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In this insightful talk Shena Mistry, career and leadership coach, focuses on the power of networking. Drawing from her experience in recruitment, leadership, and career development, Shena explores strategies to make networking more effective, especially during career transitions. This session also discusses practical approaches for students to navigate networking with confidence in a way that feels authentic to them.
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Cam: Alright, we'll get started. Other folks will come in as we go, but I want to introduce Shena Mistry who will be our speaker today. Shena is a certified coach specializing in personalized one-on-one coaching for professional growth. With a background in corporate leadership, recruitment, and entrepreneurship, Shena has supported diverse individuals from recent graduates to executives across various industries in defining and achieving success on their own terms. Whether it's interview preparation, job search and networking strategies, leadership development, career transitions, or overcoming limiting beliefs, she collaborates with clients to navigate their career with clarity and confidence. She holds a Masters of Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a BA Honors from Queens University. She's also dedicated to supporting future leaders through mentorship to students and recent graduates worldwide.
Shena: Thanks, Cam. Let me see here. Alright, hi everyone. Thank you so much for joining us today. I'm working two screens here, so just bear with me. And just to let you know, we're going to be exploring the power of networking. I'm Shena Mistry, as Cam introduced me, and we'll be talking also about building meaningful connections during career transitions. Okay, so I have a little bit of an agenda here just so you know what to expect. The goal of today's session is really to explore what networking is all about, especially for anyone that might find it intimidating. It's also to take the focus away from only reaching out to others when you need a job to building a network of people who support you and can offer guidance along your career journey.
Shena: Oh, okay, so just a little bit about me. I love traveling. Right now, I'm actually based in Malaysia. I live in Toronto, but just temporarily in Malaysia right now. I love meeting new people and trying new foods, especially fruit. My latest favorite is durian if you're familiar with that fruit. It seems to be one of those love it or hate it foods, similar to pineapple on pizza. I guess it can be very divisive.
Shena: I also have an interest in street art, with my most recent experience discovering pieces in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia. Many of the pieces incorporate nature and objects, encouraging you to interact with the art. And this is actually a photo in Georgetown. I'd like to think the boy on the chair and I are both reaching for some durian.
Shena: And when it comes to my professional journey, it started after my international development studies in both Canada and the UK. I began my career journey in the charity sector, and I didn't expect my path to take me into recruitment. That shift happened through the connections I built with the agency that helped place me in my first role.
Shena: That eventually led to positions where I built recruitment teams that were dedicated to finding talent for the largest charities in England and then a variety in Canada, including in the advertising, creative, and tech industries. Networking has really been a key factor throughout my career changes, especially as I've navigated changes across continents. Whether building relationships, reaching out for advice, or learning from others, networking has opened doors and exposed me to new perspectives and opportunities.
Shena: Fast forward to today, where over two years ago, I launched my coaching practice called "Own What's Next", and I also continue to work in recruitment as an executive search consultant. As a career coach, I've had the pleasure of collaborating with over 20 Design Lab students so far, many of whom started out dreading networking but grew to see its value and, dare I say, that some even started enjoying it once they found an approach that really felt authentic for them.
Shena: Now, I'd love to hear from you through a quick poll to learn more about our audience. Okay, and the results for all our polls in this session are anonymous. It will show us the audience's collective feedback in real time. I believe we should all be able to see the results together. Is that right, Cam? Will we be able to see those on the screen?
Cam: I believe we can see the results, and we can certainly report those. I don't know if all of the audience will see the results, but do people see the poll now? I believe that should be the next slide.
Shena: Okay, so the first poll question is just a quick one, but I would love to understand how you view networking. So when you think of networking, what comes to mind first? So there are three options that you should be able to view. There's cold calling people, attending events, or making new friends. Okay, so those are, and it looks like people are responding. So, are you not... I'll mean it looks like the vast majority of people have clicked attending events, with a few of the other ones smattered in. Oh, okay, interesting, and are people still responding? I just wanted to give them maybe about 30 seconds just in case there's more slowly coming in. It's about two-thirds of folks have responded.
Cam: Okay, so we'll just general direction remains the same.
Shena: Wonderful. Okay, so when you think of networking, what comes to mind first? Okay, just let me know when you think our final results are in, Cam.
