Networking isn't a team sport!

If you’re waiting for someone else to build your professional relationships for you, you’ll be waiting a long time.

Many professionals hesitate to network, especially at this time of year.

• We’re tired.
• We’re busy.
• We tell ourselves we’ll “start fresh in January.”

But here’s the truth: relationships don’t build themselves. Networking isn’t about perfect timing - it’s about intentionality.

I once had an executive tell me he’d start building relationships “in 12 months’ time.” He thought “sipping cups of coffee” was a waste of time. When it came time to make his next career move, his lack of connections held him back. He didn’t have the advocates or trusted relationships to open doors for him.

Networking isn’t about immediate results - it’s about planting seeds for the future.

Even small, informal steps can strengthen your network and position you for success in 2025.

Here’s how you can begin taking intentional steps today:

Three Practical Networking Strategies

1?? Reconnect with your “weak ties.”

• “Weak Ties” are people you interact with infrequently or have lost touch with. These connections have vast networks of their own that could become valuable sources of information and contacts.
• A simple message to an ex-colleague or mentor can reawaken opportunities you didn’t realise were still there.
• It can be as simple as, “I was just reflecting on our last project together in 2015—how are you doing these days?”
• At the very least, it’s good to catch up!

One genuine conversation can re-open a door you didn’t even realise even existed.

2?? Get curious about someone new.

• At your next event, focus on quality over quantity.
• Instead of thinking about “networking,” focus on building one authentic connection.
• Ask simple, thoughtful questions: “What brought you here today?”, “What’s keeping you busy right now?”, “How can I help you?”

People remember how you make them feel—not how many business cards you collect.

3?? Keep your network ‘warm’ by being visible in small ways.

• Engage with LinkedIn posts from people you admire.
• Share an article that reflects your values or goals.
• Visibility creates familiarity, and familiarity builds trust.
• Set calendar reminders for friends’ and colleagues’ birthdays or key life events.
• Organise regular catch-ups, even if it’s only once every six months.

Taking Your Networking to the Next Level

When you’re ready to build deeper connections, here are three advanced networking strategies:

4?? Do a network inventory.

• Audit your contacts—organise them by company, speciality, or location.
• How do your contacts align with your current and future objectives?
• Identify gaps in your network and consider who might help you fill them.
• Ask yourself: Who in my current network might be open to helping me plug those gaps?

5?? Leverage second-level contacts.

• Everyone in your network has a personal network of family, friends, and colleagues. You never know who their contacts might be!
• Getting introduced to second-level contacts is the ‘holy grail’ of networking.
• Building trust with your first-level contacts takes time, but it’s the key to accessing their wider network.
• Think of this as planting seeds now, without expectation, in the hope that they’ll pay off in the future.

6?? Create ambassadors.

• A networking ambassador is someone who voluntarily promotes you to their network—your brand, products, or services.
• Ambassadors advocate for you because they know and trust you.
• Focus on the relationship, not the outcome, and give it time.
• Once they understand your brand, values, and goals, ambassadors can scan their environment for opportunities that fit you perfectly.

In summary

Networking doesn’t have to be a huge production. It’s about small, consistent actions that show others who you are and what you stand for.

Trust is earned one step at a time—and it’s those connections that open doors to your future.

What’s one small, intentional step you’re taking to build a meaningful relationship this week? I’d love to hear your ideas.

Wishing you health and success,

Annette

www.CareersUnpacked.com