Networking as a Tool for Professional Growth

As an HR professional, I’m often asked about networking and how to approach it effectively. Networking is not just about meeting people—it’s a powerful tool for personal development, continuous learning, and fostering meaningful connections. When done thoughtfully, it opens doors to new opportunities and helps you grow both personally and professionally. Here are three essential tips for successful networking: 1. Be Intentional * Set clear goals: Are you looking for mentorship, exploring new industries, or expanding your support network? Focus on quality not quantity. * Do your homework: Research attendees or speakers in advance and prepare thoughtful questions or talking points to guide your conversations. 2. Lead with Value * Networking is about building relationships, not just seeking personal gain. Shift your focus to “How can I help?” * Look for opportunities to support others—whether by sharing insights, offering resources, or making introductions that could be beneficial. 3. Keep the Connection Alive * After an event or meeting, follow up with a personalized message that references your conversation. * Maintain the relationship by staying in touch over time—share articles, updates, or simply check in to show you value the connection. Conversation Starters Consider these to spark engaging conversations: * "What’s the most exciting part of your current role or project?" * "What inspired you to attend this event today?" * "What’s a professional trend or topic you’re really interested in right now?" And one last tip: Put your phone down! Being fully present shows respect and builds deeper connections. What are your go-to networking strategies? I’d love to hear your thoughts! #Networking #Development #GrowthMindset

I sat across from a colleague who was on the verge of giving up on medicine. A brilliant mind, yet he felt trapped. What changed his path? Networking. Here’s how you can harness the power of networking to pivot your career in medicine. Whether you're an earlycareer physician or a seasoned practitioner, networking can redefine your trajectory. Think of it as building a bridge between where you are and where you want to be. Here are actionable steps to leverage networking: ✅ Start with your current network. → Reach out to mentors, colleagues, and even patients. ↳ You never know who might have the connection you need. ✅ Attend medical conferences and seminars. → Not just for learning, but also for meeting likeminded professionals. ↳ Use these events as opportunities to discuss your goals and aspirations. ✅ Join professional organizations. → Become active in groups like the American Medical Association or specialtyspecific societies. ↳ These groups often have career resources and networking events. ✅ Utilize social media platforms. → LinkedIn isn't just for corporate professionals. ↳ Engage in discussions, post your insights, and connect with peers globally. ✅ Seek informational interviews. → Identify and reach out to physicians who have made similar career changes. ↳ Learn from their journeys and ask for advice. ✅ Offer value before asking for help. → Share your knowledge, offer to help with projects, and be a resource. ↳ Relationships are reciprocal, and giving first often leads to receiving. Remember, a single conversation can open doors to new opportunities. Networking is not just about exchanging business cards. It’s about building meaningful relationships that can guide you to your next career milestone. Start today. Who will you reach out to first? 🔔 Follow me, Dr. Heath Jolliff, for more tips ♻️ Share with your network to help them

Networking is a long-term investment, not a short-term solution. This is especially true in seasons of career change. Whether you're pivoting into a new industry or moving into a new role within your company, the relationships you’ve built (or neglected) will either accelerate or slow you down. Here’s what I’ve learned: 1. The best time to network is before you need anything. When your only message is “I’m job searching,” it can feel transactional. Build the relationship first. The opportunities will follow. 2. Dormant ties are gold. That former colleague, supervisor, or classmate you haven’t spoken to in years? They might be the missing link to your next move. 3. Internal networking matters too. Looking to grow where you are? Schedule that coffee chat with someone in a different department or leadership role. Visibility inside your company opens doors. 4. Not all connections need to be strategic. Some of the most impactful introductions come from casual, everyday conversations. Stay open. Be human. Be curious. 5. Consistency beats intensity. One thoughtful message or interaction each week is more powerful than a burst of activity and burnout. 6. Your personal brand sets the tone. When people know what you’re about, they know how to refer you, champion you, or recommend you for something aligned. 7. Networking is about planting seeds. Some conversations will bloom in weeks. Others will take years. Both are worth the effort. Start now. Remain visible. Nurture your relationships. It pays off when you least expect it! #SheLeadsBeautifully 🌷 #Networking #CareerCoach #CareerDevelopmentTrainer #RelationshipBuilding

