We've all heard the saying "It's not what you know, but who you know." This statement has never been more true than in today's interconnected world. Yet many professionals make a critical mistake. They limit their networking to just their colleagues and company clients.
This is a dangerous oversight.
When you leave your job, whether by choice or circumstance, those company-dependent relationships often fade away. People were connecting with your role, not necessarily with you as a person.
But what if you built a network that belonged to you and not your company? A network that travels with you throughout your career journey?
The Hidden Career Insurance Policy
Think of your personal network as career insurance. When Tim Ferriss, author of "The 4-Hour Work Week," was asked about his best career advice, he didn't talk about skills or credentials. He said: "You're the average of the five people you associate with most."
Your network shapes your opportunities, your thinking, and your growth.
Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, puts it even more bluntly: "The fastest way to change yourself is to hang out with people who are already the way you want to be."
But here's the problem. Many employees, from middle managers to senior directors, believe networking is just for salespeople or entrepreneurs. This couldn't be further from the truth.
Why Every Professional Needs Their Own Network
Adam Grant, organizational psychologist and professor at Wharton, found in his research that the most successful professionals aren't just good at their jobs. They're also skilled at building relationships outside their immediate work circles.
Here's why this matters for everyone:
1. Industry Intelligence You Can't Get Internally
Your company has its perspective. But what about the broader trends in your industry? What innovations are happening that your organization hasn't caught onto yet?
By networking with professionals across your field, you gain valuable insights your colleagues might miss. This makes you more valuable to your current employer and more attractive to future ones.
2. Career Mobility Isn't Optional Anymore
The days of 30-year careers at one company are largely gone. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person changes jobs 12 times during their career.
When those changes happen, who will you call? If your only contacts are within your current company, you're starting from scratch with each transition.
3. Your Value Extends Beyond Your Current Role
Brené Brown, research professor and author, notes that "Connection is why we're here. We are hardwired to connect with others."
These connections aren't just personal… they're professional currency. When you build relationships based on genuine interest and mutual benefit, you create value that transcends any specific job title.
Building a Network That Belongs to You
So how do you build a personal network that stays with you regardless of where you work? Here are practical approaches that don't require turning into someone you're not:
Provide Value for Free
The strongest networks are built on generosity. Help others without expecting anything in return. Share your knowledge, make introductions, or offer feedback when asked.
Gary Vaynerchuk, entrepreneur and author, calls this "jab, jab, jab, right hook" – give value multiple times before ever asking for anything. This approach builds genuine goodwill and trust that lasts.
Be Genuinely Curious
Networking isn't about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections. It's about forming real relationships. Start by being curious about people and their work.
Keith Ferrazzi, author of "Never Eat Alone," suggests focusing on how you can help others rather than what you can get. "The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity," he writes.
Create Regular touchpoints
The best networkers maintain relationships over time. This doesn't mean constant contact, but rather meaningful check-ins.
Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook, recommends keeping in touch with people even when you don't need anything. "If the first time you're reaching out is when you need something, it's too late," she says.
Look Beyond the Obvious Connections
Don't just network with people in your exact role or industry. Some of the most valuable connections come from adjacent fields.
Malcolm Gladwell calls these people "connectors", individuals who bring together people from different worlds. These diverse connections often lead to the most interesting opportunities.
Practical Ways to Expand Your Network Today
Networking doesn't have to be overwhelming. Start small with these approaches:
1. Attend One Industry Event Per Quarter
Pick conferences, workshops, or meetups where professionals in your field gather. Go with the goal of having three meaningful conversations, not collecting 50 business cards.
2. Schedule Monthly Coffee Chats
Reach out to someone interesting in your extended network each month. This could be someone you met briefly at an event, a former colleague, or even someone whose work you admire. The coffee chats can be virtual as well.
3. Contribute to Industry Conversations
Share your knowledge in LinkedIn posts, industry forums, or local professional groups. Becoming visible as a thoughtful contributor naturally attracts connections.
4. Follow Up Meaningfully
After meeting someone new, follow up with something of value, an article related to your conversation, an introduction to someone helpful, or simply a thoughtful question that continues the dialogue.
The Challenge of Managing Your Network
Even with the best intentions, maintaining a growing network becomes challenging. How do you remember when you last spoke with someone? What did you discuss? When should you follow up?
This is where tools like Mia become invaluable. As a personal relationship manager, Mia helps you:
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Track your professional connections outside your company
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Log important conversations so you remember key details
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Get reminders to follow up with contacts at the right time
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Note followup points for your next interaction
Unlike company-owned CRM systems, Mia is yours to keep throughout your career journey. It ensures your valuable relationships don't slip away when you change roles or companies.
Your Network Is a Long-Term Investment
Whitney Johnson, author of "Disrupt Yourself," points out that "People are your competitive advantage that no one can copy." But like any advantage, your network requires consistent attention.
The professionals who invest in relationship-building throughout their careers, not just when job-hunting, create a personal asset that pays dividends for decades.
Remember, companies own their client relationships. But you own your personal network. By intentionally building connections beyond your current employer, you're not just securing job opportunities… you're enhancing your entire professional journey.
Start today. Your future self will thank you.