Networking Momentum
If you want to create powerful networking momentum, you need to balance “fuel” and “friction.” Adding “fuel” is about amplifying the reasons why others would want to connect with you and minimizing “friction” to make it as easy as possible for you to reach out and engage with people and have people engage with you. Our natural tendency is to focus on the “fuel” side of the equation. While focusing on fuel feels intuitive, exciting, and proactive, it often overlooks the hidden obstacles (“friction”) that can significantly impact the ease and outcomes of our efforts.
Since people tend to focus on adding fuel, let’s shift our attention to reducing friction in networking. One of the biggest friction points is simply getting started—making that initial effort to reach out. Networking often feels uncomfortable or unnatural for many, though some rare individuals thrive at it naturally. To make it easier for the rest of us, here are three practical tips:
1. Start Small and Create Early Wins
Break It Down: Remember, even a marathon is accomplished one step at a time. Instead of setting large, daunting goals like "build a huge network," focus on small, manageable activities, like reaching out to one person per week or attending one event per month. You can dedicate a focused, short amount of time (e.g., 15–20 minutes a day) to networking activities, such as engaging on LinkedIn, researching and exploring contacts, or creating and responding to messages. Small, achievable goals act as steppingstones. When you accomplish one, it creates a sense of forward movement, motivating you to tackle the next. Successfully completing small tasks reinforces the belief that you can achieve your larger goals. This confidence accumulates over time, and looking back, you can see the progress you’ve made.
2. Make it Count
Focus Your Effort: By understanding the context of your networks, you can maximize the impact of your efforts. Prioritize reaching out to people most aligned with your goals, such as industry peers or alumni, rather than spreading yourself too thin. Because strong ties (close friends or trusted colleagues) tend to operate within the same social circles as you, the information and opportunities they provide are often redundant. Don’t underestimate the power of weak connections (or "weak ties") because they can introduce you to new opportunities, ideas, and networks that your strong connections cannot provide. Weak connections are acquaintances or people you interact with infrequently, such as former colleagues, casual contacts, or connections on LinkedIn whom you don’t know well. Remind yourself that not everyone will respond, and that’s okay. Celebrate the effort rather than the outcome.
3. Networking Mindset Reset
Focus on Learning and Generosity: Our personal and professional success largely depends on the communities we belong to. Fortunately, we have the agency to curate our social circles and transform them through generosity and kindness, which are essential for making our ordinary communities extraordinary. Small gestures like providing encouragement, sharing insights, being a listening ear without judgement, or facilitating introductions can have a significant impact on enriching lives. Instead of thinking about networking as "selling yourself," view it as a way to learn from others, explore opportunities, and be generous. This can make these interactions feel less transactional.
At its core, networking isn’t just about landing opportunities—it’s about building a vibrant, supportive community that uplifts everyone involved. By reducing friction and approaching networking with curiosity and generosity, you can transform what feels like an obligation into a source of genuine connection and mutual benefit. Whether through small, consistent actions or thoughtful gestures, you have the power to strengthen your network and create a lasting impact.