Cam: I think it looks good. Sometimes folks are, you know, washing the dishes or whatever and can't click, so yeah, I think 77% said attending events, so they think about attending events. It's okay. So that's the majority, and what's coming next in the result?
Shena: Making new friends, and cold calling people are both small smatterings.
Cam: Oh, okay. So mainly attending events. Alright, yep, great insight.
Shena: Okay, so it's clear that our views on networking can be very different. If you... there's a smattering of cold calling and making new friends as well. Okay, so in terms of what networking is, let's start with the word itself. Right, what exactly is it? Many people think it's this formal, almost transactional process like handing out business cards at a conference or reaching out to someone you don't know on LinkedIn for a favor, but that's not what real networking is all about. It's really about building genuine relationships, about curiosity, connection, and creating a two-way exchange over time. Okay, it's not about keeping score. It really is about generosity and giving before you expect to receive.
Shena: Okay, for some, it might feel like it is a formal process, reaching out to people you don't know, or like the results show, attending events with a goal in mind. And for others, it's more natural and relational, like making new friends. The important thing to remember is that networking doesn't have to fit one mold. Okay, it's not about forcing yourself into uncomfortable situations or trying to sell yourself. At its heart, networking is really about finding ways to connect with others through shared interests, mutual goals, and genuine curiosity.
Shena: Okay, so when it comes to career transitions, this becomes even more powerful. Networking isn't just a tool for meeting people; over time, it's a way to find opportunities, gain insights, and learn from others. Okay, so let's explore this last point on the slide a little bit further. So, finding opportunities, when you're making a career shift, especially into something like UX/UI design, opportunities often come from unexpected places, like a conversation with someone in a different field or a connection you weren't initially seeking out, maybe a friend of a friend. Gaining insights, so talking to people with experience in the industry can provide clarity about what roles, skills, or companies to target. Networking consistently over time will give you access to information that you wouldn't be able to find in a Google or LinkedIn search.
Shena: Okay, and lastly, learning from others. By hearing about others' experiences, how they navigated similar transitions, overcame challenges, or made decisions, you can really gain perspective that helps you navigate your own challenges and build confidence in your journey. Okay, so truly, networking is not just about what you can get; it's also about what you can give, whether that's sharing your own expertise, connecting someone else to a resource, or simply being present and engaged. You're contributing to a larger exchange, and this really strengthens relationships.
Shena: So for anyone transitioning into a new field, the relationships you build through networking don't just help you get your foot in the door; they really support you as you grow in your career. So whether you're transitioning into UX/UI or another field, these connections can make your journey smoother and much more fulfilling.
Shena: Okay, so now that we've explored what networking really is, let's take a moment to reflect on how comfortable you feel with it personally. Okay, networking can feel very different for everyone. For some, it's really exciting and energizing, and for others, it can feel intimidating or even uncomfortable, and that's okay. There is really no one-size-fits-all approach. So to get a sense of where everyone's at, let's do our second quick poll.
Cam: Oh, so let me just, and I just published this, and the responses are coming in.
Shena: Okay, wonderful. So how comfortable are you with networking? Is the question here. Okay, so there are three question, three options. Very comfortable, somewhat comfortable, not comfortable at all. And here we see, you know, early on, a kind of even split between somewhat and not comfortable at all, with only two people saying they're very comfortable, and they continue to come in, but it's like yes, the majority of people are somewhat comfortable or not comfortable at all. That is like 90%, and it's evenly split.
Cam: Okay, okay, and how many people do we have on the call today?
Shena: Uh, well, it's the number is vacillating a little bit, but between 30 and 40 live.
Cam: Okay, okay, great. So we'll just pause to give everyone else a chance to respond. So how comfortable are you with networking? Very comfortable, somewhat comfortable, or not at all? And it looks like while not everyone has voted, the responses have stopped trickling in, so again, two people are very comfortable, everyone else is somewhat comfortable or not comfortable at all, evenly split.
Shena: Okay, okay, that's really interesting. So no matter where you fall on the networking spectrum, whether it feels natural or nerve-wracking, it's important to understand why it can really be a critical tool, especially during career changes. Okay, so I'm gonna just take us to our next slide.
