Tips for networking, building a great career, and staying healthy while doing it

Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections. It’s about building real relationships that help your career grow while you maintain your sanity.

Let me share some strategies that actually work – because I’ve tried them all (including the ones that failed miserably).

Why networking matters (and why most people suck at it)

Most people think networking is gross.

And honestly, the way most people do it, it IS gross. Walking around a room handing out business cards like Halloween candy while desperately trying to find someone important to talk to.

But real networking isn’t that. It’s about building genuine relationships that benefit everyone involved.

Before you do anything else, get super clear on what you actually want from networking. Are you looking for:

Mentors who can guide you?
Job opportunities at specific companies?
Business partners for your side hustle?
New skills or knowledge?

Knowing your goals helps you focus your efforts instead of wasting time at random events hoping something magical happens.

For example, if your goal is to break into procurement or supply chain, you might need to get in contact with ProcurementNation or other industry-specific communities rather than attending general networking events.

Top networking strategies that actually work

Create your contact system

The most successful networkers I know all have one thing in common – they’re organized about their relationships.

Create a simple spreadsheet or use a CRM tool like Notion to track:

Names and contact info
Where and how you met
What they’re interested in
How you might help each other
When you last reached out

This isn’t creepy – it’s just being thoughtful. Our brains aren’t designed to remember hundreds of professional connections and details.

Join the right groups (and actually participate)

Don’t just join any professional group – find the ones that match your interests and industry. But here’s the key: don’t just attend, contribute.

Volunteer for committees, offer to help organize events, or share your expertise. The organizers will notice, and you’ll naturally connect with other active members.

According to Harvard Business Review, people who contribute to their professional communities build stronger, more authentic networks than those who simply show up to take.

Use social media strategically (not mindlessly)

LinkedIn isn’t just an online resume – it’s your professional hub. Make it work for you:

Update your profile with a professional head shot (no wedding photos or beach selfies, please)
Write a bio that explains your value, not just your job title
Share insights and content related to your field regularly
Engage meaningfully with others’ posts
Celebrate others’ wins publicly

But the most important rule? Social media networking is a two-way street. If you’re only posting and never engaging with others, you’re doing it wrong.

Master both virtual and in-person events

Virtual networking is here to stay, and it has unique advantages. For online events:

Research attendees and speakers beforehand
Participate actively in chat and breakout rooms
Follow up with personalized messages after

For in-person events:

Prepare a clear, concise intro about yourself
Ask thoughtful questions (people love talking about themselves)
Focus on making 2-3 quality connections rather than working the entire room

According to Stanford research, it’s often our “weak ties” (acquaintances) rather than close friends who connect us to new opportunities.

Try networking apps and new tools

Apps like Lunchclub, Bumble Bizz, and Shapr match you with professionals based on shared interests. They remove the awkwardness of cold outreach and can lead to surprisingly valuable connections.

Be authentic and helpful (seriously)

The most powerful networking strategy? Be genuinely interested in helping others.

Offer your knowledge, make introductions, share opportunities. The people who approach networking with generosity build stronger relationships than those who are just looking to get something.

As Adam Grant explains in his book Give and Take, the most successful professionals are often “givers” who look for ways to help others without expecting immediate returns.

Building your career through strategic connections

Develop your personal brand

You need a clear story about who you are professionally. What makes you different? What are you known for?

This isn’t about creating a fake persona – it’s about articulating your unique value in a way that’s memorable. When someone asks “what do you do?”, your answer should be interesting enough that they want to know more.

For career inspiration, check out resources like AgilePR where communication, branding, and career growth all intersect.

Stay relevant and skilled

The best networkers are constantly learning. They:

Attend workshops and courses
Follow thought leaders in their industry
Join communities that challenge them to grow

People want to connect with others who are knowledgeable and growing. Be that person.

Find mentors and sponsors

There’s a huge difference between mentors and sponsors:

Mentors give you advice and guidance
Sponsors actively advocate for you and create opportunities

Both are valuable, but sponsors truly accelerate careers. And you find them through – you guessed it – effective networking.

Staying healthy while hustling

Let’s be real – networking while building a career can be exhausting.

But burning out doesn’t help anyone. Here’s how to maintain your health while still making important connections:

Set actual boundaries

Schedule specific times for networking and stick to them. Don’t feel obligated to attend every event or respond to every message immediately.

Turn off notifications on evenings and weekends. Your network will still be there tomorrow.

Move your body (seriously)

Sitting at networking events, hunched over LinkedIn, or stress-eating at conferences doesn’t do your body any favors.

Even short walks or stretching breaks during long networking sessions make a difference. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular movement breaks improve energy levels and mental clarity.

If you want structured ideas for better energy, performance, and recovery, sites like Life Cross Training are great places to start.

Prioritize sleep (it’s non-negotiable)

No connection is worth chronic sleep deprivation. Adequate rest enhances your:

Memory (to remember all those names)
Emotional regulation (to handle networking stress)
Problem-solving abilities (to spot connection opportunities)
Overall likability (because sleep-deprived people are grumpy)

Practice stress management

Networking can trigger social anxiety in even the most confident people. Try:

Deep breathing before events
Meditation to clear your mind
Focusing on helping others instead of impressing them

Make networking fit your wellness goals

Choose networking opportunities that align with your health:

Morning coffee chats instead of late-night drinks
Walking meetings instead of sitting at restaurants
Virtual connections when in-person feels overwhelming

A realistic weekly networking plan

Here’s what actually works for busy professionals:

Daily (15-30 minutes)

Quickly engage on LinkedIn or Twitter – comment on industry news, congratulate connections, share insights
Take physical activity breaks between meetings
Follow up with new contacts within 24 hours of meeting them

Weekly (2-3 hours)

Attend one relevant event (virtual or in-person)
Have one meaningful conversation with someone in your network
Update your contact system with new connections
Spend time learning something that makes you more valuable to your network

The key is consistency over intensity. Small, regular networking efforts yield better results than occasional networking binges followed by complete disengagement.

Remember – effective networking isn’t about collecting the most business cards or having the most LinkedIn connections. It’s about building genuine relationships with people who can help you grow (and whom you can help in return).

And you can do it without sacrificing your health or sanity.