Making Networking Feel Natural and Meaningful

The Importance of Professional Connections

“Networking” isn’t just about career advancement—it’s about building real, human connections. In a world that often prioritizes hustle culture and individualism, it’s easy to forget that no one builds a successful career alone. Coming from a big family, I know firsthand that it truly does take a village. Networking isn’t about schmoozing or collecting LinkedIn connections like Pokémon cards—it’s about meeting people, learning from different perspectives, and finding ways to genuinely support one another. We’re all guiding each other in some way, even if we don’t realize it at the time.

How to Approach Networking with Ease

  • Be Authentic: You don’t need to be the loudest person in the room or have a rehearsed elevator pitch. Just be curious. Ask questions. Listen more than you speak. People appreciate sincerity over polish.

  • Add Value: No one likes feeling like they’re part of a transactional exchange. Find ways to contribute—whether it’s offering insights, sharing resources, or simply being a great listener. When the time comes for you to ask for something, the relationship will already be built on trust and goodwill.

  • Utilize Digital Platforms: LinkedIn, industry forums, and alumni networks are great for professional connections. But don’t just mass-message people with generic “I’d love to connect” requests. Personalize your outreach, show you’ve done your homework, and engage meaningfully. Less people, more impact. For college grads: you’d be surprised how many fellow alums are happy to pay it forward. It won’t always lead to an immediate opportunity, but when you focus on meaningful touch points rather than short-term outcomes, sometimes the dots start to connect naturally.

Strategies for Success

  1. Stay connected: A simple check-in, a thoughtful thank-you note, or sharing an article that reminds you of a past conversation can go a long way in keeping relationships alive. If keeping track of contacts helps you stay in touch, consider creating a personal CRM—even a basic spreadsheet works. I know this might feel a little "corporate," but after business school and meeting hundreds of people in a short period, I realized that relying on memory alone is a losing battle. Plus, I absolutely hate the feeling of forgetting small details about someone I genuinely enjoy—like their upcoming trip, a big career move, or even their favorite flower (*it’s the little things in life*). No shame if you just need a place to jot down quick notes about the people in your network—it’s not about being robotic; it’s about being intentional. And when you reach out, you’ll be glad you remembered what actually matters to them. Because they matter to you!

  2. Engage in Professional Communities: Find industry events, mentorship programs, or online groups that align with your interests. Being surrounded by like-minded people not only opens doors but also makes professional growth feel a lot less lonely.

  3. Develop a Giving Mindset: We all need support at different points in our careers, but networking is a two-way street. Just as you might need a referral or career advice, there’s someone out there who could benefit from your insights, connections, or encouragement. Pay it forward whenever you can.

The strongest networks aren’t built overnight. They grow through authentic, long-term engagement. Approach networking with genuine curiosity, and the opportunities will naturally follow. The key is consistency, generosity, and a little bit of patience.

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