Networking is often seen as a straightforward task—attend mixers, conferences, or grab coffee with someone, exchange information, and you're done. However, true networking is much more than just a series of casual interactions. It's a skill that takes repeated effort, and genuine interest in building relationships over time. Many people forget the crucial of following up. Mastering networking means genuinely getting to know people, checking in on them regularly, and providing value without expecting anything in return. It's about building a rapport and staying top of mind. When you consistently follow up and offer help, you'll find that when someone needs your expertise, you'll be the first person they think of. You'd be amazed at how many people I offer my time that don't take me up on my offer. I'll meet less-experienced lawyers at a conference who say, "I want to be as good of a trial lawyer as you Mike," to which I tell them, "Anything you need or any questions you have, just ask." Yet, after that initial meeting, I never hear from them. Sometimes people are hesitant to follow-up on networking because they don't want to feel like a burden or a bother. I was this way as a younger lawyer, too. But as I've gotten older, I genuinely want to pass on insights I've learned from experience to whoever finds value in them — and I realize that younger me should have capitalized on doing the same. Networking isn't just about what others can do for you; it's about how you can support and uplift others in their journeys. By investing time and effort into your relationships, you'll build a strong network of allies and friends who will be there for you when you need them. So, next time you meet someone new, think about how you can help them, and remember to follow up. The connections you make today could shape your future in ways you can't even imagine. #networking #success #personalgrowth

I used to think networking was just about handing out business cards and making small talk. But over time, I realized it’s about something much deeper: building genuine relationships that matter. 1️⃣ Be Intentional – Networking can be draining (trust me, I get it). Instead of saying yes to everything, choose events where you’ll actually connect with people in your industry or desired role. Quality over quantity. 2️⃣ Be Authentic – The best connections happen when you’re just you. People remember real, not rehearsed. Don’t be afraid to stand out. 3️⃣ Don’t Just Talk About Work – Some of the strongest professional relationships I’ve built started with conversations about music, travel, or even our favorite coffee spots. Your personal interests make you memorable. Networking isn’t about impressing people—it’s about forming real connections. And those connections? They can change everything. What’s one way networking has impacted your career? 👇🏽 Let’s share and grow together! #Networking #CareerGrowth #Authenticity

What working in the insurance industry taught me about job searching. And how it will help you find success in your search quicker: When I was recruiting for sales I was taught the value of the products we sold (insurance, disability, etc.). I ended up getting a policy for myself and my partner. But also realized I have insurance for many things (house, car, loved ones). And then something clicked. 💡 Just like we have insurance for what is important in our personal lives. We should have insurance for what is important in our professional lives. And the best kind of insurance for our professional lives? Networking Let me explain: Most people don’t think about insurance until they need it. You don’t wait until your house is on fire to buy home insurance. You don’t wait until you crash your car to get auto insurance. You don’t wait until a medical emergency to sign up for health insurance. Yet, when it comes to our careers, we do the exact opposite. We think we don’t need a network—until we do. 👉 You have a stable job. 👉 You’re making good money. 👉 You’re secure in your career. 👉 You work at one of the biggest companies in the world. 👉 You've been promoted. So you assume networking is unnecessary. You assume you are bulletproof. Until suddenly: 🔹 You’re laid off. 🔹 Your company shuts down. 🔹 You’re fired unexpectedly. And now, you’re scrambling. Just like insurance, networking is about being proactive, not reactive. Most people wait until they desperately need help to start reaching out. But here’s the problem: 🚨 Networking out of desperation rarely works. 🚨 People can tell when you’re only showing up because you need something. 🚨 Building relationships takes time—and time is the one thing you don’t have when you’re unemployed. Networking is career insurance. It protects you before disaster strikes. ✅ It ensures that if something happens, you have options. ✅ It gives you access to more opportunities others won't have or see. ✅ It connects you to people who can open doors. And just like insurance, you’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. So instead of waiting until it’s too late, start now: ➡ Find people who have what you want. ➡ Follow professionals in your industry. ➡ Engage with their content and add value consistently. ➡ Build genuine relationships before you need them. ➡ Give before taking. Because when the unexpected happens, the people who prepared will always land on their feet faster than those who didn’t. Are you networking as if your career depends on it? Because one day, it just might.

