The Power of Networking: Our Guide to Creating Meaningful Connections
Networking feels like the LinkedIn buzzword of the year. Everyone is talking about how important it is, and all the tips I’ve seen on how to go about it and what it is have been handy, except for this one thing — networking can feel very transactional. While it’s an important practice that can make a difference in the trajectory of your career, networking can feel grimy in the sense that the ultimate goal seems to be to simply gain a connection and utilize it. Usually, you’re using that connection for a work or business endeavor. LinkedIn has become a means of competition to see who in your circle can connect with the most people. It’s a race to 500+ connections, and recruiters’ inboxes are flooded with messages at any given moment with endless 30-second elevator pitches from students and young professionals desperate to get a foot in the door on their way to their dream careers. This overwhelming environment of sometimes superficial connections can be exhausting, but fear not! As the self-proclaimed networking queen, here is how I network meaningfully and effectively while fostering real connections with the people I meet.
How did Networking even Start?
When I talk to my older siblings and mom about what it was like to find a job a few decades ago, they recount how simple it used to be. “You went to where you wanted to work and handed them an application. If you were lucky, you could an interview on the spot, and if you were even luckier, you’d be hired the same day.” This system seems so straightforward compared to more modern job search practices. You didn’t have to go longer than 6 months without a job, it was easier to connect with your employers, and it was easier to break into new industries. The idea of having a network has existed broadly for centuries. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that professional associations and societies became prominent, offering structured networking opportunities tailored to specific industries. Networking events, trade shows, and conferences became key venues for professionals to connect and exchange ideas. With the integration of social media, networking has been revolutionized through platforms like LinkedIn and Handshake. These sites have made it easier to build the personal and professional networks that are often a gateway to career-advancing opportunities.
Why is Networking so important?
Networking is a cornerstone for expanding opportunities. It opens the door to everything from job opportunities to mentorships and collaborations that may not be advertised openly. Through your connections, access to information can allow you to stay updated on industry trends, and you’re provided the ability to learn from people with more work experience than you. Networking fosters meaningful personal connections that can provide encouragement and motivation. A strong network helps establish credibility and reliability, as people trust recommendations from someone they know. Relationships built through networking can lead to collaborations that create mutual value. Ultimately, having a strong network is about creating mutually beneficial relationships. It’s not just about what you can gain, but also about what you can contribute to others. This element is what I often see missing when people try to network successfully, so here are some tips to help you bring value and build meaningful relationships that will serve you for a long time.
My Favorite networking tips
Use LinkedIn less and cold email more. I personally detest LinkedIn. Like everyone, I have it out of necessity to apply for jobs, scout for internships, connect with industry professionals, and keep myself updated on industry news (especially for fashion). However, millions of people use the site, and I think it’s way too easy to get lost amidst all the people in the same position as you and vying for the same opportunities. If you need to talk to someone, it’s more effective to find their email and reach out to them directly. This may seem scary, but I promise the more you do it, the less scary it is. The worst thing they can do is ignore you, followed closely by saying they don’t want to speak to you. Bet on yourself. You might find yourself making the connection much more easily.
Do a little research on the person you’re reaching out to. I’m holding your hand when I say this, but before you reach out to someone, you need to know at least a little about them. Know what industry they are in and how it relates to where you are. Describe how what you might learn from them may help you with where you’d like to go in the future. It’s a good idea to come up with some questions you may want to ask them in advance. Remember, whoever you are speaking to, they have a history. They did not start where they are, and getting to know about their challenges is just as important as hearing about their successes. Doing your research indicates that you are meticulous, detail-oriented, and care about the connection that you’re fostering.
If you wouldn’t strike up a conversation with this person at a coffee shop, rethink reaching out to them. Just hear me out on this. When I reach out to interview a guest for a feature on It Girl Archive, I don’t do so if I don’t think we’re well aligned. All my interviews feel like I’m talking to a friend. I have a lot in common with my guests, as well as a lot of differences I can learn from, and this makes for great conversation. I feel less nervous, and usually, they do, too, and I can think more earnestly about whatever advice they are giving me. In the same way, I can more easily respond and bounce back with my anecdotes or pieces of advice, and this is exactly what makes the relationships I've built so far so mutually beneficial. I am looking out for their best interest, just like I know they are looking out for mine, and that’s exactly what networking should be at its core.
You have to maintain the connections you make. Nothing cheapens a connection like talking to someone once, getting what you want from them before never speaking to them again. If you do that, you run the risk of making the people you talk to feel used. This is especially true if they have given you advice or even directly handed you an opportunity. Don’t forget your manners, express your gratitude, and invite them to continue to foster a real relationship. This can look like getting coffee occasionally or a check-in via emails if your connections don’t live in the same city as you. Consider chatting about non-work related events and experiences you might have in common. Obviously, do this while respecting professional boundaries, but it doesn’t have to feel like you’re meeting someone once and then never speaking to them again.
FInal Notes
Building a network is a skill you’ll hone through your late twenties and as your career flourishes through your 30s and 40s, and I hope this was a helpful guide on the beauty of forming fulfilling professional connections. Remember that showing up as your real, authentic self, and moving with confidence as you talk to new people will serve you well. Quality is better than quality, and the number of people you know doesn’t matter if you’re not making an effort to maintain these connections naturally. If you have additional questions about networking or want to network with me, feel free to do so in my DMs @itgirlarchive__ on Instagram. You can also slide into my inbox at contact@itgirlarchive.com. I promise I don’t bite!