After years of building New Level Radio from the ground up, I’ve learned something that may be surprising: Success rarely comes from selling. It comes from showing up — especially for others.

People say, “It’s all about who you know.” But I’ve found it’s more about how you show up for the people you know — and the people you’re about to meet.

Some of the most meaningful growth we’ve had at New Level Radio didn’t come from chasing deals. It came from helping others, even when it didn’t immediately benefit us. When we launched New Level Radio, we were a small startup with big ideas — customizing in-store music and messaging programs for businesses that aligned with a brand’s identity. But we didn’t have a marketing budget or a sales team spanning the country.

What we did have were people we knew, and people we were willing to meet.

The spark for New Level Radio — like many great ventures — came from a casual chat between two longtime friends. I was immersed in radio sales and marketing for Hawaiian terrestrial stations while Sam Ambrose was an on-air personality. A client of Sam’s station asked if he could whip up a promo spot for their business. That’s when the light bulb truly flashed for us.

We started brainstorming, and it quickly evolved. Instead of just a single promo, we thought, “Why not offer an entire playlist of songs wrapped around it?”We both knew right away this could be massive, and before we knew it, New Level Radio was born.

That initial spark, fueled by networking with new and existing connections, quickly led to building out our client list and ultimately, the success we enjoy today.

Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards or LinkedIn requests — it’s about showing up, consistently, with genuine curiosity. Some of our most valuable partnerships at New Level Radio started with a simple“How can we help you stand out?”instead of “Here’s what we do.”

Connections don’t wait. You have to be present, proactive and intentional if you want to build the kind of network that drives growth. Editor’s picks

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I’ve learned that people remember you when you listen more than you speak. In fact, one of our first major breaks in the casino niche came from a relationship, not a cold pitch.

Through a friend in the radio business, we were able to connect with a marketing executive at a casino and set a meeting to discuss how we could help curate a great guest experience for their property. Having a solid network and being a go-to in the music arena allowed for this meeting to happen and helped snowball our growth in the gaming sector.

Another key to powerful networking? Give before you ask.

I make it a point to introduce people I believe should know each other — even if there’s no immediate benefit. That mindset has returned value tenfold. Because when you’re known as someone who connects others, others connect you.

If you’re looking to grow your business, stop thinking about networking as a one-off event. It’s not a quick fix — it’s a long game.

Be present in your industry’s ecosystem. Say yes to speaking on that panel, attending that conference, meeting someone for a coffee or that random introduction. You never know which conversation will become the spark that changes everything.

At New Level Radio, we’ve grown not because we shouted the loudest, but because we built meaningful relationships with clients, partners, employees and even competitors. Trending Stories Trump Admin Plans to Re-Deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia as Criminal Case Falters Lorde Is Brilliantly Reborn on ‘Virgin’ Trump and Hegseth Are Melting Down Over Leaked Iran Strike Intel Liver King Will Undergo Mental Health Evaluation, Faces Restraining Order After Joe Rogan Arrest

Every one of those relationships added something to our journey: insight, access, credibility or growth.

Networking done right isn’t transactional — it’s transformational.