Networking is an important step for advancing your career or finding a new position. As they say, it’s all about who you know! Building, maintaining, and utilizing a network can be a stressful endeavor, though. We’re here to help!
Your network is simply made up of people you know personally or professionally: your family, neighbors, friends, church congregations, former coworkers, and anyone else in your contact list! To network is to connect with people you already know, ask for help or introductions, meet new people, share your story…and ask for more introductions.
Many people don’t invest time in building their networks while they’re employed. When we leave our jobs or are looking to make a strategic career move, we realize how helpful it is to have that widespread professional network already in place!
In this article:
- Why you should make time for networking
- How to build your network
- Questions that make networking easier
- Asking for introductions
- Creating a job networking team
- Don’t forget internal networking
- Know yourself and be yourself
- More networking tips
Why you should make time for networking
Whether you’re looking to make a career change or not, you can benefit from networking. It’s an opportunity to earn referral bonuses, get new clients or new sales, make new friends, and more. By networking, you can learn about business, people, your city, your neighbors…the list goes on! That may lead you to get involved with new projects, civic or community organizations, etc., which in turn helps you build an even bigger network. Your network can be a great source of advice both personally and professionally. And of course, it’s a great way to land a new job. It’s a lot easier to find a new position when you’re meeting people who might have leads, be able to help you, or be able to hire you.
How to build your network
If you’re on a mission to expand your professional network, here are some strategies we recommend:
- Ask for introductions (more on this one below)
- When you go to meetings, conferences, etc. or work with clients, collect business cards and/or connect with people on LinkedIn
- Join a professional association like SHRM or AICPA
- Join a LinkedIn group
- Engage with others’ posts on LinkedIn
- Create your own posts on LinkedIn – and connect with people who engage with them
- Build relationships in a way that feels natural to you – some people thrive at large events, while others prefer one-on-one coffee meetings or virtual conversations
- Be curious and focus on learning about other people
- Reach out to someone new each month to expand your professional circle
Questions that make networking easier
If networking feels intimidating, prepare a few questions before attending an event. For example:
- What brought you to this event?
- Have you attended before?
- What do you enjoy most about your work?
- What projects are you working on right now?
- What do you do for fun outside of work?
Most people enjoy talking about themselves, and asking thoughtful questions is often the easiest way to start a meaningful conversation.
Asking for introductions
Networking is all about growing your existing network by asking for introductions – NOT asking for jobs. If it is indeed “all about who you know,” it’d be beneficial to you to try to know as many people as possible. Maybe you think your personal connections can’t help you professionally, but you won’t know until you ask!
Start by sharing your story and explaining why you’re asking for introductions. For example:
- I’m looking for a new job
- I want to make more business connections
- I just moved to this area and I need to meet more people here
Then, ask your network for introductions, and be very specific about the kind of people you want to meet. For example:
- Do you know anyone from Indianapolis in a high-level HR function that you’d recommend I speak with?
- I’m moving to Indianapolis, do you know anyone in that area?
- I’m looking for HR positions in Grand Rapids, do you know anyone in HR there?
- I’d really love to work for Purple Ink – do you know anyone that works there?
- I’m trying to connect with distribution managers, do you know anybody in that role?
- I’d love to talk to other parents who have taken time off to raise kids and have since gone back to work, do you know anyone who’s done that?
When you meet someone new, repeat the process: share your story, learn someone else’s story, and ask for more introductions.
Creating a job networking team
If you’re on the search for a new position, it can be helpful to create a job networking team. Ask your network if they’re willing to participate. They’ll get an email from you once a week with an update on your job search activities, including any interviews you’ve had, positions to which you’ve applied, and any interviews or meetings you have coming up. Ask your networking team to forward your information to any connections they might have at any of the organizations you’ve applied to, and always attach your resume and include your contact info. This will help keep you accountable. Be reliable with your emails and send them every week!
Don’t forget internal networking
When people think about networking, they often focus on meeting people outside their organization. Internal networking can be just as valuable. Building relationships with colleagues helps you understand what is happening across the organization, discover future opportunities, learn from others, and identify people who can support you during times of change.
These relationships can also become important sources of advice, project collaboration, referrals, and professional development throughout your career.
Know yourself and be yourself
One of the best networking tips is surprisingly simple: know yourself and be yourself. You do not need to network exactly like anyone else. Some people enjoy large conferences, while others prefer small gatherings or virtual meetings. Focus on the networking approaches that feel authentic to you and play to your strengths.
More networking tips
In this episode of The JoyPowered® Workspace Podcast, hosts JoDee and Susan discuss why you need to network and how to do it effectively. Amy Waninger of Lead at Any Level calls in to talk about diversity and inclusion in building your network. In best practice sharing, listeners share how they make networking easier.
Looking for even more networking advice? In another episode of The JoyPowered® Workspace Podcast, JoDee Curtis, Susan White, and Christine Burrows discuss JoyPowered®. Networking and share practical strategies for building meaningful professional relationships. Topics include finding a networking style that works for you, asking better questions, developing internal networks, and creating connections that support long-term career growth.
Networking is a long-term investment in your career. You may not need your network today, but you may need it tomorrow when you’re searching for a new position, exploring new opportunities, looking for advice, or seeking collaboration. The best time to build your network is before you need it.
Need guidance on your career journey? Learn more about our career coaching services and professional coaching services here! Or send us a message here, and we’ll guide you to the right path.