Networking is often viewed as a daunting and self-serving task, filled with awkward conversations and the uncomfortable feeling of asking for things. A simple life hack that completely reframes this process is the “Five-Minute Favor.” The core principle is to proactively and consistently find small ways to add value to the lives of people in your professional and personal network, in five minutes or less, without ever expecting anything in return. This subtle shift from a “what can I get?” to a “what can I give?” mindset is one of the most effective strategies for building authentic, strong, and lasting relationships.
A five-minute favor is a small act of generosity that has a low cost to you in terms of time and energy, but can have a high value to the recipient. It is not about taking on large, time-consuming commitments. It is about being thoughtful and leveraging your knowledge and connections in small, targeted moments.
Examples of five-minute favors in action include:
- Making a high-quality introduction: When you realize two people you know could genuinely benefit from connecting with each other, you take three minutes to write a thoughtful introductory email explaining why you think they should talk.
- Sharing relevant opportunities: If you come across an article, a report, or a job posting that you know would be perfect for a specific person, you take a moment to forward it to them with a brief, personalized note.
- Amplifying someone’s work: When a colleague or connection shares a project they are proud of on a professional networking site, you take thirty seconds to re-share it with your own network and add a supportive, public comment.
- Providing a specific compliment: Instead of a generic “good job,” you send a short email or message to someone highlighting a specific detail of their work that impressed you. For example, “The way you handled that difficult question in the meeting today was brilliant.”
The power of this strategy lies in its authenticity and the compounding effect of goodwill. When you are consistently seen as a person who adds value without keeping a mental scorecard, you build a deep reservoir of social capital and a reputation as a helpful and connected individual. Then, when the time comes that you genuinely need help, advice, or an introduction, you are not “cashing in a chip.” You are simply reaching out to a strong network of people who are already inclined to help you because you have so generously helped them. It transforms networking from a transactional chore into a natural and rewarding part of your life.