What Are the Elements of Effective Networking?

One of the great ironies of the working world is that people often blame nepotism when they are passed over for opportunities. Yet, few people put in the effort to build relationships to give them an edge in the workforce.

Networking does take effort, but a lot of the obstacles that keep us from building professional relationships are imaginary. The way many of us are taught to network is awkward and artificial. Building a network becomes much easier if you learn to build relationships in ways that are more natural and organic.

In my case, social anxiety makes stereotypical networking events —?like those in a hotel ballroom or bar filled with strangers — equivalent to a nightmare. Fortunately, people showed me that those terrifying networking events are only one path to build professional connections. There are many other ways to start creating a strong network.

You can set aside time each week or month to have coffees (virtual or in-person) with people you find interesting, for example. Or, you can join groups based around activities that you enjoy, such as sports or crafts. There are obviously many others.

The approach you take should be based on what makes you most comfortable. You should follow the foundational elements of good networking, though.

To learn what those elements are, I asked LinkedIn members to share their thoughts. While I can't highlight all of the comments, you can read them by clicking here .

Build a Strong Network Before You Need It

One of the most important steps to keep in mind is that you should always be building and maintaining your network. Many people wait to network until they want or need a new job. Networking rarely pays off in that scenario unless you have an existing relationship.

"Do not lead with your job search in networking conversations," writes Ben Wiant , who is a career transition consultant. "When you do, you put them on the spot. You have not earned the right to ask for help from them yet."

A strong professional network is a lot like having a trampoline under you during your career. You want a strong one to help you bounce back if something goes wrong. You also want one to propel you further with opportunities.

Start with Your Existing Network

One of the initial obstacles people face when they start to intentionally work on their professional network is that they feel like they're starting from scratch. The truth is that we all have the foundation of a strong network. Sometimes it just needs attention.?

"In order to make it less intimidating, I like to recommend networking in your own 'backyard' so to speak," writes Kamara Toffolo , who is a LinkedIn Top Voice and a job search strategist. "We have a lot of baked in networks that we often don't think to tap into."

Those include alumni associations, professional membership organizations, volunteer organizations and charities, hobby and interest groups, religious groups, and more.

"With these networks, we have instant ice breakers built-in," she adds.

Starting with your existing network also opens doors to their connections and network.?

"If you started out with the people [you] already know or people you have something strong in common with, you'll be way more successful than sending DMs to 1,000s of strangers," writes Mike Tomasello , who is career advisor and coach.

Be Genuine, Not Transactional

People often sabotage their networking efforts by expecting any relationship to be transactional. The reality is that any given professional relationship may not bear fruit, like a job offer.?

For example, I've found that many promising professional relationships go sour almost immediately because the other person asked for a referral or job right at the end of our initial conversation. Asking for such a big favor without having a genuine relationship makes the other person feel used.

"Focus on building rapport by being genuinely interested in the other person," writes Marielle Legair , who is a LinkedIn Top Voice and personal branding expert. "Try to find common ground. Since every opportunity we desire comes from another person, it's a skill we must work to refine through practice."

Legair adds that she encourages her clients to be intentional about networking by creating a "dream list" of people they want to have conversations with each quarter.

Additionally, come to a networking conversation with unique and substantive questions the other person can actually answer. "Start with curiosity and learn non-Googleable insight," writes Rob Kim , who is a LinkedIn Top Voice and career educator. "Keep things short, sweet and specific."?

Ask for advice at the end, not a job, he adds. Also, don't forget to send thank-you notes.

Think Outside the Box

Don't be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to networking. Humans are built to connect with each other. We're constantly finding new ways —?especially online — to form communities.

In my case, I built a great network as a young journalist through social networks, like LinkedIn. The seeds of strong professional relationships were taking root by the time I met people in real life.

"Joining online communities is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to network," writes Alina Okun , who has a doctorate of business administration and is co-founder of Walnut. "By joining a community, you're immediately surrounded by people interested in the same topic. They are open to accepting invitations to get to know each other. It's a lot simpler to follow up and stay in touch in an online community."

Focus on Relationships

Remember that networking isn't about collecting business cards or accumulating a list of contacts, it's about cultivating genuine relationships. Fostering these connections means stepping out of traditional networking stereotypes and investing time and energy in authentic connections.?

Join me on Thursday, August 3, for a discussion with LinkedIn Top Voice Marielle Legair about building a strong personal brand that will help you unlock success in your career. If you can't make the live broadcast, the video will be available after at the same event page on LinkedIn. Register by clicking the image below or by clicking here .

Next up in LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky 's new series: Shopify President Harley Finkelstein . One of the main lessons Harley passes on in the conversation is to focus on the value you're bringing to an employer. Be sure to check out Ryan’s interview with Harley below. Also, be sure to subscribe to Ryan’s newsletter by clicking here .

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