This holiday season, I took my teenage boys on a 48-hour road trip to Cleveland to visit family. While most of my immediate family has roots in Youngstown, Ohio, we are now spread out across northern Ohio into Pittsburgh (and to both coasts and around the world when you include my 30+ first cousins!)

On this particular trip, we stayed with my nephew, Hanna Kassis, JD, CPA, and his incredible wife, Anya Hubert. When we visit, it’s always inspiring to see the things they are up to with their businesses. I always thought I was a hustler, but they are now putting me to shame with growing businesses like Babylon Asset Management and Whistle Taproom, both based in booming downtown Cleveland.

As is the case around the holidays, discussions about goals for the following year came up. I told my nephew I needed to get back into my networking groove. He proceeded to tell me about “Studs, Duds and Buds” as it pertains to professional networking. Here’s a rundown, in case you don’t know.

“Studs, Duds and Buds” A way of categorizing the people you meet and how you go about networking.

• Studs: These are the individuals who are highly successful, influential and well-connected. They are often leaders in their field and have a lot to offer in terms of knowledge, resources and opportunities. Networking with Studs can be incredibly beneficial for your own career advancement. Studs can push you and be inspirational. Hang out with more Studs in 2025. Be a Stud Finder.
• Duds: These are people who you may or may not like, but you find yourself networking with them from time to time. Right now, they may not be a great networking contact for you for a variety of reasons. While some schools of thought say you should stay away from Duds, I think you can get value from anyone you meet, professionally and personally. While they may not always provide immediate return, if they are good people, don’t cast them aside so quickly. They could introduce you to a Stud, or they could be a Stud for someone else in your network.
• Buds: These are the people you connect with on a personal level, building genuine relationships and friendships. Buds can be at any level of their career, but the key is that you enjoy their company and find value in the relationship beyond just professional gain. Networking with Buds can lead to long-term support, collaboration and even referrals. Who knows, they might even become Studs one day.

Why is this important? Understanding this concept can help you be more strategic in your networking efforts. While it’s important to be open to connecting with everyone (I’ve been known to overdo it), prioritizing the time you spend with different types of people can make the difference between fulfillment and a waste of time.

So, be more strategic. Make a concerted effort to meet with your Studs for standing monthly coffees. Make sure to engage with them on LinkedIn. Send them referrals and notes to make sure they know you are thinking of them and that you should be considered a Stud in their orbit.

Most importantly, be yourself and be kind. Always be your genuine self and keep these things in mind.

• Be nice. Everyone starts somewhere, and today’s Dud could be tomorrow’s Stud. Treat everyone with respect and kindness.
• Genuine relationships are key to overall fulfillment. Thoughtful networking can be part of your success formula. It shouldn’t be just about what you can get from others. Focus on building authentic connections and offering value to others.
• Strive to be someone others would consider a Stud by developing your skills, achieving success, and being a valuable member of your network. You also want to be a Bud. I have Buds who are also Studs. But I also have Buds who may be considered  Duds. 🙂

By keeping these principles in mind, you can use the Studs, Duds and Buds concept to build a strong and supportive network that will help you achieve your professional goals. And can help you be fulfilled personally.