ve shared business with one another. Or a connection you’ve just made.

And try a 5-Minute Favour on them.

You’ll be surprised how quickly it comes back around.

And how great it feels.

Happy networking!