HeyCounsel Newsletter

Building A Network That Works: Embracing The Go-Giver Mindset

Author

Brian Scherer
February 06, 2026 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

Building A Network That Works: Embracing The Go-Giver Mindset

Today we are going to take a look into the art of networking.  A lot of ink has been spilled on this topic but we are going to look at it from a different angle.  Instead of encouraging people to engage in the “what can you do for me?” hustle, we are going to take a look at using the Go-Giver mindset instead.

If you aren’t familiar with the book The Go-Giver, written by Bob Burg and John David Mann, it is a story about an ambitious young man named Joe.  Our hero of the story learns that true success comes from giving more into life than what you take out.  The book lays out the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success.  These are proven strategies that align with the collaborative spirit that we try to foster at HeyCounsel.

If you're building a solo practice or scaling your firm, a strong network isn't just nice to have.  It is a requirement for long-term stability and growth.  Let’s dive in! 

Why Giving Builds Lasting Bonds

Have you ever tried a networking strategy and felt awkward the entire time?  It doesn’t matter if it’s online LinkedIn requests or real-world cocktail hours, there can be times where networking does not seem worth it.  The core of the Go-Giver approach is to shift your mindset from trying to extract value from a situation to trying to add value first without expectation.

No one wants to be part of a transaction, but almost everyone appreciates getting relevant help for what they are working on.  One of the reasons the HeyCounsel community is so strong is because if you have a question regarding your practice there are always people available with the answer that are willing to give it!  Over time, this creates a web of trust where opportunities flow naturally.

The Law of Compensation fleshed out in the book reinforces this idea.  It states: "Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them." In networking, "income" isn't just billable hours.  It's the depth of your relationships.

It is important to realize that this isn't altruism for its own sake.  In the legal profession, trust and reputation are a currency.  If you prioritize building this currency while helping others, you build real authenticity through your actions. Unlike transactional networking, which fizzles out, the Go-Giver fosters loyalty.  Furthermore, everyone feels good during the process. 

As the Law of Authenticity lays out:  "The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself."  Don’t be afraid to share your real-world experiences, including the hard lessons learned amidst the losses.  This approach guarantees you will connect with people on a human level and the networking effects compound over time.  The key is to get started today.  Let’s take a look now at what that looks like.

Practical Steps To Transform Your Networking

You don’t have to revamp your entire networking strategy in a day.  Start small.  First, decide what your “value add” is going to be.  In other words, what advice, guidance, or information can you share without any gatekeeping?  Then be on the lookout in your existing network for people that could benefit from this and well, give it away without any expectation of anything happening in return.  You might be surprised how this simple act will begin to strengthen your existing network immediately.  Emphasize service over sales.

Once you have set the foundation in your existing network, start to expand your giving beyond your comfort zone.  Respond to forum questions, offer feedback on peers' websites, or host informal AMAs on your topics of choice.  If you are stuck on what to do in a given situation, just lead with the question of "How can I help your practice?".  People will tell you what they need, if you let them.

Be aware that giving is not a one-way endeavor.  It sets the stage for reciprocity.  Embrace receptivity. Become OK with accepting help from others.  That is the whole point!  When opportunities arise from your efforts, accept them graciously. This closes the loop and sustains the cycle.  You are not playing a zero-sum game with the giving approach.  There is enough opportunity for everyone.  It simply needs to be created.

Finally, look at this as a long-term strategy and treat it as such.  Networks built on giving mature slowly.  Track what you’ve shared and with whom.  Look for the patterns that emerge that can help you be more effective.  Most importantly, stay authentic.  Don’t give to manipulate but give because that is who you are.  

Adopting this approach will change networking opportunities from a dreaded chore to something that you look forward to.  By giving generously, you will build a resilient network that will help to support your practice through all market conditions.  It is how we build the HeyCounsel community.  It has worked for us.  We know it will work for you too.

📆 Upcoming Events

  1. Legal transaction checklists (with Triple Checklist) (2/10/26) - Registration Link 

  2. A new take on version control. I’ve been following Version Story for a while and wanted to get them in front of ya’ll! (2/12/26). Registration Link

  3. Hiring with LateralHub. A good place to start is Lateral Hub. Check out our demo and Q&A with their founder. (2/19/26). Registration Link

  4. Gavel’s founder Dorna Moini is coming to chat about Gavel Exec and answer questions! (Big fan of Dorna 🙂). (2/24/26). Registration Link

🌟 /Threads

  1. On the off chance you need UK employment agreement templates we have a discussion on it here.

  2. If you practice personal injury in New York take a look at this quick thread with a sample confidentiality order that is protective of minors’ medical records.

  3. A value add discussion about GCAI.

  4. Recommendations on what to do with clients who aren’t paying their invoices.

  5. A robust thread on Openclaw.

🚀 New client opportunities this week

Here are a few of our favorite opportunities that have popped up this week. Want the full list? Head to our #03-opportunities channel!

  1. Need help with a TRO involving $5.8 million in Ether tied up in an insolvent company.

  2. Seeking help with patent infringement litigation for a Delaware company.

  3. Alabama lawyer with civil litigation and SMB M&A experience needed for business purchase gone wrong.

If you enjoyed today's newsletter please forward it to someone who you think would be a great fit for our community.  We can accomplish more together than we can apart!

Til next time,

Brian

HeyCounsel Weekly Pulse