10 Ways to Level-Up Your Career Networking

In the old days, when so many people stayed in the same community for most of their adult lives, it felt like relationships pretty much took care of themselves.

Today, following the disruption of so many social norms and the discrediting of our grand institutions, self-reliance has become the mantra of the day.

Independence has replaced the old community ideal—at least in the United States—and the corporate world has jumped on the bandwagon. Individuals are left to fend for themselves in an environment of fierce competition.

The irony is that we need each other now more than ever. We live in such a rapidly changing and uncertain world there is very little firm ground on which to drop anchor. So, we need to anchor each other. Since we can no longer rely on old-fashioned connections, the focus has shifted to building long-term relationships with individuals—networking. Our networks have become the most reliable institutions in our lives.

Here are ten strategies for taking your networking to the next level: how to connect with mentors, coworkers, managers, customers, or clients authentically for the duration of your career.

1. Approach relationships in terms of what you have to offer, not what you need.

Even if you want or need to get something out of a relationship, it’s more important to focus on what you can give. Instead of asking to be introduced, offer someone the chance to introduce you. Instead of asking people to meet with each other, offer to bring people together. If you want someone to teach you, reframe it as an offer of yourself as a diligent student.

2. Identify and seek out the right decision-makers.

In today’s highly collaborative, cross-functional workplace, everyone is a decision-maker in some capacity. However, different people have decision-making authority in different spheres. You need to identify which decision-makers have the power to help you reach your specific goals.

3. Turn each new outreach into an opportunity for more.

One of the most difficult things about reaching out and trying to form a relationship is getting on the person’s radar screen in the first place—getting noticed. It takes three to five contacts for the average person to remember your name. How do you achieve that without seeming like a self-serving pest? One method is to utilize all the possible methods of outreach—email, social media, and phone calls—all at once. You can be sure it’s not what everyone else is doing. And as long as the blast comes at once, you’re more likely to be seen as thorough than a pest.

4. Research before making contact.

Before reaching out, do a little research (or a lot), not just about the person themselves but also about the organization for which they work, the industry, and their specific work.

5. Don’t make a mutual connection blunder.

Social networks have made it easier than ever before to see the relationships we have in common. But remember the first rule of mutual connections: make sure the relationship between the person you are trying to reach and your mutual contact is positive. Sometimes, it’s better not to mention a mutual connection if you have one, so always check first.

6. Make your communication interesting—and useful.

This circles back to strategy number one: leading with what you have to offer. You will make a much more impactful impression if you sell yourself as someone worth knowing and someone with tangible value to add to the relationship. As part of your research, dig up a useful piece of information to share, or, even better, share something of your own. Maybe it’s a blog post, a YouTube video, an article, a product prototype, or a new company logo.

7. Win over gatekeepers.

No matter how often you reach out, if someone’s gatekeeper doesn’t want you to get through, you won’t. But of course, those gatekeepers are people, too. If you want their help, it goes a long way to recognize them as individuals worth adding to your network. Treat those relationships with the same diligence and respect.

8. Prove you are more than just a blip on the radar.

Getting noticed is just the first step—you then have to get someone to stop and pay attention to you. Make your value offer clear: “This is exactly what, where, when, why, and how I am offering to add value.” Of course, if you sell it, you better be prepared to deliver.

9. Become known for your strong follow-up.

Once you get the ball rolling, don’t be the one to let it drop. Always follow up. The key is to make your follow-up specific. Rather than saying, “Let’s stay in touch!” offer some concrete dates and times to reconnect, and get them on your calendars.

10. Take personal responsibility for maintaining positive relational energy.

Be honest, realistic, responsible, reliable, and never make excuses when you make a mistake—just apologize and fix it. Don’t take yourself too seriously, but always take the work seriously. Extend personal vulnerability, but never undermine your credibility. Be proactive about celebrating the achievements of others and giving credit where it’s due, no matter how small.