The Art of Connection
In just two weeks, I’ll be celebrating six years of running HirePlexus as a solopreneur. Looking back on these past years, plus my twenty years in staffing prio, one aspect that I am most proud of is my network relationships. I love my network. It’s not just a list of contacts, it’s a carefully curated and woven web of friendships, professional connections, and shared life experiences built over more than 20 years. Many of the people in my circle are navigating similar stages of life, and as someone who works solo, reconnecting with each of them brings me energy and perspective.
Photo by PNW Production
My approach in networking has always focused on not, “What can I get from this person?” but instead, on connection. That small, but powerful shift in intention, treating people the way I’d want to be treated, has led to a career rooted in trust and respect.
I’m happy to share a few ways that you can reframe networking from a transactional act to a genuine practice of connection. Whether your LinkedIn Connection Tally is 200 or 2,000, this mindset will help you to build a more meaningful, resilient career network.
Reframe Your Story
Before you reach out to anyone, pause and frame your story. In a job search, there are thousands of things you can’t control and only one thing you can control: your story.
If you’re currently working, take a moment to reflect and write down why you’re being paid to do the work you do. What’s your main focus or contribution? Keep it simple. This isn’t about coming up with an elevator pitch (which is nerve-wracking!), it’s about owning your clear, current answer to the question, “What are you up to right now?”
If you are in an active job search and not currently working, reflect on your last role. What did you enjoy the most? What part of the work gave you a sense of pride or left you feeling energized? Call those emotions and moments to your recent memory.
Getting clear on these points creates the energy you’ll carry into your conversations. When you know your story, you can share it with confidence and feel in control of your narrative. That clarity makes it easier for others to connect with you and feel your positivity.
Organize your Connections
Most of our professional networks live on LinkedIn. It’s important to remember: your connections below to you, not the platform. Take the time to download your connections (I’ve written about this before and even made this quick video tutorial to walk you through how to do this!) so you have your own Excel or Google Sheet with names and contact information that you can control.
From there, think of your network as a strategy. Sort your list in a way that makes sense and feels comfortable for you. You can sort by industry, company, past role, or even by date of connection. This simple step turns an overwhelming sea of names into bite-sized, manageable opportunities to reach out with intention.
What can you Offer?
Networking feels lighter when you shift from asking to offering. One of my favorite ways to help clients do this is by creating Career Snapshots, a one-page overview of their background. Unlike a formal portfolio or case study, a Career Snapshot is low-pressure and easy to share. Attaching this to a thank you note or follow-up message is not only showcasing your story but you’re also giving others ideas for how they might market themselves. People love seeing real examples of how others frame their work and it often sparks inspiration for their own journey. My clients share that they get genuinely excited to share this document, which makes networking feel more energizing and less intimidating.
Not ready to share a Snapshot? Another way to add value is by bringing industry news into the conversation. Maybe you attended a conference (virtual or in person) and learned something new. Sharing insights from “outside the walls” of someone’s organization is refreshing and adds value. You’re naturally shifting the exchange from a one-way ask to a two-way dialogue.
The Nepotism of Networking
Networking isn’t always a level playing field. When I work with emerging talent or those new to the U.S. workforce, the thought of “tapping into a network” can feel futile. When opportunities seem to flow mostly through established circles, it’s easy to feel like you don’t have a “big enough” network to work with.
The good news is that you don’t necessarily need thousands of contacts to get stated. Here are intentional ways to expand your circle and build meaningful relationships with a smaller pool of connections:
College Alumni Groups: These networks can be a hidden gem no matter how long it’s been since you walked your alumni’s halls. Alumni boards, Slack communities, LinkedIn groups, and events (both virtual and onsite!) are full of professionals eager to connect and support each other.
Professional Associations: Joining an industry or functional association can quickly broaden your reach. These groups are designed for people who want to grow their networks, so you’ll find members at every stage of their careers.
Volunteer Opportunities: Offering your skills to professional organizations or community groups is a powerful way to build credibility and rapport. Volunteering often leads to relationships and opportunities you wouldn’t find otherwise.
Networking isn’t always about having the biggest circle, it’s about creating genuine connections in the circle that you do have. Start small, show up consistently, and your network will authentically grow.
Find Your Courage
Finding the courage to network isn’t easy. I still find myself overthinking my own outreach and connection requests. It takes courage to dial the number or press “send,” and it can feel personal when someone doesn’t reply. The key is to stay focused on the connection, not the tally of responses. Each conversation, returned or not, is part of the process. Keep a simple log of who you’ve reached out to this month, along with the interesting insights or stories you’ve learned. This reframes networking from “What can I get?” to “What can I learn, share, and experience?” That shift brings new life and energy into the process.
Remember: you don’t have do this alone. If you’d like support clarifying your story and building a networking approach that feels authentic, I’d love to help. Book a time with me and together we’ll define your Next Steps with confidence. You’ve got this!