Career Advice - Networking Works But Takes Time
For years, I heard my parents and their friends say, “It’s all about networking.”
But no one ever explained what networking actually is or how to “get into it.”
It always felt like one of those vague life tips, like “save your money and invest it to get wealthy,” but without any of the how. So, here’s what I’ve learned over the years what networking really means and what’s actually worked for me.
What the Hell Is Networking?
Let’s skip the corporate jargon.
Networking is simply the process of building social capital that you can “spend” when you need it most.
That’s it.
Think of it like a piggy bank. Every time you do something kind, helpful, or valuable for someone, you’re adding a coin. One day, when you need advice, a referral, or a hand moving your couch, you can “withdraw” from that social capital.
Networking isn’t just about landing jobs or business deals, it’s about building and maintaining strong, genuine connections. That might mean finding:
- A tennis partner
- A drinking buddy
- Someone with a pickup truck and free time on a Saturday
- A friend who can fix your car
- …or yes, someone who works at a company you’d love to join
How Do You Start?
Building a network is surprisingly easy if you can say “Hi” without vomiting on yourself. That’s about the minimum requirement.
You don’t need to be the life of the party. You just need to be able to hold a decent conversation, avoid saying something dumb, and not give off weird vibes. Even in technical or introverted work circles, actions often speak louder than words so just showing up, helping out, and being consistent goes a long way.
Seriously, How Do You Start?
For me, it started in university. I moved 300 km away from home and didn’t know a single soul. You either talk to your dorm mates, or you become the weird, lonely guy no one knows. I chose the first option.
Common Interests
I found people who shared my interests - sports, video games, studying, food, you name it. Within a week, I had a network of friends to do things with. Over 20 years later, I still talk to some of them regularly, and even worked with a few later in my career.
You don’t have to be in school to meet people. You can join a rec league, a trivia team, take a woodworking class, or play online games. Common interests are the easiest door into someone’s network.
Volunteering
An underrated gem. The only barrier is your willingness to get off the couch. Volunteering connects you with people across different walks of life. I once met the Vice President of Toyota Canada at a local park cleanup. True story.
Workplace
Your job is one of the best places to start. Talk to your colleagues, people in the lunchroom, even clients and vendors. Every conversation builds a small thread in your network. Some of the best opportunities I’ve had came from casual workplace chats.
Management
If you’re in a big company, there are layers of management above you. Try to get exposure early. Volunteer for special projects, take notes in meetings, help with presentations, or ask to sit in on client calls. Just be ready to put in some extra effort - visibility comes with responsibility.
Corporate Events
Company golf tournaments, holiday parties, annual conferences - go to them. These events let you meet people from other teams, offices, and even countries. Thanks to corporate events, my own network now spans engineers from Asia, Europe, Australia, and South America.
Conferences & Conventions
Every profession has them. Go and not just for the presentations. The real magic happens at the breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and after-parties.
Associations
Most fields have professional associations. I’m currently active in three. They’re great for connecting with peers who share your passion and professional goals.
Job Fairs
Later in my career, I joined our company’s careers team and went to job fairs with HR. I talked to new grads, remembered names, made referrals, and mentored a few. One of them is now a regulator. Over a decade later, we still keep in touch. That’s the power of long-term networking.
Clients
Even if you think your job is technical and isolated, your work still serves someone. Those clients (or even end users) are part of your extended network. I’ve built great relationships with clients and even became friends with a few players who gave me feedback on my old mobile games.
How to Maintain Your Network
Great, you’ve met people and built connections. Now what?
You maintain them the same way you maintain friendships.
Your professional network should feel like an extension of your personal one.
Meals
Grab lunch or coffee. If you work nearby, take an extra-long lunch once in a while. Dinners can be tougher since people have families and commitments but they’re worth planning in advance. Nothing beats a relaxed meal for reconnecting.
Corporate Events
If your company hosts events like golf tournaments, charity drives, or social nights, invite your connections. It’s a great way to strengthen bonds outside the formal work setting.
How to Expand Your Network
Once you’ve got the basics down, focus on meeting people outside your immediate circle. That might mean:
- Joining industry forums or online communities
- Attending cross-industry conferences
- Getting involved in community projects or local events
The same principles apply - show up, be genuine, offer help, and stay in touch.
Final Thoughts
Networking isn’t a transaction, it’s a long game built on generosity, curiosity, and follow-through. You don’t build a network by collecting business cards or adding LinkedIn connections, you build it by creating real relationships with people who trust and remember you.
So start today. Say hi. Help someone. Keep in touch. You’ll be amazed at how often the connections you make end up shaping your career and your life.
