Networking sounds simple until you’re actually the one who has to do it.
“Just network!”
Okay…with WHO? About WHAT? And how do I do it without sounding like I want something? 😂
This is one of the biggest frustrations I see with executive job seekers.
FRUSTRATION: “I know networking matters, but I’m struggling to do it effectively.”
DESIRE: “I want to feel confident and in control of my job search.”
FEAR: “What if I make a move and end up taking less money than I’m worth?”
Here’s the problem:
A lot of professionals don’t start networking until they NEED a job.
Then every conversation feels transactional.
“Hey, haven’t talked to you in seven years! Know anyone hiring?” 😬
That’s not networking.
Good networking is relationship building.
Reconnect with former colleagues.
Talk to recruiters in your space.
Engage with people in your industry on LinkedIn.
Attend events.
Ask thoughtful questions.
Share something useful.
Introduce two people who could help each other.
And sometimes?
Just say hello.
Not every conversation needs to end with:
“Can you get me a job?”
In fact, it probably shouldn’t.
The strongest executive job searches I’ve seen aren’t built entirely around clicking APPLY.
They’re built around conversations.
Those conversations create information.
Information creates introductions.
Introductions create opportunities.
And opportunities create something incredibly valuable during a job search:
CHOICE.
That’s important when compensation enters the picture too.
If you’re desperate for ONE opportunity, negotiating gets harder.
If you’ve built relationships, created visibility, researched your market value, and generated multiple conversations?
Now you’re approaching compensation from a completely different position.
That’s why networking isn’t just about finding your next job.
It’s about building leverage.
MJW Takeaway:
Don’t wait until you need something to start building relationships.
The goal isn’t to collect 5,000 LinkedIn connections.
It’s to build enough genuine professional relationships that when you’re ready for your next move, you’re not starting from zero.
Network before you need the network.
Your future self will be damn glad you did.
Your future career isn’t random—it’s reverse-engineered by smart planning today. 🔧💪 Ready to start mapping yours? ✍️ Want help making yours stand out? Let’s build something awesome together. Book a chat with Matt at → https://calendly.com/mjwcareers and get you some “Matt Magic” (my clients’ words, not mine). 💼
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