How to Build a Network: 5 Easy Steps to Meaningful Relationships
In this series on networking, we have talked about why networking is the best approach, how to build a network, and where to meet people. This is great information to get you started, but there is another piece to talk about. Once you meet people, how do you build lasting relationships with them? This article will talk about how to meet people for networking.
Before we talk about that, let’s make sure we agree on why you should build a network. Do you think that that looking for a job is fun? I certainly don’t!
When you search available job postings:
Does it seem like there is too much competition for each job?
Do you frequently feel over-qualified or under-qualified?
Do you wonder why you can’t get an interview, even though the job seemed perfect?
Have you been searching for months?
Are you frequently too late to apply?
Do you wonder if you’re doing it wrong?
Are you tired of being rejected, feeling depressed and isolated?
Do you wonder which jobs are scams?
Why networking is important
If you are looking for advertised jobs, these experiences are normal; the job market can seem impossible. But learning how to access the hidden job market through networking takes you away from ALL of that! Having a strong network reverses the search. What does that mean?
If you spend all your time looking for an employer, you’re not accessing the employers who are looking for you. Believe it or not, employers are looking for you, and you can use networking strategies to avoid job market competition! Most jobs are in the hidden job market (not advertised), and most employers prefer to hire by referral (networking).
Wouldn’t it feel fantastic to have different employers reach out to you a few times a year to see if you are open to a new opportunity? The more people you know, the easier it is to job search through your connections, so employers find you. And when they can, you may never have to look for a job again.
Networking for career success
Although it’s true that a networking can take time to build, it’s also true that this investment will make others wonder why everything works out for you and how you got so lucky. This is the power of networking!
Let’s talk about how to build relationships, so you can end the struggle and frustration, and help employers find you easily.
3 basic steps to build meaningful relationships for career success
Building relationships happens in three phases – know, like and trust. First people find out who you are, then they like you, and after that they trust you. Some relationships take a long time to progress through the phases, some progress quickly, and some don’t progress at all.
Three things that matter in your network are the number of contacts (more is better), the diversity in your network (people with different backgrounds and experience) and consistent meaningful interaction. When your network is big and broad, and your activity is consistent, you will find the relationships that will really work for you.
Phase One – Know
First, you need to know someone. Getting to know someone starts with familiarity and having something or someone in common.
Getting to know someone can happen over time, for example, because you are neighbours, with other parents you see when you drop your kids off at school, or in a class you attend. In these situations, you usually have something in common with the people you meet, and this common ground can become the beginning of a conversation.
Familiarity can also be built when someone you know introduces you. This often happens in social settings. In this situation you have someone in common with the people you meet, and that can be the beginning of the conversation. Sometimes, you get introduced to people because your common friend knows you share an interest or experience. Maybe you went to the same university or share a love of cooking.
People are interested in people who are interesting. As soon as you show passion or enthusiasm for something, you become more interesting.
Phase Two – Like
Next, you need to like someone. For a meaningful relationship to develop, you each need to like something in the other. The more interests and values you share, the greater the potential for a lasting relationship. Remember that you also need to be liked, so take time to learn what people want, what they like, and what they value so you can make meaningful contributions as a member of their network.
To do this, make sure you ask some questions and listen carefully to the responses. Most will like people who listen carefully.
Phase Three - Trust
Lastly, a key element in lasting relationships is trust. The more trust you have, the better. When building meaningful relationships, you know that people will help you when you need it, and they know you will help them.
Trust is usually something that develops over time with consistency. There are many small ways that people rely on us every day. If you are consistent, reliable, helpful and kind, you will build trust easily. In a professional environment also consider your leadership abilities.
Building a strong and meaningful network is about more than just meeting new people—it’s about growing relationships that matter. But remember, it’s not just about quantity but the quality of the relationships you form. Consistent, thoughtful engagement ensures that you build trust and mutual respect, forming a network that is both personally and professionally rewarding.
Take a few minutes every day to practise effective networking tips to get a job without applying. Using the know-like-trust model to connect with people and build relationships that will support you and your goals.
What’s one action you could take to start building a strong professional network today?