Behind every opportunity is a relationship, and behind every relationship is a conversation. Networking is about building real connections that last and have the potential to help you find your next opportunity. Data shared by the University of Maryland’s Department of Economics indicates you won’t find 70% of available jobs on any site that posts open positions. Those positions are usually found on a company’s internal network, often by referral. In other words, relationships can make the difference between finding a job or not. That’s no surprise to me. Throughout my journey, from engineer to investor, relationships have been a constant driver of growth. Mentors, colleagues and peers have not only opened doors, but also challenged my thinking, sharpened my skills and inspired my vision. Here’s what I have learned: - Be curious: Ask questions that show you care about people’s stories. - Be intentional: Connect with purpose, not just for your own gain. - Be consistent: Follow up, follow through and add value where you can. Networking isn’t a one-time event. It requires maintaining ongoing relationships rooted in trust and genuine interest in other people’s lives. Whether you’re just starting out on your professional journey or deep into your field, relationships are what power careers.

𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱? Discussing the value of visibility with a talented manager led to her taking on a personal development challenge. The results? She took part in an exciting transformational project with exposure to internal and external stakeholders, she received an unsolicited job offer from one of the project partners and ultimately got a nice promotion that recognized her contributions and potential.. Actively sharing highlights online also helped grow her LinkedIn presence and following. Networking benefits both career development and personal lives. Whether we are managing relationships, leading others or growing further as individuals, staying positively engaged can make a big difference. Here are a few DOs and DON'Ts to help: ✅ 𝗗𝗼 build authentic relationships – Networking is not about collecting connections; it’s about fostering meaningful conversations and offering value. ✅ 𝗗𝗼 follow up – A quick check-in with someone or a thoughtful message can turn some casual connections into lasting relationships or friendships. ✅ 𝗗𝗼 stay engaged – Attending industry events, being on panels, commenting on digital posts, sharing insights, and visiting in person regularly are great steps to take. ❌ 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 reach out only when you need something – A dormant network is not ideal. This is a long-term investment, not a last-minute afterthought or short-term fix. ❌ 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 underestimate weaker connections – Opportunities sometimes come from acquaintances rather than from close contacts. Keeping a broad network active is helpful. ❌ 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 neglect your digital presence – A stale or out-of-date digital profile and the lack of active engagement can make you invisible to your cyber-community when opportunities arise. Most of us can do better relationships. Since exiting my CEO role several weeks ago, I have taken some time to reconnect with a few and I still owe many a chat. Happy networking and good luck everyone. #PersonalDevelopment #Relationships #Networking #Gratitude

Success Through Collaboration and Networking Throughout my career, I’ve found that some of the most rewarding opportunities have come not from solo efforts, but through genuine connections and collaborative relationships. In M&A success comes from working in teams. Just like doing a crossword puzzle with family or friends, not only are you more productive it is actually fun! Here are a few key lessons I’ve learned about leveraging the power of networking: 1. Focus on giving, not just taking. Approach networking with a mindset of how you can help others, not just what you can gain. This builds trust and goodwill. 2. Be authentic. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. People connect with real, genuine individuals. 3. Follow up and stay in touch. Networking isn’t a one-time event. Nurture relationships over time through periodic check-ins. 4. Look for ways to collaborate. Seek out partnerships and joint projects where you can combine strengths. 5. Be open to unexpected opportunities. Sometimes the most fruitful connections come from unlikely places. Keep an open mind. 6. Celebrate others’ successes. When your network thrives, you thrive. Amplify and support your connections. 7. Continuously expand your circle. Challenge yourself to meet new people and explore new communities. By fostering a collaborative mindset and investing in meaningful relationships, I’ve found doors opening that I never expected. What has been your experience with the power of networking? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. #Networking #Collaboration #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerGrowth