Network Intentionally: The Hidden Power of Relationships

When people think about building their career, they often focus on degrees, certifications, and skills. Those are important, but there’s one factor that can accelerate your career faster than anything else: your network.

Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards or sending random connection requests. It’s about building genuine, intentional relationships with people who can teach you, encourage you, and open doors to opportunities you might not even know exist.

💡 The Problem with “Can You Mentor Me?”

One of the most common mistakes people make is sending a message that simply says:

“Hi, can you be my mentor?”

Most professionals don’t have the time to commit to a formal mentorship for a stranger. But they often do have time to answer a thoughtful question. Instead of asking for a big commitment, start small:

“Hi [Name], I’m exploring a new career direction and noticed you work in this field. What helped you land your first role?”

This kind of question is specific, respectful of their time, and likely to start a real conversation. People love sharing their stories—your question gives them the opportunity.

👥 Where to Find the Right People

Intentional networking means going beyond random LinkedIn connections. Here are practical ways to meet and engage with the right people:

• LinkedIn: Follow professionals, recruiters, and companies you admire. Comment thoughtfully on their posts to build familiarity before messaging.

• Meetups & Local Events: Search Meetup.com or Eventbrite for gatherings in your industry. Face-to-face conversations build trust quickly.

• Conferences & Virtual Summits: Many offer free or low-cost virtual passes. Use them to meet speakers and participants.

• Professional Associations: Join groups or clubs related to your industry—they host events, workshops, and networking opportunities.

• Online Communities: Many fields have Slack, Discord, or Facebook groups where people share insights and opportunities.

• Volunteering: Offer your time and skills at events, nonprofits, or causes you care about. This builds credibility and connections.

• Smaller Companies & Startups: Reach out to people working for small businesses, startups, or product-based companies. These environments often hire faster and are open to giving someone their first big opportunity.

Remember: It just takes one person to kickstart your journey. One connection can lead to an introduction, which can lead to your first interview—or your dream job.

🗝 How to Build Real Relationships

Once you connect with someone, don’t stop at a single message. Build a relationship over time:

• Follow Up: If they give you advice, try it and let them know how it worked.

• Share Your Wins: People love to know they’ve made a difference—message them when you hit a milestone.

• Give Back: As you grow, share your own lessons and help others. Networking is most powerful when it’s mutual.

  
  

🚫 What Not to Do

Intentional networking also means avoiding these common mistakes:

• Spamming: Don’t send mass connection requests or generic “Hi” messages.

• Being Transactional: People can tell if you’re only connecting to ask for a job. Build rapport first.

• Neglecting Relationships: Networking is not a one-time event. Check in, engage, and stay connected over time.

✨ Final Thought

Your network is one of the most powerful assets in your career. The right connection can lead to mentorship, job referrals, partnerships, and lifelong friendships. But it doesn’t happen by accident—it happens through intentional, thoughtful effort.

Start today: send one meaningful message, ask one good question, or attend one event. Over time, those small actions build a network that supports and accelerates your entire career journey.

👉 If you need guidance on how to start these conversations or grow your professional network, I can help. At Eric Sunkel Career Coaching, I teach people how to network with confidence and authenticity so they can find opportunities faster and with less stress.