Shena: Okay, so why networking matters. Let's get started with a widely cited statistic. So LinkedIn and HubSpot have both stated that 85% of jobs are filled through networking. That's a huge portion of opportunities coming from connections, not job boards or cold applications, well at least at first glance. So as a recruiter, that number did seem quite high to me when I was doing my research, so I did a bit of digging deeper into that stat. And it is worth noting that the data isn't as definitive as it might seem.
The 85% figure seems to come from a single survey dating back, even though it's been quoted in 2024 and 2025, it's dating back all the way to 2015, and it wasn't a scientifically rigorous survey. So for all the people that like to dig deeper into the data, okay, so there is no random sampling, and the methodology behind how networking was defined is unclear. And critics have pointed out that networking, while significant, may not account for as high a percentage as the survey suggests. So you might be thinking, well, why am I mentioning it at all? And truly, even if the exact percentage is debated, the underlying message is valid here. Networking plays a powerful role in career growth and career changes, but we should approach such statistics with a grain of salt, of course, keeping in mind that searching for a job often involves a combination of strategies. So networking is absolutely one of those, applying and internal referrals.
Shena: And that brings us to the concept of the hidden job market. So roles that are not advertised publicly but they're shared through conversations, through referrals, and relationships. You've probably heard the phrase, there are two pretty popular ones, "It's not what you know, but who you know," and another is "Your network is your net worth." Okay, they're more than just catchy sayings; it's really about the power of genuine connections, and here's why. A lot of people think networking is all about reaching out to as many people as possible to see what sticks when searching for a job. If that sounds familiar, it's the pressure we often feel, but it's not what it's all about. It's about building relationships that provide real support, guidance, and opportunities when you need them most.
Shena: So I have an example that I wanted to share with you. One of my former clients, let's call her Sarah, just to respect confidentiality. She hated the idea of networking. The very thought of it made her cringe. She thought it was all about bothering people, asking strangers if they had any jobs, or could refer her for one at their company. Just thinking about it really made her nervous, and I get it; a lot of people feel that way at first. But Sarah was searching for a job in a new industry, and she knew that she had to step out of her comfort zone. So even though it wasn't natural for her, she decided to try something different.
She reached out to an organization that she truly cared about, one with a mission that really resonated with her personal interests. So it really connected with her on a personal level. She didn't ask for a job or make it about herself. She just wanted to be involved in supporting their cause in some way. So she ended up connecting with one of the project managers there, started a conversation, and showed interest in the work that they were doing. She was still working full-time in marketing, but after months of staying in touch, she started working with the organization on a UX/UI project for about five hours a week. So she was offering her skills in a way that aligned with her values, her interests, and her longer-term goals.
Shena: Okay, so fast forward, and that 5-hour weekly commitment turned into her first full-time position in UX/UI. So the connection she made based on real interest and giving value first led to the opportunity she was looking for. That's how powerful authentic networking can be. So remember, your network isn't just a list of names; it really is a web of connections that provides support, mentorship, and unexpected opportunities. You don't need to network in the traditional sense; it's really a long-term commitment to giving as much, if not more, than you expect to receive and seeing how meaningful connections can evolve over time.
Shena: Okay, so now that we've heard how authentic connections can lead to opportunities, let's discuss some of the common myths about networking that might be holding you back. So the reality is it does not have to look the way that we think it does, and it certainly doesn't require you to be someone you're not. Okay, so let's move to the next slide.
Shena: Here. Okay, so the first myth: networking is only for extroverts. So I've heard this a few times from clients, and so in reality, of course, networking is for everyone, introverts and extroverts alike. The key is how you connect with others, and let's remember, introversion and extroversion really do exist on a spectrum. You might identify more with one side, but we all have a mix of traits from both. And introverts often excel here because they tend to focus on building deep, meaningful connections rather than surface-level interactions. Introverts might prefer one-on-one conversations or smaller groups, which often leads to really strong relationships. For example, think about someone you know who listens more than they speak. So who comes to mind that you think of that listens more than they speak? Those people often create strong bonds because they understand others' needs and perspectives, making them great networkers in their own way.
