The Hustle Never Ends: Yes, You Have to Network.

Pub crawls, mice (in apartment walls and Ratatouille), networking and a comparison of Dune: Part 2 v Empire Strikes Back v The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers. These were all topics during a recent Snavely family FaceTime.

While I could probably write a thesis about my son’s hot take on which of the three sequels discussed is the best, “networking” seems more appropriate — and less controversial — for this forum. The reason the topic found itself sandwiched between pop culture and pub crawls is that each of the Snavelys are deep in it right now.

My daughter ( Emma Snavely ) is just starting her graphic design career in Boston and, with it, her professional network within and outside her current company. My son ( Lucas Snavely ) is a photography major in his second year at Drexel University trying to make industry connections while also sussing out where to do his pending co-op studies. (A “co-op” is basically an apprenticeship with an established photographer that he convinces to “hire” him for six months.)

Here in Seattle, my husband is in the early stages of launching a gluten-free pita business while reigniting his freelance writing practice. And I am trying to leverage my position as CEO to increase exposure for AAA Washington in our region and within the AAA Federation while also expanding my network in hopes of landing a future board seat.

Nearly 85-percent of roles are filled via networking.

We are each in vastly different places in our journeys and, yet, for all of us, success requires meeting the right people. Bigger picture? Death and taxes aren’t the only thing you can count on. Whether you’re a college student or a CEO of a multi-million-dollar company, the hustle never ends.

To put a pin in that, BuzzFeed recently spoke to Kourtlynn Faith, a recruiter who blew up on TikTok with her POV on why the hustle feels harder lately. Among her tips for landing the next opportunity: Network.?

The reality is, we trust who we know. Go no further than Linked In for proof: It found that nearly 85-percent of roles are filled via networking. When you do the math – and consider the points Kourtlynn makes in her video – it makes sense.

Glassdoor estimates, on average, 250 resumes are submitted for a single job posting. Of those, maybe 6 will get an interview and, obviously, only one gets the job. Having an inside connection increases the chances you’ll be one of the 6 on top of the pile, not the 244 that remain mostly unread. Same can be said for internships and new business leads.?

But, if you’re like the Snavelys, networking may not be your favorite thing. In the spirit of the aforementioned movies and their trilogies, here are some thoughts, in three parts, on how I make it more manageable for myself.

Each new community you find allows you to expand the branches of your tree so that your experience can be fuller, and you can encounter new perspectives. Actively seek them out.

Part One: Setting the Scene?

Networking really happens in one of two scenarios:

• One-to-One: One-on-one interactions can be over shared food or drinks, Zoom or email. They are best for nurturing and adding depth to relationships. I find these manifest most often through my existing network — first-, second-, third-degree connections. Drinks with a former co-worker who’s become a friend and/or mentor. Coffee with someone new I met at a recent event. A Zoom call with someone I may not “know” but who was referred by someone I do. Lunch with a colleague or someone from another department at work. These are the things I say “yes” to most often. Rarely will I do these types of meetups with a cold call.
• Group Gatherings: When you think of networking, these are probably the type of events that come to mind. Large groups. Mandatory mingling. Name tags and small talk. This is where you meet new people and grow your network beyond the people you know. Group gatherings can be incredibly important to expand your world and your experience.

Part Two: Casting the Characters

Who's best to pull in with that networking net? I think about it a few ways:

• Ask people you know to help connect the dots. I believe in paying things forward, and I am constantly thinking about who in my orbit might be able to help someone else I know. Most people want to do the same. It never hurts to ask if they’re willing to help open a door. The key is: They should truly be folks you know, and who can genuinely recommend you to others. For those starting in your career, leverage the connections of established adults: parents, parents of friends, professors, neighbors, former managers, etc.
• Get to know your co-workers. I got the Xbox job in large part because people on the team worked for me at 爱德曼 and spoke highly of me. I found out about the Brooks Running role from a former colleague. Invest in getting to know your peers and people across your org – both at and outside of work. They are great resources and references. Extra pro-tip: Do a “where are they now?” pass through your former co-workers on LinkedIn. Reconnect (authentically) with those who might be in industries or at companies you’re interested in pursuing in the future or who have experiences you hope to learn from.
• Seek out new communities. Earlier this year, I led a breakout session at the See Me Wellness “She Does Wellness” event. I knew Adia Callahan , who was the mastermind behind the program, but I was not part of the community prior. It was the highlight of my year so far. I met new people who inspired me in exciting, unexpected ways. Each new community you find allows you to expand the branches of your tree so that your experience can be fuller, and you can encounter new perspectives. Actively seek them out.
• Be meaningful, not transactional. The best way to ensure a connection doesn’t click is to go in with a transactional mindset, a goal to achieve or a box to check. Instead, make “finding” your intention. Lead with curiosity. Find a common interest. Be open and receptive to how this person might enhance your perspective, make you smarter or teach you something — and how might you do the same for them.

Find where you shine, and lean into that.

Part Three: Setting Time & Place

Unlike movies of late, we are all tight on time. I try to get creative about how to fit these commitments into my schedule:

• Find where you shine: For one-to-one meetings, Zoom is fantastic because you can meet anyone, anywhere. Great when you’re tight for time or meeting people outside your area. But I also find it can be harder to get that personal spark. I’m a fan of coffee or happy hour, when possible. It’s not the commitment of lunch. You can manage the time better, and it allows you to be a bit more casual. You can also fit more than one into a day. Find where you shine, and lean into that.
• Be focused: When it comes to group gatherings, more aren’t better. Start with one a quarter and try to target events that will really give you fresh perspective and connections. Grow from there.

So there you have it. Networking in three parts. Was that shorter than the thesis on whether Dune: Part 2, Empire Strikes Back or The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers reign supreme? Heck no. But hopefully it was far more useful. We all know the answer to that philosophical sequel question already, anyway.

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