Playing the Numbers Game

We’ve all heard it a million times: breaking into an industry is a numbers game. But is focusing on quantity the smartest strategy? Recently, I set out to answer this by meeting more people than ever—swapping stories, grabbing coffee and gaining insights. What I learned reshaped my entire outlook on networking... and maybe yours too. 

1. Two > Two Million

In our metrics-driven world, getting lost in the numbers—clicks, KPIs, conversions is easy. But not every number counts. When people say “networking is a numbers game,” they often picture it wrong. 

The temptation to stack up contacts, send in hundreds of applications and measure success in volume is real. But chasing huge numbers without intent doesn’t get anyone very far. What matters is the quality of those connections. Think about it: it’s better to be memorable to two influential eyes than to have two million connections who forget your name. 

Networking isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being seen through the right lens.

2. The Six-Sided Die of Opportunity

Think of your connections like sides on a die. Rolling one number isn't too likely, but by building relationships with multiple people on the same die, you're stacking the odds in your favor. Connect with 4, 5, or 6 people tied to the opportunity you’re aiming for, and suddenly, you’re not just hoping to “get lucky.” You’re creating your own luck.

What’s more, when you connect your network to each other, you become a hub. You’re not just networking; you’re sparking a ripple effect that expands beyond yourself. This kind of influence can open doors for you down the line while helping others level up, too.

3. Let Others Take a Turn

In most networking situations, we’re showing our polished selves. However, real value can come from letting see your unpolished sides. Instead of aiming just to impress, consider building relationships where honesty flows both ways. When you trust people in your network enough to ask for genuine feedback, you’ll learn things about yourself that you can’t see alone. This approach builds genuine connections with people who want to see you grow, not just clap when you win.

This kind of network—the one that’s honest and sometimes challenging—drives real growth. The biggest career leaps often come from raw, constructive insight, not just applause. If we’re willing to get real, we gain a whole new level of support based on trust, not transaction.

4. Keep Your Score

Networking isn’t about mindless connection-making; it’s about intentional, meaningful interactions. Instead of “collecting” connections, set up a scoreboard unique to your path. Make goals like, “Connect with two new industry pros a week,” “Attend one in-person event a month,” or “Send a helpful resource to three people I value.”

This approach shifts your focus to building depth rather than just ticking off numbers. I keep a personal log of each interaction with notes about interests, goals, or ongoing projects. When I find an article or resource that fits a contact’s need, I’ll send it over. Staying thoughtful helps make each interaction a genuine relationship, not just another contact on LinkedIn.

5. Play the Long Game

The best connections aren’t built for quick returns. They're created when both sides find something valuable—something lasting. If you’re in this for the long haul (and not just a fast track to a job), it’s time to shift your thinking to mutual wins. The goal? Not just “Who can help me” but “Who can we support together?”

So, how do you know when you’re playing the game right? Think about it like this: when your network grows, your influence grows with it. Every introduction, every shared opportunity, every genuine “I thought this might help you” is a step toward something bigger. You’re not just networking—you’re weaving a net that catches opportunities for everyone involved.

Final Roll

In this “numbers game,” there’s no room for winners and losers. It’s not about how many players you connect with or what your “score” is. The truth is, there’s no final score. This “game” is lifelong. If you’re networking well, you’re constantly finding ways to add value, reconnect, and support. You’ll keep noticing the incredible work people around you are doing, and they’ll notice what you bring to the table, too.

If you’re playing it right, we’re all winning. And with the amazing connections I’ve made, I feel like I’m at the top of my game. I feel like I’ve learned so much in a short time and I can't thank you all enough for teaching me how to play—I wouldn’t have made it past GO without you.

So roll the dice, build your team, and make the connections that matter. Here’s to playing checkers, not chess.

Keep it 100, Luka Ivković