85% of Jobs are Secured Via Networking: Here’s How to Do it Right

As a public relations professional I am often asked about how to best network. Building relationships is part of my job so this is a sensible inquiry.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics concludes that 85 percent of jobs are filled by networking. This can apply to landing a consulting gig as well. If you are looking for work or have a spot on the client roster, remember the tip that many jobs are filled before or right when they are posted. That’s because of networking.

Today I attended a talk hosted by a group of PR professionals: Smart networking tips were discussed. The speaker was Robin Beaman, a PR agency owner who worked for the likes of Oprah Winfrey.

In summary, my advice is that attitude plays the biggest role in landing a work opportunity. When you set your mind to doing something and hyper focus on that goal you have a higher likelihood of achieving it.

Now let’s learn more about the importance of networking when finding a job.

1. Networking is True Relationship-Building

At its core, networking is about building meaningful, authentic relationships rather than just collecting business cards.

Imagine networking as forming friendships: it’s about being there for someone else, offering support, and sharing experiences through the highs and the lows. Professional connections thrive on kindness, respect, and reciprocity like true friendships. A strong networker goes beyond surface-level interactions, understanding that nurturing a connection means showing interest in the other person’s life, goals, and challenges.

This approach not only leads to lasting relationships but also creates a genuine sense of trust, making others more likely to think of you when opportunities arise.

Treating networking like friendship-building also means you’re looking out for ways to add value, rather than focusing solely on what you can gain.

2. Giving the Other Person What They Want is Part of Networking

Successful networking isn’t about what others can do for you; it’s about how you can help others achieve their goals.

The most effective networkers understand that giving without expecting anything in return is the secret to building a strong, loyal network. This might mean offering advice, connecting someone with a useful contact, or sharing resources relevant to their interests. This “give-first” mentality builds goodwill and opens doors that may not have otherwise existed. Over time, this generosity is often reciprocated, creating a two-way street of opportunities and support.

By putting the other person’s needs first, you demonstrate your commitment to the relationship, which can lead to meaningful, collaborative partnerships down the line. In networking, the more you give, the more you get back – often in unexpected ways.

3. Call and Follow Up

Following up is one of the most powerful yet underrated aspects of networking.

After an initial meeting, many people assume the connection will flourish on its own. However, maintaining a relationship requires a little more effort. Follow-ups signal that you’re genuinely interested and invested in staying connected, and they help solidify your initial conversation in the other person’s mind. A simple thank-you message, a quick call to check in, or even a shared article relevant to a past conversation can keep you top of mind in a natural way.

For example: Robin Beaman’s persistence in following up was crucial in securing her position as a PR advisor for Oprah Winfrey. She didn’t settle for just one outreach – she followed up several times, demonstrating her commitment and enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Regular follow-ups create touchpoints that keep relationships warm and build trust over time, so don’t underestimate their impact.

4. Perseverance Works

Networking success often requires resilience and a positive, can-do attitude, especially when pursuing big opportunities.

Robin Beaman’s story illustrates that sometimes the path to a goal isn’t direct or smooth. She didn’t immediately land her roles with B.E.T and Oprah’s company – it took multiple attempts, consistent follow-ups, and a steadfast belief in her own abilities. Perseverance in networking is about staying open to possibilities, even if they don’t materialize right away. It’s about being willing to reach out again, even after facing initial rejection or radio silence.

This persistence can be particularly powerful because it shows potential employers or clients that you are committed, reliable, and genuinely passionate about the opportunity.

Adopting a “don’t-give-up” attitude in networking helps you weather setbacks, and with each follow-up, you’re one step closer to reaching your goals.

Examples of Great Networking Opportunities

Networking opportunities come in many forms, each offering unique ways to connect with like-minded professionals and potential collaborators. Here are some highly effective avenues for networking:

• Industry Conferences and Trade Shows: Conferences and trade shows bring together professionals from the same field, making them ideal places to exchange ideas, explore partnerships, and learn from industry leaders. Prepare in advance by researching key speakers and attendees and reaching out beforehand to schedule short meet-ups or introductions.
• Professional Associations: Joining industry-specific organizations provides a consistent opportunity to meet others in your field. Associations often host networking events, seminars, and workshops where you can build relationships with peers, mentors, and potential clients.
• Alumni Events: Universities and colleges regularly host networking events for alumni. These gatherings are perfect for reconnecting with old classmates, meeting other graduates, and leveraging shared academic backgrounds to build rapport with new contacts.
• Volunteering and Community Involvement: Getting involved in community service or charity events can be a powerful way to meet people from diverse backgrounds. Volunteering demonstrates your commitment to giving back, which resonates with others and creates positive impressions.
• Social Media Platforms: Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Instagram allow you to network online, either by participating in relevant groups or by directly connecting with professionals. Engaging in discussions, sharing relevant content, and commenting on others’ posts help build visibility and trust in the online space.

Measuring Your Networking Success

Evaluating the effectiveness of your networking efforts helps you refine your approach and identify what works best for you. Here are ways to measure your networking success:

• Growth in Connections: Track the number of new contacts you make over time, whether through LinkedIn, email connections, or other platforms. A steady increase shows that your efforts are paying off.
• Engagement Quality: Measure how often your network reaches out to you for advice, collaboration, or new opportunities. High engagement often indicates that people see value in maintaining a relationship with you.
• Career Opportunities: Note any tangible benefits from networking, like job offers, client referrals, or partnerships. These are clear indicators that your network trusts you and sees you as a valuable resource.
• Event Frequency and Comfort Level: Monitor how often you attend networking events and your comfort level at these events over time. Growing comfort and regular attendance suggest that you are becoming a more confident networker.
• Goal Achievement: Set specific networking goals, such as gaining a mentor, landing a client, or expanding your knowledge in a particular area. Periodically evaluate whether you’re meeting these goals, and adjust your strategy if needed.

Overcoming Networking Anxiety

Networking can feel intimidating, especially for those who are naturally introverted or nervous in social settings. Here are strategies to make networking feel more comfortable and genuine:

Start Small: Begin with smaller gatherings or one-on-one meetings. If large events feel overwhelming, seek out intimate settings where you can focus on connecting with one or two people at a time.

Practice Active Listening: Instead of worrying about what to say, focus on listening. People appreciate being heard, and it relieves some pressure on you to constantly talk. Ask open-ended questions, listen to their responses, and express genuine curiosity about their experiences.

Set Manageable Goals: Set small, achievable goals for each networking event, like connecting with two or three new people or collecting one new LinkedIn connection. Having specific, realistic goals can make networking feel purposeful and reduce anxiety.

Prepare Talking Points: Before attending a networking event, prepare a few topics or questions related to the event, industry trends, or recent news. Being prepared gives you conversation starters and eases the fear of awkward silences.

Embrace a Growth Mindset: Networking isn’t about getting everything perfect; it’s about connecting and learning. Each conversation is a chance to practice, gain confidence, and become a better communicator. Over time, these interactions will feel more natural.

Wrapping Up

Networking is more than just exchanging business cards; it’s about creating meaningful, lasting connections.

From viewing networking as relationship-building to giving more than you expect in return, successful networking requires patience, authenticity, and consistent effort. Whether you’re just starting out or are an experienced professional, focusing on relationship-building, persistence, and value-adding can turn networking into one of the most rewarding aspects of your career.

With these strategies in place, you’re well-equipped to overcome challenges, build a powerful network, and open doors to new opportunities.

Remember: each conversation and connection brings you one step closer to your goals. Embrace networking as a journey, and you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by a supportive, enriching professional community.

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