Why networking matters.

“Networking” can be a really loaded, scary term.

Your network is people you know, even vaguely, that you can reach out to if you need them. Networking is about deliberately spending time building out these connections. And the real value in networking is that one day, you’ll be able to leverage your network. (For more detail about how to leverage your network, check out this post.)

Ways you’re already networking

• Every job you’ve ever had where you’ve worked with others, met people in meetings, or even had social relationships contributes to your network.

• People you have on LinkedIn, even those you’ve never met in real life, are part of your network.

• If you’ve ever attended a conference or meetup, you’re usually doing some networking.

Networks don’t have to be all full of deep connections – but they are people you can call upon one day. This is usually why people have an aversion to networking (especially women) – it might seem like you’re using others for your own gains, being dishonest about your intentions, or that it’s unfair to use connections to get ahead.

Networking (and leveraging networks) happens around you all the time, and by refusing to use yours you will put yourself at a disadvantage. Networking is an unspoken agreement that you’ll agree to help each other a bit in the future.

• Somebody you’ve worked closely with before might be a job reference.

• Somebody you know loosely might refer you into a hiring process.

• Somebody you’ve met once might put you in touch with someone you want to meet.

• Somebody you’ve never met might be able to give you some more context about a company you want to join.

What are some ways you can deliberately work on your networking?