Networking is not about collecting business cards but about building real connections over time. Informal, curiosity-driven conversations provide more value than polished elevator pitches. Around 70% of new roles are never posted on job sites, which increases the importance of relationships. Asking "What can I learn from this person today?" rather than "What can I get?" leads to more meaningful connections. Start with people who share common ground: alumni, mutual LinkedIn contacts, or friends-of-friends. Use short, direct outreach and informal coffee chats to lower barriers. Small, consistent steps can expand a professional network even for introverts.
"I don't know how to network." It's a common refrain at every career stage, and it makes sense. Networking is one of those buzzwords that can feel inauthentic, intimidating and even performative. Advice like "Just put yourself out there" is easier said than done, especially when you're introverted or don't have industry ties. Here's the reality: networking isn't about collecting business cards. It's about building real connections over time-and it matters more than ever in a climate of layoffs.
Too often, networking feels transactional, with cold emails, awkward introductions and forced self-promotion. No wonder so many people dread it. But the most valuable connections rarely come from a polished elevator pitch. They come from curiosity. 35% of professionals say a casual conversation on LinkedIn has led to new opportunities. This is not an exchange. It's a relationship in the making.
The biggest mistake people make is asking the wrong question. The question they think they should be asking is "What can I get from this person today?" But the more effective question to ask is, "What can I learn from this person today?" Maybe you want to hear how someone navigated a career path you admire. Or you're eager to pick up specific insights from someone with niche expertise. Either way, the focus is genuine curiosity, not exploitation.
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