A Practical Guide to Networking
By Sophie Makonnen
Networking rarely happens by coincidence. Most of the time, it grows because someone makes a small effort to stay connected. In one of my previous blogs, I described networking as rooted in relationships, not visibility or self-promotion. That point matters, especially where people come and go, teams change, and roles shift. A strong network helps us stay informed, supported, and engaged with more voices and experiences.
Once you see networking as relationship-building, another question follows: how can it feel natural and manageable? Here, I focus on the practical side.
Maybe the hesitation comes from the idea that networking suits only certain personalities. It is not reserved for the people we tend to call extroverts. You do not need to be the loudest voice in the room or someone who thrives at every social event. You also do not need to spend your evenings at receptions or back-to-back cocktails, although meeting in person can certainly help and remains part of networking. These moments are far from being the only way to build a network, and they do not have to be at the heart of the process. Most networks grow through steady, simple actions, not constant socializing.
What gets in the way is usually the lack of a simple process. Without one, networking becomes vague, optional, or something we postpone until life slows down. The following steps focus on building and maintaining connections in a virtual or hybrid world, where relationships often start before people meet in person.
Here are five simple steps. Nothing complicated or time-consuming. You need to set aside a little time and be intentional, but not more than most of us already spend scrolling or replying to messages. Just a clear rhythm to return to whenever your network feels distant or hard to maintain.
Why a Process Helps
Most people know that staying connected matters, yet not all of us have a clear way to do it. Without a simple plan, networking often gets pushed aside for when we have more time, which is rare. When work is steady or going well, it’s easy to let networking slip. But these quieter times are actually great chances to build or expand our relationships.
Having a process helps. It takes away the guesswork and the feeling that you need to be a natural at networking. But for it to work, you need to be intentional. Networking improves when you make a little room for it, even with small steps. Rather than waiting for inspiration or luck, you have a set of actions you can use whenever you need. This makes networking practical and easier to manage.
A clear process won’t make your relationships feel forced. Instead, it gives you a steady routine: small, regular steps that help you stay in touch without taking over your week.
Step 1. Identify Who You Know
Most of us have a stronger network than we realize. The tricky part is that our connections are spread out—across past projects, former colleagues, people we liked working with but lost touch with, or someone we met once and appreciated. Finding out who you know just means bringing these names back to mind.
Begin with a small step. Think about people you would honestly enjoy talking to again. Maybe a former teammate, someone who once gave you helpful advice, a peer whose work you admire, or someone you worked with on a short project. These are the easiest relationships to reconnect with.
You do not need a long list. Just a few names are enough to get started. The main idea is to see who is already in your professional circle and who you want to keep in touch with.
Step 2. Start Conversations
Reaching out does not need to be formal or meticulously planned. Most conversations start with a simple gesture, such as a brief note, acknowledgment, or moment of connection. The action itself is what matters, not the exact wording.
You might congratulate someone on a recent achievement, respond to something they shared, or send a brief message if they come to mind. You can also share a relevant update, an article that matches their interests, or simply ask, “How are things going on your side?”
These touchpoints are effective because they are light and sincere. They do not carry an agenda or request anything. They simply reopen a line of communication. Often, a few words or even a single sentence is enough to restart a conversation. If the person does not respond, it is a normal part of professional life. People may be busy, distracted, or overwhelmed, and silence is rarely personal. In these cases, move on. You made the effort to reach out, and that is sufficient. If they respond, continue the exchange naturally. There is no need for a script. A simple “Nice to hear from you” or a direct reply to their message keeps the conversation moving. The goal is not to create intensity, but to maintain light, genuine contact when appropriate.
Step 3. Provide Value
Value in networking isn’t about impressive gestures or sharing long lists of resources. It is often something small and practical. A piece of context someone may not have seen yet. A clear explanation of how a process works. An invitation to an event. A brief introduction between two people who could benefit from knowing each other. Even offering visibility by acknowledging someone’s work can be meaningful.
These small actions build trust by demonstrating attention and consideration without adding pressure. For example, you might send a brief note such as, “I remember you were working on this topic: here’s an update that might interest you,” or connect former colleagues facing similar challenges. Providing value does not require special expertise or significant time. It comes from noticing what may help and sharing it generously and without obligation.
Step 4. Be Easy to Help
People are often willing to help, but they need to understand your goals or interests. Many professionals remain vague, especially when exploring options or facing uncertainty. As a result, others may guess, assume, or hesitate to offer support.
Clarity does not require a firm commitment to a specific path. It simply provides others with enough information to offer meaningful support. A few clear sentences are often sufficient. For example: “I’m curious about opportunities that involve more coordination,” or “I’m looking to learn more about roles where communication is central.” These brief signals guide others without requiring you to share too much. They make it easier for someone to think, “I know someone they should meet,” or “I’ll keep this in mind when something comes up.” When people understand your interests, they can better support your next step. Without that clarity, even well-intentioned help may not be effective.
Step 5. Make It a Habit
Networking is more effective when integrated into a regular, manageable routine rather than approached in large, infrequent efforts. Consistent, small actions help maintain relationships without adding to your workload.
You could contact one person each Tuesday morning, send messages at the end of the month, or use natural points in your workflow, such as project completions or quieter weeks, as reminders to connect. The key is to choose a rhythm you can sustain.
Spending a few minutes regularly is more effective than occasional long sessions. As I noted in The Power of Small Wins, small actions build momentum. The same applies to networking: a consistent habit strengthens relationships and keeps your network engaged naturally.
Bringing the Steps Together
These five steps work best when taken together. They feed into one another, creating a simple loop you can return to whenever your network feels quiet or distant. You identify who you know, start a few conversations, offer small pieces of value, give others a sense of your direction, and keep a steady rhythm. With time, this becomes a natural cycle rather than a series of disconnected efforts.
You don’t have to be great at every step. Most people find some parts of the process harder than others. Just noticing where you struggle can help you make small changes. Networking gets easier with practice, not because of your personality. Having a clear process takes the pressure off and lets you build relationships in a way that suits you. The more you go through these steps, the easier it becomes.
Connection as a Leadership Practice
Staying connected is essential to effective leadership. Strong relationships expand our perspective, support us in complex situations, and create new opportunities. This five-step process helps maintain these connections by keeping your network active through consistent attention. You do not need much time to start. Take one small action this week: reach out to someone you value, share a relevant update, or reconnect with a former colleague. A single step can renew your connections.
Leadership develops through connection. Even a small gesture can have a significant impact.
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