Relationship ROI: Prioritizing Contacts with the Two-Ap Test

These days, staying connected professionally can be tough. Between packed conferences, casual mixers, and endless digital meetups, you can walk away with a huge pile of business cards and almost no real relationships to show for it. I’m sure we’ve all been in that boat before. It wasn’t until I stumbled across something called the “Two-Ap Test” that things started clicking into place. This simple idea can really change how you think about networking.

So, What’s the Two-Ap Test Anyway?

At its core, the Two-Ap Test networking strategy is all about spotting the people who show up more than once in your professional orbit. Instead of spreading yourself thin trying to stay in touch with every single person you meet, you give more attention to the ones who keep popping up. That’s it. That’s the whole idea.

The first time I heard about it was during a particularly crazy season of back-to-back events. I was drowning in LinkedIn requests and random introductions until I realized: the faces I kept seeing over and over might actually mean something. They’re usually the people already plugged into your industry, community, or goals in a real way.

Like one of my mentors told me once: “Networking isn’t about collecting people like Pokémon cards. It’s about building something that can last.” The Two-Ap Test kind of takes that advice and turns it into an easy system you can actually use.

Why Seeing Someone Twice Matters

Now, there’s actually a bit of science behind why this works so well. Studies show that relationships get stronger every time you bump into someone again. Trust builds. Familiarity grows. Shared interests start popping up naturally.

Think about it for a second. If you had to choose between reaching out to someone you awkwardly shook hands with six months ago, or someone you’ve bumped into three times at different events—who would you feel more comfortable messaging? Exactly. The Two-Ap Test just gives that natural instinct a little structure.

How You Can Use the Two-Ap Test Right Away

Honestly, getting started doesn’t mean downloading a new app or learning some complicated system. Here’s what worked for me:

• Step 1: Jot Down First Meetings After meeting someone new, just make a quick note. I usually grab their name, where we met, and maybe a few details. Could be a spreadsheet, your phone’s notes app, whatever’s easiest.

• Step 2: Set a Time Window Pick a window that makes sense for you. A lot of people use six weeks, but if you only hit one event a month, you might want to stretch that out.

• Step 3: Watch for Repeat Faces Next event you hit? Keep an eye out. If someone from your list shows up again, give them a second checkmark—or as I call it, their second “Ap.”

• Step 4: Prioritize the Repeats Once your time window’s up, review your list. If someone’s made two or more appearances, move them to your “priority” list. Those are the people you should invite for coffee, connect with on LinkedIn (but actually message them), or even brainstorm ways to work together.

• Step 5: Store the One-Timers Don’t throw away those one-time meetings! File them somewhere safe. You never know when they’ll pop back up later.

After a crazy conference stretch last year, I used this method and found about seven people I’d seen multiple times. Six months later? Three of them turned into real partnerships. The ones I met just once? Honestly, most of those names I barely even remembered.

It Works No Matter What Field You’re In

The Two-Ap Test networking strategy doesn’t just fit one kind of job. I’ve seen it work across the board:

• Sales: Warmer leads = better conversion. The people who keep showing up at events are already engaged.

• Job Hunting: Seeing a recruiter multiple times makes following up way less awkward and way more natural.

• Entrepreneurs: Focus your energy on potential investors, collaborators, and clients who already move in your circle.

• Career Changes: Find key people who are deep in the industry you want to break into—and actually have them remember you.

One marketing director I know landed three massive clients this way just by paying attention to who kept appearing at trade shows.

Some Hidden Perks Nobody Talks About

Beyond just organizing your contacts better, I noticed a few extra bonuses from using the Two-Ap Test:

• Better Conversations: You stop having shallow chats because you know you might run into this person again soon.

• Easier Follow-Ups: No more weird “Remember me?” emails—you can just pick up where you left off naturally.

• Community Insights: You’ll start figuring out who’s really influential in your field—and who’s just passing through.

• Mutual Recognition: When they start recognizing you, relationships move faster and get more comfortable.

By the third time you see someone, honestly, it usually feels more like catching up with a buddy than awkward small talk with a stranger.

