📡 Networking 101: Key Concepts

Forget business cards. Forget “working the room.” Real networking starts with a different question: Who are you becoming—and who’s already walking that path?

If you're like most people, the word "networking" brings up a tight smile, awkward small talk, and a vague sense that you should be doing more of it. But let’s reframe that.

At its best, networking isn’t about collecting contacts — it’s about building trust, exchanging value, and moving forward together.

Below are the foundational ideas to approach networking with clarity, intention, and a little more humanity.

💡 1. Networking is Not a Transaction

One of the biggest mistakes early-career professionals make is treating networking like a job application. A connection request followed by a pitch. A coffee chat followed by a favor.

That’s not a network — that’s a vending machine. And it doesn’t work.

Great networks are built on resonance, not requests.
They form when two people see something in each other: shared values, aligned goals, curiosity, respect.

🧭 2. Know What You're Actually Looking For

Before reaching out to anyone, get clear on what kind of clarity or momentum you're trying to find.

• Are you trying to understand what a job actually looks like inside a company?
• Do you want to learn how someone made a career pivot?
• Are you looking to build confidence and context before applying?

Being clear with yourself = being respectful of their time.
Vague outreach gets vague replies. Specificity builds trust.

🤝 3. Relationships Are Built Over Time, Not Through One Conversation

A first call is just that — a first call. If you treat networking like speed-dating, you’ll burn through trust before it’s built.

Instead:

• Follow up once or twice with updates or gratitude
• Offer something back (an article, insight, or introduction)
• Show up online or in person consistently

Your network becomes strong when you stop thinking about what people can do for you and start building a web of shared value.

🛠 4. Networking Happens Everywhere — Not Just LinkedIn

Sure, LinkedIn is great. But don’t underestimate:

• Slack communities
• Conferences and meetups
• Volunteering
• Hackathons, side projects, or cohort-based courses
• Even thoughtful Twitter replies

The most meaningful connections are often forged through shared work, not polite messages.

🔁 5. Ask Better Questions

When you finally get on that call, ask things that matter:

• “What’s something you wish you knew before taking this role?”
• “What’s the part of your job that doesn’t show up on the job description?”
• “Who else should I be learning from?”

You’re not trying to sound smart — you’re trying to understand the terrain.

Final Thought: The Best Time to Build Your Network Is Before You Need It

Treat networking like a garden — not a vending machine. Plant seeds. Water them. Stay in touch. Show up.

Because one day, someone will open a door for you. Not because you asked — but because they remembered how you showed up.