Is Your Career on Track? Master Networking Before It’s Too Late
Learning Leader Lab
Growth-Minded Leadership Development for All - Beyond Titles!
For many, networking is nothing more than sending a connection request via LinkedIn and increasing their number of connections. But networking isn't just clicking on the option to connect with someone—it’s your key to a successful career and, more importantly, a way to serve others. In a recent episode of Thanks for Coming Back, I had a lively conversation with Michael Morgan, PMP , a dynamic professional who’s made waves across industries like financial services, tech, and retail.
What truly sets Michael apart is his leadership, confidence, and genuine commitment to helping others. These qualities have not only driven his success at top companies like Amazon and JP Morgan Chase but also made him someone others are eager to connect with and introduce to new opportunities. From his impressive career journey to his insightful new book, The Power of Networking, Michael shared invaluable advice on how to really network, take control of your career, and stand out by serving those around you.
The Importance of Networking
First things first: Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards or sending connection requests on LinkedIn. As Michael emphasized, “Networking has helped get my foot in the door for basically all of my job opportunities.” He further explained, “Networking is a two-way street and you have to give to get. You emphasize the give.” Many people approach networking as a transactional activity, but Michael’s approach is far more organic and reciprocal.
Reflection: Reflect on your current networking practices. Are you merely collecting contacts, or are you investing in relationships that could lead to mutual growth? As Michael shares, networking is an ongoing practice that benefits everyone involved when done right. Building trust over time means that when opportunities arise, you're more than just a name on a list—you’re a valued connection and top of mind when it matters most.
Key Insight: Networking isn’t just a one-time effort; it’s a consistent practice of building and maintaining relationships where you give as much as you get—sometimes more.
Strategies for Effective Networking
Michael’s success didn’t come from simply knowing the right people; it came from consistently adding value to his relationships. He shared how offering support, whether through academic help or career advice, often led to future opportunities that perfectly aligned with his skills. He said, “I always try to understand what I can do to help them in their lives… maybe I never even have to ask them for anything, but if I do, I feel that much more comfortable because I know I've done something for them before.”
Reflection: Ask yourself, how are you adding value to your network? Are you serving others without expecting anything in return? By focusing on giving first, you create a network that’s not only strong but also eager to support you when needed.
Key Insight: Build genuine relationships by adding value to others’ lives—serve first, and the support will follow naturally.
Leveraging Diverse Networks for Broader Perspectives
One of the most powerful lessons from Michael’s journey is the importance of a diverse network, something he admits not fully understanding at first. “I have a network of people… in all those locations that have already been with the company for years. And they helped set me up for success and served as mentors to make sure that I was successful while I was there,” he explained. Diversity in your network brings in fresh perspectives, uncovers new opportunities, and helps you identify blind spots you may never see on your own. Perhaps the greatest benefit of having a diverse network is that these insights can build stronger connections at work, showcasing your ability to influence others and achieve shared goals.
Reflection: Consider the diversity of your own network. Are you surrounding yourself with people who think differently and bring varied experiences? A diverse network can not only help you grow but also position you to better serve others, opening doors to opportunities you might not have seen otherwise.
Key Insight: A diverse network isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential for seeing the full picture, serving others effectively, and creating new opportunities.
Navigating Career Transitions with Transferable Skills
Career transitions can be challenging, but Michael’s approach highlights the importance of leveraging transferable skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving. When moving between industries, immersing yourself in the new field through networking and learning is crucial. Michael’s proactive approach to joining industry groups and attending conferences before transitioning into tech is a strategy that can be applied by anyone looking to make a similar move.
As Michael shared, “I invest about 30-40% of my time in growth and development—whether it’s taking trainings, certifications, or reading books. I'm constantly reaching out to mentors and getting their knowledge, their guidance, their advice.” He also emphasized the importance of being confident in acknowledging areas where you lack direct experience: “Yes, I'm lacking this, but this is what I'm doing to bridge that gap… I'm more than confident that I can execute the job at a high level.”
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Reflection: Reflect on your transferable skills. How can they be applied in a new industry? Are you taking steps to immerse yourself in that field before making the leap? By positioning yourself as a learner and a contributor, you not only ease your transition but also add value to your new connections.
Key Insight: Transferable skills are your currency in career transitions—invest in learning and networking within new fields to ease your transition and offer value to your new connections.
Balancing Career Success with Personal Well-being
Finally, new opportunities can sometimes mean new everything—job, titles, industries, and locations. With these changes, self-care and maintaining your personal well-being are crucial. Michael’s experience shows how networking can support personal well-being. He shared how his network and personal connections helped him adjust to new cities: “Most of the places that I've moved to, I know somebody… either someone I went to school with or someone I've worked with… so now I have a friend base. This helps me not feel alone in a new city.”
Reflection: Think about your current network. Are you only maintaining professional connections, or are you also nurturing personal ones? A strong network supports all aspects of your life, helping you navigate new environments while being there for others.
Key Insight: A strong network supports not only your career but also your personal life, helping you navigate new environments while being there for others.
Final Thoughts: Start Networking Today
Michael’s journey is a powerful reminder that networking isn’t just about advancing your career—it’s about building and maintaining relationships where you can serve and support others as much as they support you. If you haven’t made networking a priority yet, now is the time to start. Here are a few prompts to help you reflect and take action:
Key Insight: Begin with small, intentional steps to grow your network and serve those within it—this approach will help you build lasting, meaningful connections.
Conclusion: Your Network is Your Net Worth
Today, it’s more important than ever to invest in yourself and your network. You simply can’t afford to underestimate the power of networking. Whether you’re aiming for a career switch, that next big promotion, or simply looking to expand your horizons, the relationships you build and maintain can make all the difference. And remember, networking isn’t just about what you can get—it’s about what you can give.
Michael’s journey shows that when networking is done right, it becomes a consistent, deliberate practice that can change both your career and personal life. By staying proactive, giving more than you take, and embracing diversity in your connections, you set the stage for a rewarding and dynamic career path.
Remember, it’s never too late to start networking effectively. For more insights and practical advice, be sure to check out Michael Morgan’s book, The Power of Networking, and visit his website for additional resources. For even more insights on how to take control of your career through networking done right, check out the full episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2349322/15668319.