Shena: Okay, and the takeaway here is networking isn't about being the loudest in the room. It's really about being intentional with your connections. Okay, myth number two: networking is all about asking for jobs. Okay, in reality, effective networking builds relationships over time. The key here is giving first, whether it's offering advice, maybe introducing someone to another connection, or being a resource. It isn't just about what you can get from others; it's really about showing up for them and creating a mutually beneficial relationship. Okay, so when we think of Sarah's story, for example, she didn't network with the intention of getting a job right away. She initially reached out because she was interested in the organization's work. She was really keen to be involved in some way, and that authentic curiosity led to an opportunity down the road.
Shena: So the takeaway here is networking. It's about building trust and relationships over time. The opportunities will follow naturally when you invest in others first and for the longer term. Okay, and the third common myth: networking is always formal meetings and events. So in reality, casual interactions can be just as valuable. So networking doesn't have to always happen at a professional event or a formal meeting. Often, it's those informal conversations at the grocery store, at a coffee shop, the gym, maybe a casual lunch in your day-to-day interaction that can really lead to the most unexpected prospects. Okay, for example, think about the casual chats you've had with colleagues or friends that maybe later turned into business collabs, job leads, or information about upcoming roles that might never be advertised. Sometimes it's those off-the-cuff moments or how it's often called water cooler chats that can lead to more than formal networking events.
Shena: So the takeaway here is don't underestimate the power of casual interactions. Every conversation is an opportunity to build a relationship. Okay, so whether you lean more introverted or extroverted or even somewhere in between, it's about being authentic, actively listening, and showing up for others. When you focus on that, opportunities will naturally follow. Okay, so now that we've cleared up some of the myths around networking, let's talk about how you can actually start building your network in a way that feels authentic and aligned with your goals. Okay, so move to the next slide.
Shena: Okay, so building your network: firstly, before you start networking, take a step back and think about why you're doing it. Okay, so you want to have a targeted networking approach. Are you seeking advice, is it mentorship, is it job opportunities? Having a clear idea of your goals will help you focus on connecting with the right people who can support you. You're not just reaching out for the sake of it; you really want to form connections that align with your longer-term objectives. Okay, and this is really important because it helps ensure that the relationships you build are purposeful, not just transactional. You want to focus on what you can give and what you need, and let that guide you.
Shena: Secondly, you want to leverage your online communities. So the great thing about today, of course, is there's no need to wait for in-person events to network, right? Online communities like LinkedIn, industry forums, and virtual meetups can provide incredible chances to connect with people that you might not have ever crossed paths with otherwise. These platforms really allow you to expand your network beyond your immediate circle. Whether you're asking questions, sharing insights, or engaging with others' content, these online spaces can help you meet professionals and open doors to new possibilities. And the best part is we know you can start making connections right now without any geographic or time constraints.
Shena: Third, don't hesitate to ask for help. So this is a big one, too. It's one of the biggest barriers to effective networking, is that fear of asking for help. Many people feel uncomfortable reaching out, right? They think they're bothering others. And here's the truth: most people want to help; they just may not know how unless you ask. Asking for advice, feedback, or even job referrals isn't about being needy. It's really about creating a two-way street. So keep in mind when you're asking for help, you're giving others the chance to make a meaningful contribution to your career journey. It can actually strengthen relationships and build trust. Okay, so don't shy away from asking; just be clear and considerate about what you need. Okay, so we'll just continue on building your network on the next slide.
Shena: Okay, so fourth is you want to build a diverse network. This gives you broader perspectives and access to new possibilities. And of course, don't limit yourself to connecting with people from your own field. You want to branch out to different people with expertise in different areas and different experiences and backgrounds. This is really important because diversity in your network can spark creativity and your eyes to new ways of thinking. This kind of network offers a more well-rounded approach to solving problems and navigating challenges. So think of it like this: the more varied your network is, the more likely you are to encounter fresh ideas and prospects that you might not have found otherwise.
Shena: Lastly, be consistent. So building a network, it is a long-term strategy. It's not about making one-off connections and moving on. Whether personal or professional, relationships need to be nurtured. It's important to make it a habit to check in with your network regularly, whether you're sharing an update, offering support, or simply reconnecting. This helps keep relationships alive and ensures that people remember you when new opportunities arise. Okay, and you'll notice the more you engage with your network over time, the stronger those relationships will become and the more options will open up.