Some Quick Tweaks to Make It Even Better

Even though spotting repeat appearances is the foundation, here’s how you can juice it up a little:

• Quality over Quantity: If you have an amazing deep chat with someone once, don’t ignore it just because you haven’t seen them again yet.

• Shared Interests: Notice if your goals, industries, or passions overlap. That’s a good sign to bump them up on your priority list.

• Energy Check: Do they energize you or drain you? It matters way more than people admit.

• Virtual Appearances: In a Zoom-heavy world, don’t overlook strong digital engagement like thoughtful LinkedIn comments or direct emails.

One consultant I know started scoring her connections not just by how often she saw them, but also by how great the conversations were—and she ended up getting way more referrals.

It’s Not Perfect, but It’s Pretty Close

Like anything, the Two-Ap Test networking strategy has a few quirks:

• One amazing meeting can beat several “meh” ones. Watch out for those rare gems.

• Not everyone goes to every event. Some heavy-hitters you really want might just not show up a lot.

• Small industries mean slower tracking. In that case, give yourself more time or count digital interactions too.

• Introverts might get overlooked. Some really smart people don’t do the event-circuit thing. Don’t miss out just because they’re low-key.

I get around this by occasionally checking back through my “one-time” file to spot anyone I might’ve overlooked.

Combine It with Other Networking Tools

Honestly, the Two-Ap Test becomes even more powerful if you pair it with other systems. I sort my contacts into:

• Core Circle: Closest relationships, super tight communication (weekly-ish).

• Inner Circle: Strong contacts you catch up with monthly or every other month.

• Outer Circle: Newer connections you check in with a few times a year.

Most of my Two-Ap folks eventually slide into one of these categories.

Push It Even Further

Once you’ve got a handle on it, you can take the Two-Ap Test even deeper:

• Host Small Meetups: Bring your priority connections together. Instant network boost.

• Create Real Collaborations: Work on projects or content together to strengthen bonds.

• Customize Your Timeline: Adjust based on how fast or slow your industry moves.

• Use CRM Tools: For bigger networks, some light tech can help you stay organized.

One tech exec I know even built her own app around these ideas—and her team’s partnership wins shot up 40% in a year.

How to Actually Start Building That Better Network

Networking doesn’t have to feel awkward or exhausting. The Two-Ap Test gives you a simple way to spot the connections worth investing in. The only thing left? You just have to start.

At your next event, take a mental note (or a real one) of who you meet. Notice who you see again. Those are your people. That’s your starting point for building a network that doesn’t just look good on paper but actually supports you when it counts.

And honestly, in a world where it feels like everyone knows everyone, the real advantage is how well you nurture the connections that actually matter.

If you want to give the Two-Ap Test a try, here’s the fast-track plan:

• Set up a basic way to track meetings (phone notes, spreadsheet, whatever).

• Log every new connection after your next event.

• Set a six-week (or longer) reminder.

• Watch for repeat encounters.

• Review and categorize at the end.

• Reach out to your priority people.

• Keep a soft file for one-time meetings.

• Repeat and tweak as you go.

No need for a perfect system. You’ll figure it out and make it yours along the way.

Making Professional Relationships Actually Matter

Honestly, real success tends to come from meaningful connections—not just a big list of names you barely remember. The Two-Ap Test brings a much-needed, no-nonsense way to figure out which people in your network actually deserve your time and energy. By paying attention to how often you cross paths, you start spotting the folks who naturally fit into your professional world—the ones where real relationships can actually grow.

I’ve seen how this can change everything. Instead of feeling stuck trying to keep up with hundreds of random LinkedIn contacts or business cards gathering dust, I built a smaller, stronger circle of people who add real value—and who I can actually support in return.

Right now, with how fast and shallow networking can feel, being able to build authentic relationships is honestly like a cheat code. The Two-Ap Test isn’t just about being efficient; it gives you the breathing room you need to go deeper with the connections that matter most.

So next time you’re swapping business cards or adding someone new on LinkedIn, don’t stress about keeping up with everyone. Focus on the familiar faces—the ones who keep showing up—and watch how your professional circle goes from feeling like a chore to feeling like a real, thriving community.