Networking is the ongoing practice of building professional connections that exchange value—insight, referrals, mentoring—across roles, teams, and industry lines. It’s not a one-off event or a stack of business cards; it’s an intentional system of relationships you maintain over time.
Networking can open doors to new opportunities, spark collaborations, and provide the guidance needed to navigate career challenges. It’s about more than collecting LinkedIn contacts; it’s about creating meaningful relationships that help professionals and organizations thrive.
“Networking is the most consistent thing you can do to improve your career prospects,” says Thomas Vick, Regional Director at Robert Half. “The stronger and wider your network, the more access you have to insights, support, and opportunities.”
Understanding networking
Networking is a force multiplier for career growth, from discovering a new job to finding mentors who’ll help you navigate tough decisions.
“Growing your network can help you in a number of different ways,” Vick says.
It includes talking to people about opportunities as well as getting advice and leaning on those individuals as to how you upskill your career for the next step.
What networking isn’t is blatant self-promotion.
Leena Rinne, Vice President of Leadership, business and coaching at Skillsoft, stresses that the modern lens through which to view the importance of networking is purpose and trust.
“Networking isn’t about status or self-promotion, but purposeful connection,” she says. “Influence today isn’t earned through authority, but through trust.”
Networking skills to develop
Clarity and preparation matter. Vick advises professionals to plan who is it you want to interact with… be ready with what you want to say and how you want to come across.
Practicing your opener and your value add boosts confidence when you meet new people.
Rinne frames networking as a proving ground for “power skills like empathy, adaptability, and active listening—the very skills that define modern leadership.”
Those skills deepen relationships and make follow-ups more natural.
Your message should be authentic and consistent wherever you meet others—online or in person. Nicky Hancock, chief growth officer, AMS, recommends a mindset shift.
“Adopt a position that allows you to be authentic and accept that every interaction can be a learning experience and a collaborative opportunity,” she says.
Strategies for effective networking
Face-to-face time still wins. “There’s still no substitute for in-person networking events, meeting people, shaking their hand, and having that one-to-one, face-to-face interaction,” Vick says. Arrive with a short intro, ask thoughtful questions, and aim for a warm, concise follow-up.
In the post-COVID era, where distance communications are common, you must be prepared to blend the digital with the physical.
Hancock notes that networking “has become a cross between digital—virtual events and social platforms—as well as in-person events”.
Virtual networking is effective to connect globally and access wider, more diverse groups, but in-person remains vital for stronger relationship building.
She adds that LinkedIn is excellent for building a community aligned to your career goals; don’t forget industry-specific or local platforms where you can meet the right people.
Not every touchpoint is a formal event. Rinne observes that as hierarchies flatten and hybrid work expands, professionals increasingly seek relationships that foster growth.
A quick “congrats on the new role,” a useful article, or a short coffee can open real opportunities.
Networking events and opportunities
A good strategy is to mix broad and niche: alumni nights, industry conferences, user groups, meetups, and internal community circles. Vick suggests prioritizing groups aligned to your role or target job: sector meetups and professional associations put you with people solving similar problems—often the fastest route to relevant connections.
Vick notes it’s important to do your homework, which includes planning of who it is you want to meet.
If attendee lists exist, mark two or three people to approach; prepare one question that helps them talk about current work; be ready with one way you can help them (a resource, an intro, a perspective).
Hancock recommends genuine, non-transactional follow-ups that reference what you discussed.
“Focusing on building genuine relationships rather than transactional exchanges can help you in the long run,” she says. A brief message within 24–48 hours keeps momentum and opens the door to future opportunities.
Building and maintaining relationships
All experts recommended leading with value. Share a role you heard about, offer feedback, or make an intro. Rinne highlights that many early-career professionals lack mentorship; networking fills a gap when leaders don’t coach or connect. Bring generosity to every touchpoint; it’s how relationships become durable.
Be systematic when making connections by keeping a log of people you meet, what you discussed, and the next step. Vick points out that within a company, transparency matters.
“Be open with your communication and what you hope to achieve, rather than cold-messaging leaders without context,” he says.
That clarity makes workplace networking more comfortable—and more effective.
Consistency is also critical, with Hancock recommending quarterly check-ins, being present to help celebrate wins, and look for small ways to help those with which you are newly connected.
“Treat every interaction as learning,” she says. “Share what you’re seeing in the industry, ask what they’re building, and keep the door open for future collaboration.”