Shena: Okay, so now that we've covered the foundations of building your network, let's explore a simple framework to guide your networking efforts. Okay, so I'm just gonna flip to the next one.
Shena: Okay, so this is the three C's of networking. It can help you build stronger, more meaningful relationships and ensure you're not just making connections but nurturing them over time. Okay, so the first step is to connect. This is where you begin, whether it's reaching out to someone directly, introducing yourself, or simply making the first move. The key here is to focus on building an authentic connection based on mutual interests and goals. Okay, so it's not just about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections. Creating a meaningful interaction is key here. So you don't want to be afraid to initiate the conversation. A simple introduction can really lay the foundation for a lasting relationship. And remember, you do not need a grand event to start connecting. Even casual reach outs or attending virtual meetups can be great starting points. The goal here is to create that initial contact and start building rapport.
Shena: Okay, so once you've made that initial connection, it's time to contribute. So many people shy away from networking because they feel they have nothing to offer, but contributing doesn't mean you have to be an expert in someone else's field or more experienced than them. So that's often a misconception, too. Offering your time, sharing what you've learned, or providing a resource can be incredibly valuable. It's about showing up and really being ready to help, regardless of your level of expertise. Okay, so when you make yourself available to support others, it shows that you're not just there to take; you're ready to give to. Even a simple conversation can be beneficial to someone who might need perspective, guidance, or a fresh set of eyes on a problem. So offering help doesn't always require expertise; it just requires a willingness to support others, and this creates stronger bonds while building trust along the way.
Shena: And as we talked about, networking is not a one-time interaction. The third key here, and also the third C, is cultivating the relationships you've started. So building a network is about long-term investment, not just about the people you meet today but how you nurture those connections over time. So regularly check in with your contacts, offer support, and engage in those meaningful conversations. Relationships really will grow stronger when you put in the effort to maintain them. Again, whether it's through offering updates, sharing helpful info, or keeping in touch, it's not just about being seen when you need something. That's a really key point. It's really about showing consistent care and interest in the people you're connected with, which helps build a more authentic network over time.
Shena: Okay, so now that we've covered the core principles in networking, let's take a moment to reflect on where you might be facing challenges. Okay, so of course, networking can feel overwhelming at times, and the good news is you are not alone in feeling that way. Okay, so we'll go to our third poll question here.
Cam: Okay, so the question is, what's your biggest networking challenge? Is it finding people to connect with, is it starting a conversation, is it following up after an initial meeting, or maintaining long-term relationships? And the votes are trickling in now. As of now, it looks like maintaining long relationships and starting a conversation are the two that have the most, with again just like one or two for the other two, but we'll give it another 10 seconds here.
Shena: Okay, so that stills the same, but it's like maintaining long relationships is now like the winner. It's like 50%, 25% starting a conversation, then with like a person here or there for the other two.
Cam: Okay.
Shena: Thanks, everyone, for your responses. Okay, so based on these results then, let's discuss a few practical tips, especially when it comes to some of the more common challenges that people face. Okay, so I'm going to move to the next slide here.
Shena: Okay, so if you're finding, we'll go through each one, even though I realized the last one was the most popular, maintaining long-term relationships. So if you're struggling to find people to connect with, consider tapping into some of your latent ties, so those connections you have but haven't fully engaged yet. So think about friends of friends or past colleagues who might be able to introduce you to the right people.
Shena: Okay, if starting a conversation feels tough, start with shared interests or common goals. So instead of focusing on what you can ask, try to learn about their experiences or ask open-ended questions that invite them to share. Right, so open-ended questions are always going to be the "how," "why," "what," "where," "when." It's never going to be a question that only involves "yes" or "no."
Shena: Okay, and if following up is the challenge, make it a habit to send a quick message after every meaningful interaction, even if it's just a simple note to say that you enjoyed the conversation. It's the consistency in your follow-ups that really helps to keep you top of mind.
Shena: Okay, and so with maintaining relationships over time, if you're finding that's your challenge, make it a part of your routine to check in with key contacts. It does not have to be a big effort. Simple messages, sharing relevant articles, or just asking how someone's doing can really go a long way in keeping the relationship strong.
