STOP WASTING TIME: NETWORKING IS THE FASTEST PATH TO YOUR NEXT ROLE

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STOP WASTING TIME: NETWORKING IS THE FASTEST PATH TO YOUR NEXT ROLE

If you're still submitting endless online applications and hoping for the best, it's time to face the truth: That strategy no longer works.

The job seekers landing roles the fastest today are using a very different — and far more effective — strategy.

They’re mastering the most important tenet of job search success: Networking.

Why Networking is the Way to your Next Position

The best roles are often never posted online. They’re discovered through conversations, connections, and strategically positioning yourself as the expert companies need.

One of my clients, Leah, learned this firsthand. After 564 days in her job search, feeling isolated and exhausted, she reached out to me. Leah had been relying heavily on applications, but without a clear strategy, she was stuck.

She joined my networking community and participated in a group workshop.

That’s when everything changed.

Once Leah started:?

??? Identifying target companies and connecting with key employees ??? Writing thoughtful LinkedIn comments and sharing her expertise ??? Reaching out directly to professionals in meaningful ways

She was hired within two months. Her new employer’s leadership team even called her a “unicorn” — someone so uniquely skilled they couldn’t pass her up.

564 days of frustration turned into 60 days of success — all because she embraced the fact she could not do this job search alone and she needed a detailed plan along with the power of networking and a community.

Another client, Mary, had been searching for nine months without success. She partnered with me as a 90 Day VIP 1:1 client. We customized together her networking plan that made sense for her background, her future position and the types of companies she had targeted to work at.?

Determined to break the cycle, she decided to step outside her comfort zone and joined a local coffee and networking group in downtown Nashville. There, she met two women – both worked at the same company.? They were intrigued by Mary’s background. After several coffee meetings, they introduced her to a Senior VP of Marketing at their company.

That coffee connection — along with Mary’s persistence, her preparation and confidence — ultimately led her to a Director of Marketing role that wasn’t even being recruited for. Mary started her new role on November 18th and is thriving in her hybrid work environment. She found so much confidence by regularly connecting with others, both virtually and in person.? All of this came about by working together, creating a strong plan that she would adhere to, holding each other accountable – she found her new role in less than 90 days.

It is hard, but it is possible.

Both Leah and Mary’s success stories highlight this critical truth: You must have a plan, an accountability partner like a career mentor/coach and a community so you can. step out in confidence — both online and face-to-face — to build relationships, showcase your professional brand, and uncover opportunities that will never be found through endless applications alone.

Think about it, if you had a goal to lose 40 lbs and you had tried everything by yourself from YouTube videos, social media groups, on-line one-size fits all programs, and nothing worked for your fitness or nutrition.?

That is until you found and invested in a great personal trainer/coach who worked alongside you, held you accountable, customized a strong plan that made sense just for you and just like that – 40 lbs gone!? It was hard work, but it is possible.? To find that elusive success, you must have a customized plan, a community and accountability.

The Networking Blueprint: 8 Steps to Land Your Next Role Faster

If you’re tired of waiting for responses and want to start building momentum, here’s how to network effectively:

1. Focus on Quality Over Quantity Forget mass outreach.

Identify 5-10 people at your target companies who can influence hiring decisions or connect you with key contacts.

2. Ditch the "Me" Mindset

Stop leading with "Can I pick your brain?" or "Can you refer me?" Instead, focus on how you can offer value or support their work.

3. Think of Relationships Like Banks

Every connection requires “social capital.” Before asking for help, make deposits:

• Congratulate them on achievements
• Share helpful resources
• Engage thoughtfully with their content

4. Craft a Personalized Engagement Plan

• Research each contact’s background
• Identify 2-3 meaningful ways you can add value
• Engage with them consistently before making an ask

5. Use LinkedIn's ‘Post’ Search Feature

Search for posts by people at your target companies and leave insightful, value-driven comments. This positions you as a thought leader and gets you noticed.

6. Be Persistent (But Polite)

Most opportunities unfold after multiple touchpoints. Don’t give up after one attempt — follow up strategically.

7. Stay Consistent

Set a goal to engage on LinkedIn daily. Whether it’s commenting, posting, or reaching out, consistent action drives momentum.

8. Prepare Your Elevator Pitch:

Always be prepared to answer and write to those who ask something like “what do you do?” or “tell me about yourself.” So, you are always prepared to confidently and concisely answer through the simple framework: present-past-proof-purpose.? Being prepared provides confidence.

The Truth About Today’s Job Market

In this competitive landscape, hiring managers aren’t just looking for strong resumes — they’re seeking professionals who stand out through their presence, connections, and personal brand.

Your next opportunity won’t magically appear in your inbox. It’s out there — but you must uncover it.

Want to learn how to build your network and confidently connect with others along with uncovering opportunities or warming up those applications?

Join my FREE Webinar on March 27th at 5 PM ET: Job Seeker Success: Networking Your Professional Brand with Impactful Communication

I'll teach you how to connect with the right people, build a standout LinkedIn presence, and confidently market yourself for the role you deserve.

?? Learn more and register here.

Or feel free to reach out to me directly.

If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and start building real momentum, let’s connect.

I’ll meet you where you are, help you create a clear strategy, and connect you with a community of professionals committed to helping each other succeed.

Your next role is waiting — are you ready to find it?

Warm?regards,

Lori