Networking That Actually Works

In my blog series on skills for career success, I share how Experiencing Doing, Risking Linking, Exhibiting Mastery and Showing Belonging are four of the six critical components of building a successful career. The fifth is Using Catapulting, which means using your network to further your career goals.

If you have done a good job of boldly linking with others to build your network, then you have a broad set of contacts who can help you make progress with your goals. They can behave as sounding boards, sponsors, mentors, and act as connectors to others who can assist you.  While face-to-face contact will always be the most powerful way to develop these kinds of relationships, social media and email have become the next best ways to communicate. Then, follow up with a phone call or in-person meeting.

There are four powerful ways to use catapulting.

Develop your own “board of advisors,” comprised of trusted colleagues who will give you their honest feedback, advice, and make your goals their priority.  Invite them to meet with you periodically to hear your goals, challenges and specific requests for assistance. Be sure to choose a diverse group of four to eight people. See if you can have men and women, different backgrounds, specialties such as marketing, legal, human resources – or industries, such as pharmaceutical, retail, and financial services. You want them to think differently from you and each other, so you can benefit from a broad set of perspectives. Since they are being generous on your behalf, be sure to show appreciation in a manner that is authentic for you.

Use social media, such as LinkedIn, to communicate with your network. My colleague, Marianne Ruggiero of Optima Careers suggests you thoughtfully and pro-actively manage your social media profiles since they can make or impede your goals.

Develop a meaningful summary. Create a compelling overview of your career that describes who you are, who you help, how you do this (your expertise) and the results you’ve achieved. Avoid using trite expressions such as results-oriented and team player since they are over-used and don’t mean much. Let your personality and passions shine through!


Complete as many profile categories as possible using LinkedIn’s “add” button to open sections such as Certifications, Courses, Awards, and Projects. Use the Applications category to include a blog link or creative profile display.


Post an attractive, professional picture. Keep it simple. Avoid busy backgrounds, and be sure to project an image that is suitable for work. If you networked online and then meet, would they readily recognize you from the photo?


Highlight accomplishments. You can do this under employment history. Don’t list responsibilities, since this is not a job description.


Ask for recommendations. To establish credibility, ask current and former colleagues- those with whom you’ve worked directly – for recommendations.

Give to get. Think about what you can offer to others to advance your goals.  While those in your network will feel honored that you’ve turned to them for assistance, thinking about what you may be able to provide that comes from a passion or strength, will reinforce your expertise and attract people to keep returning the favor with help to your goals.  When I use catapulting to achieve my goals, I offer my expertise at no charge in reviewing resumes, coaching, and being a sounding board for other’s ideas.

Ask members of your network who they might put you in touch with to advance your goals. I am always introducing my friends and colleagues to others I know who can help them.

Yes, it’s important to create a network.  And putting the network to use is the reason you created it in the first place! As Brian Tracy, a world-renowned expert and author in Sales said, “Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you’re willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.”

–Andrea Zintz, PhD
Career Coach
President, Strategic Leadership Resources LLC
www.strategicleadershipresources.com