Shena: Okay, so now that we've talked about, you know, briefly, of course, how to navigate some of those common networking challenges, let's put some of these ideas into action. Okay, so one of the best ways to get a clearer view of your current network is by drawing it out. It can be much easier to identify gaps and opportunities for connection when you can see your network visually. So this is just an independent exercise for everyone that I'll walk you through as well. So let me just go to the next slide.
Shena: Okay, so it's a networking map. It's designed, this exercise is really just designed to help you reflect on your current network and thinking about ways to expand and strengthen it further. So we'll work through it together, step by step, and I'd say in about 8 minutes along together, you'll have an actionable plan.
Shena: Okay, so firstly, let's take a moment to create a relationship map of your network. Okay, so it's going to help you pinpoint where you have strong connections and more importantly, where you might need to invest a little more effort to build relationships. And by doing this, you can get more intentional about how you expand and nurture your network. So if you grab a piece of paper or open a digital tool, whatever your preference is, and draw a circle with your name at the center. And then around it, you want to place categories like former colleagues, mentors, current team members, friends and acquaintances, and your online communities. Right, things like LinkedIn and Slack or different Slack channels. And as you write down these categories, think about the specific names that come to mind for each one. So for example, under former colleagues, who could you reach out to? Under online communities, who in your LinkedIn groups do you connect with often? So let's just take a couple of minutes here. I want to be mindful of time as well, and please do let us know if you have any questions.
Cam: And there are some questions in the questions tab, but I think that they're not related to this exercise, so probably they'll be best, uh, maybe we can address them at the end. It looks like they would be a great fit as we finish up.
Shena: Okay, sure, then.
Shena: Shea, while people are doing this, I have a question. I mean, imagine for some people that this exercise can be quite expansive, right? Like, hey, if you've been working for a while, like your former colleagues, you could have dozens or hundreds. How, I mean, and maybe it's valuable to do that, right? To really explore, you know, kind of the extent of that. Or, you know, would you recommend focusing in a certain place, you know, people you've had a closer connection with, or, you know, how would you think about that?
Shena: Yeah, and that's a great question. So, and I've said it's eight minutes, but really, it's just the start of building this networking map, right? It's getting you thinking about visually who you do know, and so if it is extensive, to your point, it's important to think about being very targeted because yes, you could have hundreds of contacts, right, or hundreds of acquaintances. But it's important to think about who you want to build those longer-term relationships with. And also, balance comes into play there because people can experience burnout when they are giving too much. So the point of me mentioning it's important to think about what you can offer as well as what you might be receiving, you can't do that with everyone. So that targeted approach is really, really key, and it does take some reflection time. So I know we're doing this quick exercise here because we're limited for time, but it is important to think about who you would want to build those longer-term relationships with.
Shena: Okay, so I think we can move on to the next step here. And I'm going to go to the next slide. Okay, so once you have your map, take a look at where you may be lacking connections. For instance, if you are transitioning into a new industry like UX/UI design, do you have connections in that field? If not, this is an area you'll want to focus on. So identify specific gaps like this. Okay, so again, we'll just take a couple of minutes, but I realize you'll want to come back to this to think about a little bit more, dig deeper into that. But think about where some of those gaps are.
Shena: Okay, and then the next step in this process is you'll want to think about how to take action to fill those gaps. Right, so consider some of these steps: reconnecting. So think about someone from your map that you haven't spoken to in a while but who could offer valuable insights or connections. So this comes back to the question that you just asked, Cam, as well, how to target and narrow it down a little bit more. Then expanding, right. So identify what we call a "weak tie," someone you barely know but who could be valuable to your network. Right, so the potential is there. Those connections can sometimes open doors to prospects that weren't in your line of sight.
Shena: Okay, and then you want to craft a personalized outreach message. So think about a message to one person on your map. So simple formula for this could be: acknowledge their expertise, ask a specific question or offering value in return, and include a clear follow-up action. So it could be something like sharing an article or a video that's relevant to something you might have discussed with them. And when you feel it's appropriate, keep it light and fun while also adding value to the conversation. You could also tag them in a social media post about a topic that they care about, for example. It could be a relevant article or an event, and add a personal note. It shows that you're thinking about them and the conversation that you recently had.
