Hi Leaders,
When I look back on the most pivotal moments of my career, there’s one thing that stands out above all else: the relationships I’ve built.
It wasn’t my education, technical skills, or just being in the right place at the right time.
It’s the people I’ve connected with. It’s the relationships I’ve built. These connections have opened doors, created opportunities, and given real meaning to the work I do.
Over time, my network has given me:
- Invaluable mentors who helped me navigate tough challenges
- Trusted teammates I’ve collaborated with again and again
- Even the funding for my startup
The key is: most of this help came from people I already knew, long before I needed it.
The Secret: Networking Isn’t Transactional, It’s Relational
Networking isn’t about “what can you do for me?” It’s about building relationships that last.
When you focus on relationships, you’re investing in long-term, genuine connections that pay off in ways you can’t predict.
These relationships turn into mentors, advocates, and partners who help you succeed, not because you’ve asked, but because trust has been built over time.
Networking isn’t something you do, it’s how you engage with other people.
Your Career is Longer than 4 Years
The average person stays in a job for about 4 years. Think about that for a moment:
- Your career will last much longer than 4 years.
- Even if you stay longer than most, many of your colleagues won’t.
- Your colleagues today are your network of tomorrow.
Your career will last far longer than most jobs do. So even if you stay in one place, the people you meet along the way will shape your network for decades.
One of the biggest missed opportunities is focusing only on your current job and ignoring the long-term impact on your network.
Your network extends far beyond the project, company, or role you’re in today.
Ignoring the potential of your current relationships can mean missing out on future career-shaping opportunities.
A Personal Story: Networking Beyond the Job
When I first started consulting as an interim CTO, I reconnected with someone I’d worked with years earlier at a wedding. She was launching a marketing agency, and I was just starting my tech consulting business.
We decided to meet up for breakfast and invited a few friends.
To our surprise, we had 17 people show up. The next month we had more.
Soon, we had over 500 people on an email list, all eager to discuss how to thrive as a “Unit of 1.”
The growth was purely organic, and while it took work to organize, I quickly realized the value of having a community of people facing similar challenges.
Some of the people I met through these “networking” breakfasts have become trusted collaborators. And yes, even decades later, we still grab coffee every now and then.
The Bottom Line: Relationships Are Long-Term Investments
The relationships you build today don’t just help you with the project at hand, they help set you up for the future.
So, invest in your network. Focus on trust, not transactions. Build something real together.
When you do, the returns often come when you least expect it.
Key Takeaways
✅ Investing in relationships pays off. The connections you make today could open doors tomorrow. It’s not about what others can do for you in the moment - it’s about building a network that grows with you.
✅ Trust builds strong networks. Networking isn’t transactional; it’s about creating trust over time. When you approach relationships with authenticity, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success.
✅ Your current job is a stepping stone, not a destination. Whether you stay in your role for 4 years or 40, the people you meet today will shape your career trajectory for decades to come.
Wrapping It Up: Relationships Are Your Career’s Foundation
Building relationships isn’t just a strategy; it’s the foundation of a resilient, successful career. Take the time today to invest in the people around you, to focus on trust rather than transactions, and to cultivate a network that will support you when you need it most.
So, what’s one step you can take today to nurture a meaningful connection?
Keep building, keep growing, and remember: the right people will always be your best career investment.
Until next time!
With appreciation,
Andrea
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