Networking: your key to unlocking new opportunities, not another chore

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Networking plays a crucial role in career progression, yet when I recently asked on LinkedIn, "What’s one piece of networking advice that has made the biggest impact on your career?"

The responses were surprising.

Instead of sharing tips, people expressed how much they dislike networking. They find it inauthentic, awkward, self-serving, and exhausting—a sentiment I hear often from my clients. Even though we discuss networking early on in our conversations, it’s usually the last thing they want to tackle, seen as a dreaded "must-do."

But what if networking wasn’t a chore? What if it was fun, inspiring, and energising? The key is shifting our mindset. At its core, networking is just a conversation. The day I started approaching it with curiosity instead of pressure, everything changed.

How I shifted my mindset on networking

I used to dread networking. As an introvert, I much prefer one-on-one conversations, and the idea of walking into a room full of strangers was overwhelming. But everything changed when I reframed what networking meant to me.

When I was 17 years old, I had the opportunity to meet someone who was an architect, a career path I was considering at the time. He gave me an insight into the role and career I was about to embark on, and within 20 minutes, I realised it wasn’t for me. It was my first networking experience—a simple conversation, yet one that changed the trajectory of my career.

I later realised that networking isn’t about working the room—it’s about finding the right room. Instead of forcing myself into spaces that felt uncomfortable, I started asking: Where would I naturally connect with like-minded people?

I also gave myself permission to redefine success. I didn’t have to talk to everyone. If I walked away having had a meaningful conversation with just one or two people, that was enough. I also found that online conversations were just as valuable for building connections. Once I stopped trying to be an ‘extrovert for a night’, networking became much more enjoyable.

For me, the right networking environment has evolved over time. At one point, it meant attending gallery openings and private views. Now, it’s about sharing experiences with other entrepreneurs and mums on their journey to building businesses.

And here’s the surprising truth: When it comes to job searching, most of us default to traditional applications because that’s what we’ve been told to do. But organisations are far more likely to trust a candidate who comes recommended by someone in their network than a name from an online application.

How to make networking enjoyable and meaningful

1- Don’t try to fit in everyone’s network

Networking is about connection. Seek out communities that support and energise you, rather than forcing yourself into spaces that don’t feel right. A true community isn’t just a group of people with similar interests—it’s a group where you feel seen, heard, and valued. It’s a space where you can share ideas openly, receive feedback, and offer support in return.

The most meaningful connections often happen within these kinds of communities, where there’s a mutual sense of belonging and a shared commitment to growth. And remember, building your community takes time; it’s about fostering relationships that are genuine and reciprocal, not transactional. So, when you network, think beyond the event or meeting. Consider how you can build lasting, supportive relationships with those who uplift you, challenge you, and help you grow in your personal and professional journey.

2- It’s about the stories you tell

Too often, I hear people say, “I don’t like selling myself” or “I don’t know how to talk about myself.” The issue here is that you're focusing on how you're doing your role, not why you're doing it. If you share your deepest desire, your passion for what you do, or what you would love to do if you’re seeking for a new opportunity, the conversation flows. When you speak from a place of passion, you’ll find that not only do you lift yourself up, but you also begin to connect with the other person on a deeper level.

3- Be intentional

Why do we network? The answer seems clear: we all want to grow within our careers, whether we work for an organisation or for ourselves. But rather than focusing solely on the end result—a new role, a new client—maybe we need to shift our focus and become more intentional. What do we really want to get out of the networking we are doing? Maybe we want to learn insights about a new industry or role we’re interested in, maybe we’re seeking advice, or maybe we’re building our professional circle.

For me, I focus on three types of networking, each of which brings something different:

1- Learning: Gaining new insights, sharing ideas, collaborating

2- Advisory: Seeking mentorship or advice to navigate challenges or decisions.

3- Community: Building relationships with like-minded people who can support and encourage each other.

So, what's your intention when you are networking? Are you clear on the outcome you’re hoping to achieve, or are you just going through the motions? The more intentional you are, the more meaningful and valuable your connections will be.

At its heart, networking is about telling and listening to stories. Some will be forgettable, but others will be captivating, inspiring, and even life-changing.

Think back to a conversation that changed your career path—what happened, and what did you take away from it?

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