Shena: Okay, so those are just a few examples of ways that you can take action and just really think about which connection would be a good starting point for one of those actions. Okay, so take a couple of minutes just to or maybe a minute we could take just because of time constraints but think about who would be a good connection to reach out to, to start this.
Shena: Okay, and then finally, what you'll want to do is collaborate and share. Pick one gap from your map and one action step and share it with either a friend, a partner, or a group. You want to have someone to hold you accountable, and that can give you the extra motivation and perspective to really take action. Okay, so think about who you will share this with to help hold you accountable.
Shena: Okay, so now that you've mapped out your network and identified areas for growth, it's really time to put those insights into action. So building a network doesn't happen overnight, but by setting small, intentional goals, you can really start taking meaningful steps today. So again, think about the gaps and action steps that you've identified, whether it's reaching out to someone new, reconnecting with a past contact, or joining an online community. They are all actionable steps that can make a big difference.
Shena: And I would like to leave you with a clear next step to put your networking strategy into practice. So take a moment to think about what action you will commit to this week. What's one action that you can commit to this week that'll help improve your networking efforts? There's plenty of ways to get started, and of course, this is a chance to really make it actionable. Okay, so let's take a quick final poll to help with this.
Cam: Okay, so our final poll question is: What's one action that you will take to improve your networking this week? And I just published that, so people are perfect. Thank you.
Shena: It's, and it seems like the winner thus far is following up with a past contact, followed by joining an online group and reaching out to someone new.
Shena: Terrific. And I mean, if there is something else, let us know in the chat as well. You know, feel free to think of any other action that feels right for you.
Shena: Okay, so by identifying your next step and making a commitment to take action this week, you're definitely on the right track. So networking is all about nurturing relationships, and now that you're set with a clear plan and a step forward, you continue to build your network. Here's a few additional resources to help you on your journey.
Shena: Okay, so whether you're into books, podcasts, articles, or social media, there's something here for everyone. And if you've come across anything that's really helped you with networking, I'd love for you to share it with us too. And shout out to one of my former Design Lab students, Andy, who brought one of the books listed here to my attention. It's "Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi. I'm always looking to discover new tools and ideas that can make a difference. So you know, if it's a book that changed your approach or a podcast that gave you great tips, or maybe it's an article that sparked fresh thinking, whatever it is, I'd love to hear about it.
Shena: So I'll just leave this up on the screen in case anyone wants to take a screenshot for a quick moment before I move on just to wrap up here.
Shena: Okay, let me move on to the next slide. Okay, final thoughts and questions. So of course, remember that networking is about building real, trusted relationships, not about seeking quick wins or short-term benefits. Real connections happen over time through consistent effort, and they really do require authenticity. So the key takeaway here is networking doesn't have to be overwhelming; start small and focus on adding value. It could be as simple as offering advice, sharing a helpful resource, or taking the initiative to be brave and reach out to someone new. Connections have the power to transform a simple transaction into something meaningful and lasting. It's not about keeping score or what you can gain from someone; it's really about how you show up for others.
Shena: Okay, so now let's open it up for questions and discussion. And I can read some of these so you don't have to flip through. Uh, we'll go, we can go in order. Um, first one... oh, first one was asking about if this is recorded. Yes, it is. Uh, next one, from Randon, I on LinkedIn to network. Do you think that weekly postings to my page and generally being active is needed to provide my network some "content" of who I am?
Shena: That's a really good question. So I think it's important to think about what feels right for you. You want to think about getting out of your comfort zone, right? Small steps, getting out of your comfort zone. Is that something that is giving... I always want to be very mindful of everyone has a different approach. So is that the approach that, uh, you want to take? You know, some people might be getting really high anxiety from thinking about that. Um, so is it something where you feel a little bit uncomfortable with but you feel like you could do on a consistent basis because that consistency is really important too, right? When you're thinking about sharing your knowledge or your experiences or learnings with your network, what's reasonable for you to do on a weekly, monthly, whatever target setting yourself on a basis that you will be doing that for the longer term, not just because you're looking to gain increased visibility to secure a job? I hope that helps. Is it... it's not that's not an easy easy answer; it's more about what feels right to you, where, where you can commit to it in the longer term.
