Growing Your Network 
A potted plant with a stake that says "Grow your network." There are several unused stakes on the table that say sounding board, mentor, collaborator, peer, and connector.

When you hear the word networking, what comes to mind? Business cards? Name tags? A lukewarm conversation about the weather while balancing a flimsy paper plate of cheese cubes?

Yeah—us too.

And it only got worse post-pandemic. The word conjures images of awkward Zoom breakout rooms, cold LinkedIn messages, and virtual events filled with forced small talk. Add in a wave of new professionals who started their careers from their bedrooms, and the whole concept of building a professional network can feel distant, even performative.

But it doesn’t have to be.

So, what is networking, really?

Here’s the thing: networking isn’t about collecting contacts. It’s about building connection. Real, human, “I see you and I want to support you” kind of connection.

It’s the practice of forming meaningful professional relationships based on trust, reciprocity, and shared curiosity. It’s less “what can you do for me” and more “how can we learn from each other?”

Think of it as tending a garden. You don’t plant one seed and walk away. You nurture it over time. You show up. You listen. You follow up.

Why it matters

We’ve heard the saying: Your network is your net worth. And in many ways, the saying holds true. In uncertain markets, during career transitions, and through times of change, relationships are what move people forward.

Whether you’re job hunting, launching a new project, or just trying to get better at what you do, the people around you are one of your greatest resources. Networking helps you:

  • Access new opportunities
  • Get real-time feedback
  • Learn from other people’s mistakes (and wins)
  • Build a reputation—and a support system

Even if you’re not in career-building mode, networking sharpens your communication skills and reminds you that professional growth doesn’t have to happen alone.

A thoughtful conversation today could become a trusted connection tomorrow. A shared idea could turn into a new direction.

Strategic Preparation

Before you jump into networking—whether it’s a coffee chat, team offsite, or a full-blown conference—pause. 

Set your mindset

(This might sound familiar!)

  1. What’s my intention?
    • Why am I showing up?
    • Is it to learn something new? Offer support? Build a long-term connection?
    • Set a clear purpose. It doesn’t have to be big—it just has to be honest.
  2. What’s my attitude?
    • Am I open? Curious? Distracted? Guarded?
    • The energy you bring shapes the space you create. A generous, grounded mindset helps build trust.
  3. What’s my behavior?
    • What actions will reinforce my intention and attitude?
    • Will I ask thoughtful questions? Will I listen without jumping in? Will I follow up?

When these three elements are aligned, you don’t just talk to people—you connect with them.

Craft Your Story

Your story is your bridge. It helps others understand what you’re about and where you’re headed—and invites them to connect on common ground. Done well, it makes you memorable, relatable, and approachable.

Use the triangle structure as your guide:

  • Start with your motivation: What drives you? What sparked your interest in your field or role?
  • Move into the present: What are you currently working on? What challenges or opportunities are you exploring?
  • End with the future: What are you aiming for? What do you hope to build, learn, or create next?

This framework keeps your story focused and conversational. Aim for 60 to 90 seconds—enough to give someone a snapshot, but short enough to invite curiosity and questions.

Practice it out loud so it feels natural, not scripted. Tailor it based on the audience. And remember: your story doesn’t have to be perfect or polished. It just has to be yours.

How do you network today?

If you’re imagining stiff conference mixers or cold DMs on LinkedIn, let’s take a breath. Networking can—and should—look different today. Here are some ways people, especially Gen Zers, are flipping the script:

1. Network through shared interests, not job titles.

Online communities like Reddit, Discord, or niche Slack groups allow people to connect around ideas—not just résumés. The newer workforce is more likely to engage through shared passions (AI, art, social impact, climate, tech) than a traditional networking event.

2. Be a content creator.

Posting your thoughts on LinkedIn, starting a newsletter, or even making TikToks or Reels about your work-life wins and fails? That’s networking. When you share what you’re learning, you attract people who resonate—and invite connection.

3. Send the message you actually want to receive.

Forget the copy-paste intro. A thoughtful note after reading someone’s article or attending their webinar goes further than a generic “let’s connect.” Specificity builds authenticity.

4. Network laterally, not just up.

Your peers are powerhouses. Instead of chasing connections with VPs, build relationships with the people at your level—those who will rise with you, refer you, and collaborate alongside you.

5. Say yes to the weird invites.

Alumni trivia night? Volunteering at a community panel? Virtual coworking with peers? These aren’t obvious “networking events”—and that’s why they work. Low pressure, high potential.

6. Search the conference hashtag.

Conferences can be busy, and everyone has their own agenda. It can make it hard to organically connect. After the event, search the hashtag. See who’s posting and what they are posting about, and reply with your thoughts and experience from the event. 

TL;DR: Network like a human.

Forget the stiff scripts. The best networkers are curious, generous, and real. No matter where you are in your career, the goal is the same: show up, reach out, and build connections that grow over time.


Want help finding your voice—or the confidence to reach out in the first place? That’s what we’re here for. Get in touch at info@snpnet.com.

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