Leveraging Your Network to Grow Your Business: Insights from Starcraft and Real-World Strategy

In business, one of the most powerful ways to grow is through your network—the people who know you, trust you, and can open doors to new opportunities. And sometimes, the best way to build these relationships isn’t through formal meetings or business events, but in more unexpected places. For me, one of those places has been playing Starcraft.

Through playing Starcraft with my friend Daniel Kjenner, I’ve come to realize how networking and gaming are intimately connected. Games like Starcraft offer a unique environment to get to know someone without the pressure of traditional business interactions. You can see how someone thinks, how they approach problems, and how they handle challenges—all of which are essential insights into how they might operate in a business setting.

Daniel’s father, a successful businessman, wrote a book called Top Seller, which focuses on the importance of leveraging relationships for business growth. The key takeaway from the book is that your network is one of your most valuable assets—and it’s something I’ve seen in action, both in my business and through gaming. When you invest time in getting to know someone through shared experiences, you create the foundation for a lasting connection that can translate into real-world business opportunities.

Just as in Starcraft, where success depends on strategy, timing, and understanding your opponents, networking in business is about knowing who to engage with and how to build meaningful, trust-based relationships. The beauty of both worlds is that they allow for collaboration and learning, which ultimately lead to growth.

By networking in an authentic way, you can open up doors to new leads, partnerships, and even strategic advice. It’s not just about who you know—it’s about the depth of those connections and how they can support your business in the long term.

So, if you’re looking to grow your business, take a page from the game. Invest in relationships, offer value to others, and approach networking as a long-term strategy. Your network is more than just a resource—it’s a community that can help propel you to success.

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