Cam: Curious, just like going off that that question a little like, um, I've noticed you know when when people have reached out to me for help and they've reached out one-to-one, right, like I'm just much more inclined to say yes, right? Versus if I see a social media post. And so I mean, do does that resonate with you in the sense that, um, hey, while social media posts can be part of it, that there is something you know special about somebody asking me specifically or or having, you know, know something about me specifically when they're asking for help?
Shena: That's really interesting because different approaches work for different people. So I'm so glad that you mentioned what you prefer, uh, because some people will reach out individually and not receive a lot of positive feedback. Um, whereas other people will post regularly over time, and their connections in the space they're looking to gain more visibility start to notice. And so I do think it is a combination of both. Um, and even if you have reached out to people individually and aren't receiving any response, it doesn't mean that there aren't people out there like Cam has just shared that are willing and happy to help. So I would say always think about different avenues to build those connections. There's no one-size-fits-all solution or or one avenue that's going to be the only way to, um, create successful connections.
Cam: Cool, and here's one more question question from Emma. I've been... oh, there's another one just popped out, but I'll read this one first. I've been reaching out on LinkedIn to people at companies and roles that I would one day like to be in. When I do this, I usually say something I liked about their portfolio and some advice that they may have for landing that type of role at their company. Is that something people respond well to?
Shena: And sorry, what about the port... do you mind repeating about sure sure so when she uh does that Outreach to people at company she'd like to one day work for she uh maybe you know opens a conversation by mentioning something she liked about that person's portfolio and she asked them uh for advice that they may have for landing a type of role at that company and then she asks is that something people respond well to.
Shena: It depends on the person, right? So there it and um it really does it depends on the person. Some people what we have to remember too is on LinkedIn oftentimes the people that are most active are going to be job seekers, recruiters, and um those that might passively be looking and even then they're maybe not that active and hiring managers that are active in the recruitment process for a role in their team. Those individuals are most active. So it might be that individuals you're reaching out to would like to help with that but they don't go on LinkedIn very often. Um, so it depends on the person. I think that's a great initiative that you're reaching out to talk a little bit more about um about their portfolio and being very personalized. I think that's an excellent start. Um, but again it's one avenue in different ways that you can even try to connect with those individuals because they might not be as active on that channel.
Cam: I'm curious, if you've been doing this, could you share if you've been having success with it? Feel free to tell us more in the chat. Someone just mentioned... Okay, Amil had another question. What if some of the more important people in the process that you reach out to don't respond, or you can't get any contact information of interviewers or hiring managers, and this continues for months? Can you repeat that, Cam?
Shena: Sure. What if some of the more important people in the process that you reach out to don't respond, or you can't get any contact information of interviewers or hiring managers and this continues for months?
Shena: Which process are you referring to? Are you already in the interview process? I'm not sure, let me put something in the chat. I've had a very difficult time finding and getting a hold of recruiters on LinkedIn. It feels like they don't actually use it that much. Amil, maybe you can tell us a little bit more about your question? I see you typing. They're talking about just trying to apply and get an interview, so I guess they're trying to figure out who's related to the job so that they can reach out to them.
Shena: From my experience in recruitment, I can say that recruiters are very active on LinkedIn. However, they often receive a high volume of applications through LinkedIn and other channels. This can be overwhelming, and as a result, they might not have the capacity to respond to everyone reaching out to them. It's important to understand whom to contact and prioritize in your job search. Ideally, you should focus on decision-makers, like hiring managers, over recruiters when possible. However, the goal isn't just to connect for a job but to build meaningful relationships that may provide deeper insights into the organization or the field.
Cam: Exactly, and from my perspective, we've observed many people securing jobs by networking effectively. It's often not about directly networking to get a job but engaging genuinely with people in your industry. Sometimes, job opportunities arise serendipitously through these connections. For instance, by participating in discussions or panels, you make yourself known, and opportunities often follow naturally.
Shena: Absolutely, and it's worth noting that not every outreach will result in a response. It's a numbers game, and persistence is key. Even if only a few people respond, those conversations can be incredibly valuable. It's important not to take non-responses personally; continue reaching out and building your network.
