How I used networking to create meaningful opportunities
Whew, networking…
It is absolutely critical to getting a job in 2025, and if you’re like most of my clients, it is…cringe-inducing, wildly uncomfortable and best avoided.
(I know there are some super-connecters on this list - read on to empathize with your community or come back next week!)
Whenever I talk networking with my clients, the same themes come up.
There’s the most obvious – it is uncomfortable. It is awkward to get on an 30 min. call with someone you haven’t talked to in a decade or don’t know.
It is also hard to carve out time amidst the hundred and one other things on your to-do list.
But on a deeper level, it is probably a mix of…
You don’t want to bother someone. Ask for help.
Don’t feel worthy of connecting or that you have value to offer.
And on a subconscious level…
You’re afraid of rejection.
This is why I always say job searching is such a chapter of personal growth.
You have to confront and move through every single fear, limiting belief or lack of worthiness to get to the other side (the career you want!).
I’ve fallen into every single one of these traps and in full disclosure, haven’t been great about networking myself.
When I was a consultant and Chief of Staff, I never made time for it.
I knew (as you all do!) that I should stay in touch with old coworkers, but it was easier to keep my head down and focus on what was immediately in front of me.
When I started my business 20 months ago, I networked casually.
I got a lot of inbound outreach as old connections saw me posting, and felt that was “enough.”
I even said to my coach last year as I was strategizing on how to get more speaking opportunities, “I just don’t want to ask people for help.”
Hah!
But then LinkedIn changed their algorithm this fall.
And all of a sudden, I wasn’t getting in front of my community and needed new outreach channels ASAP.
For you, the analog is when you need a new job and you need it ASAP.
It was obvious that I needed to follow the guidance I was giving my clients and to kick my networking into hyper-drive.
Both for my business and to lead by example for you all.
So, I gave myself an informal Q1 networking challenge.
I didn’t set a firm goal or end outcome, except to surface new publicity opportunities and (re)jump-start my visibility.
Here is what I did:
Cold-emailed ten podcasts asking to be on their show
Asked >15 new and old contacts for calls - some to reconnect, others to learn and source opportunities
Took >ten inbound catch-ups with client alums, industry contacts and other contacts
Attended six in-person and two virtual networking events
Joined a new network of female entrepreneurs
Here are the results:
Nominated to be on the Alumni Board of my business school
Asked to host a panel at my business school’s orientation
Gave a talk to 300 women, adding 20 new members of this newsletter community
Will be profiled by my new network, reaching an audience of >12k
Met someone at a networking event who taught me how to pitch podcasts, which helped me…
Secured and recorded two podcast guest appearances
It hasn’t been all roses. A few people I really respect from old roles don’t have time to connect for several months.
I also went to a networking event on a Friday night, watched the programming and then left without speaking to a single person. I was tired!
Here is what I’ve learned + was reminded of:
Networking works. It really does. When we want something, we have to tell others and ask for their help. Our connections can’t bring us opportunities if they don’t know what we want.
The seeds you plant now will bloom. If you want to have opportunities in three months, you need to network (plant your seeds) now. A few of the most significant opportunities I got - with Stern and the speaking engagement - have come from the few long-term relationships I’ve been nurturing.
You need to do more networking than you think. I keep asking myself “have I left it all out on the field yet?” And the answer thus far is “no,” I don’t feel satisfied that I’ve sent every email or pursued every lead I can, which keeps me motivated to keep going.
Go for low-hanging fruit with in-person networking. In-person networking is a scalable and energizing (for many) way to make new connections, but it can be so daunting to find the right event - where to go? what’s a good return on time? Instead of scatter-shooting events and hoping for the best, I’ve been focused on my business school (warm and easy) and two other networks that close contacts have vouched for (h/t for the Old Girls Club).
Oh, and don’t go to events on Friday nights. Just don’t :)
Here are the other reminders I share with my clients (in addition to my 30-page Job Search Playbook which gives them a step-by-step process in how to network!):
Humans want to connect with and help other humans! Instead of feeling like you’re bothering someone, remember you’re giving someone the opportunity to connect with another human, talk about a topic they’re passionate about and be helpful.
Connect in a way that feels comfortable and true to you. We were taught to network in such a robotic way in business school…give your pitch, ask 5-7 questions and wrap-up with an ask. In reality, people will remember and want to help you if they feel a personal connection with you. Experiment to find the best approach for you, and let your personality shine!
No one rejected you, they are just busy. Remember if someone didn’t respond, it has nothing to do with you. Zero. They glanced at your note on their phone on their phone on their way into the dentist and promptly forgot. Following up shows your interest, follow-through and commitment to your goals.
Always do more outreach than you think (saying this again for emphasis!). My clients get a 30-40% response rate on outreach (blended across warm and cold contacts), so keep asking for more.
Your community wants to hear from you.
So go out and give yourself a Q2 networking challenge!
Your future is waiting on the other side of a few outreach notes.
