Networking That Works: Building Relationships You Can Count On
- Nada Johnson
- Aug 22
- 3 min read
👩🏽💼 By Potential Unlocked | Workplace Conflict Coaching for Women
For many professionals, networking has become a numbers game, attending events, adding LinkedIn connections, and collecting business cards without much real payoff.
If you’re mid-career, it’s time for a reset. Instead of trying to know everyone, focus on building strong, two-way relationships, the kind that lead to opportunities, support, and long-term growth.
Why Networking Still Matters
Most jobs aren’t posted online: About 70% of jobs are never advertised, and 85% are filled through networking (Apollo Technical, 2025).
Connections often lead to jobs: 35% of people say their current job came from a professional connection, and 24% hear about job opportunities through their network (Novorésumé, 2025).
Networking works: 80% of professionals say networking is important for career success (Apollo Technical, 2025).
These numbers prove one thing: the right relationships matter more than a long contact list.
How to Build the Right Relationships
Be clear about your goal: Are you looking for a new job, exploring a new industry, or seeking mentorship? Your goal will help you focus on the right people.
Offer value first: Good networking goes both ways. Share helpful resources, give advice, or connect people before asking for help.
Prioritize quality over quantity: A small, trusted network often opens more doors than hundreds of loose connections.
Have meaningful conversations: Go beyond “What do you do?” Ask about challenges, goals, and interests, and listen closely.
Balance online and in-person connections: Social media is useful, but meeting face-to-face or over video helps build deeper trust (Apollo Technical, 2025).
Stay in touch: Follow up after meetings, send congratulations for career milestones, and share opportunities or articles that might help them.
Why This Works
Strong, authentic relationships can:
Give you access to hidden job opportunities.
Lead to recommendations and referrals.
Provide support and insight when making career moves.
How Potential Unlocked Can Help
At Potential Unlocked, we help mid-career professionals:
Set networking goals that align with their career vision.
Learn how to approach people with confidence and authenticity.
Build and maintain relationships that lead to real opportunities.
Because networking isn’t about collecting contacts, it’s about creating connections that truly move you forward.
✨ Let’s work together to get you there. Book a free consultation and take the first step toward leading with clarity, calm, and confidence.
Want more guidance?
Do the following:
Contact me at info@potentialunlocked.ca to book a free 10-minute consultation call to determine how I can assist you in your career
Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter by clicking the link here: Potential Unlocked
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I look forward to unlocking your potential with you! 💜
With clarity & strategy,
Nada Johnson,💜
Certified Career Strategist, Workplace Conflict Resolution Specialist, & Online Empowerment Dating Coach
Founder of Potential Unlocked™
🌍Website: www.potentialunlocked.ca
📩 Contact: info@potentialunlocked.ca
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References
Apollo Technical. (2025, March 29). 15 important networking statistics everyone should know. https://www.apollotechnical.com/networking-statistics/
Novorésumé. (2025, May 7). 25+ surprising networking statistics [Relevant in 2025]. https://novoresume.com/career-blog/networking-statistics
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