The Career Raven Weekly: Building Your Network: Where to Start and How to Engage
Hello, Career Raven Coven!
Networking is often one of the most underrated tools in a job search or career growth journey. Many people think networking is just about collecting business cards or adding connections on LinkedIn. But the true power of networking is in the relationships you build and the genuine connections you make. This week, we’re focusing on how to start building and engaging with your network effectively.
Why Networking Matters
In today’s job market, most job opportunities don’t come from job boards—they come from connections. Networking allows you to build relationships that lead to career opportunities, mentorship, and personal growth. The goal is to make meaningful connections, not just grow the number of contacts in your address book.
How to Start Building Your Network
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Identify Your Networking Goals
Why are you networking? Is it to find a new job? Get career advice? Gain industry insights? Setting clear goals helps you stay focused and intentional.
Your goal will dictate the type of people you should reach out to (e.g., recruiters, colleagues, industry experts, etc.).
Start with People You Know
Start by reaching out to your current connections—friends, family, former colleagues, and acquaintances. Let them know what you're looking for or how you’d like to grow.
Example: "Hi [Name], I hope you’re doing well! I’m currently looking to grow my network in [specific area or industry]. If you know of anyone I should connect with, I’d love any introductions."
Attend Networking Events and Webinars
Whether virtual or in-person, attending industry events, workshops, and webinars is a great way to meet new people and engage with your community.
Focus on quality over quantity. Don’t aim to meet as many people as possible—aim to have a few meaningful conversations and follow up afterward.
Be Active on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is one of the best platforms for professional networking. But to really leverage it, you need to be active.
Engage with content: Like, comment, and share posts that resonate with you. This gets you noticed by others in your field.
Send personalized connection requests: Instead of the default message, write a brief note explaining why you’d like to connect and how you can offer value.
Ask for Informational Interviews
Informational interviews are a powerful networking tool. They allow you to learn more about a role, company, or industry while building a relationship.
Reach out to people whose careers you admire and ask if they'd be open to a 15–20-minute chat. Make it clear you’re looking for advice, not a job.
Nurture Your Relationships
Networking doesn’t stop after you make a connection. Make an effort to stay in touch. Share updates about your career, and be sure to check in with your connections every few months to keep the relationship warm.
Action Steps:
Create a networking strategy: Set specific goals for what you want to achieve through networking (e.g., 5 new connections in your industry this month).
Send 5 LinkedIn connection requests with personalized messages.
Schedule one informational interview this week with someone you admire in your field.
This Week’s Challenge:
This week, I challenge you to reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while—a former colleague, mentor, or professional acquaintance. Ask how they’re doing, share an update about your career, and see if you can help each other with any current challenges.
Need Help?
If you’re struggling to build your network or want tips on how to approach your connections, I’m here to help. Let’s talk about how to strategically grow and nurture your network.
Coming Next Week:
Next week, we’ll focus on Leveraging LinkedIn for Effective Networking—how to make LinkedIn work for you when you’re connecting with people and expanding your network.
Stay tuned and keep soaring!
With Empowerment and Strategy,
Jen DeLorenzo
Career Coach & Reverse Recruiter
