Tips for Building Career-Enhancing Relationships

The most overlooked skill in career growth? Strategic relationships. Not just mentors. Not just peers. → 80% of all jobs (including executive roles) are filled through networking and personal connections. (Source: LinkedIn Editors, 2025) I didn’t ask for a seat at the table. At 27, someone I trusted pulled out the chair before I knew I needed one. That moment changed everything. And now? I see the same silent pattern in high achievers every day: They don’t stall because they’re unprepared. They stall because they’re unremembered. You don’t rise by being good alone. You rise when your name is spoken in rooms you haven’t entered yet. That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens by design. That’s why you need to build your Invisible Board of Allies™ before you need a bailout. Here are 7 essential roles to future-proof your career: 1/ The Sponsor Advocates for you in rooms you're not in. → You don’t ask them to fight for you. They already are. 2/ The Challenger Pushes your thinking forward. → If no one’s poking holes in your logic, you’re not growing. 3/ The Connector Builds bridges where you see walls. → Introduces you to people and opportunities you never knew existed. 4/ The Mirror Reflects your blind spots with care. → The one who says, “Here’s what you’re missing—and why it matters.” 5/ The Emerging Peer Grows with you. → You rise together and celebrate each other’s wins out loud. 6/ The Truth Teller Gives feedback you don’t want to hear, but desperately need. → They’ll risk your comfort to protect your growth. 7/ The Legacy Holder Reminds you of your 𝘸𝘩𝘺 when you’re tempted to settle for the 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵. → Keeps your leadership aligned with your purpose. Keeps you anchored in purpose. Your dream role isn’t waiting on a job board. It’s waiting on a conversation. Start here to build your personal board: ✔ Audit your circle → Who challenges you? Who champions you? ✔ Initiate → Reconnect. Reintroduce yourself. ✔ Give first → Share insight. Make intros. Celebrate others. ✔ Show up when it’s not about you → That’s when trust is built. ✔ Repeat weekly  → Consistency is everything. You’re one relationship away from your next level. If your name isn’t being spoken in the rooms that matter, build a board that puts it there. Before burnout. Before breakdown. Before missed opportunity. Social capital isn’t soft. It’s strategy. Which of the 7 roles do you need most right now? And which one are you playing on someone else’s board? ➕ Follow @Loren Rosario-Maldonado, PCC for career growth insights that actually move the needle. 💬 𝘞𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘉𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘉𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳™ 𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦? DM me “BOARD” and I’ll send it your way.

Struggling to turn networking into real, lasting connections? Here’s how you can start building powerful relationships in 7 simple steps! Most people network but fail to stay memorable. True connection isn’t just about exchanging business cards—it’s about creating mutual value. Strong networks open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and friendships. We’ve all been there—attending an event, meeting great people, exchanging info, and then… silence. Days pass, and it feels awkward to reach out again. Sound familiar? I’ve used these 7 practical strategies throughout my 20+ year career in leadership, finance, and operations, and they’ve led to lasting, high-value relationships that have shaped my career. 7 Steps to Build Fruitful, Lasting Connections: 1. Ask Better Questions Forget small talk! Ask questions that show genuine interest. Instead of “What do you do?” try “What’s something exciting you’re working on right now?” 2. Find Ways to Add Value Immediately Did they mention a problem they’re trying to solve? Offer a helpful resource, introduction, or idea—without expecting anything in return. 3. Follow Up Within 24 Hours Send a quick, thoughtful follow-up message. Mention something specific from your conversation to stand out. Example: “I really enjoyed our chat about leadership development. Here’s the article I mentioned!” 4. Be Consistent Relationships fade without consistent communication. Reach out every few weeks with something valuable—a relevant article, an invite, or even just to check in. 5. Leverage Social Media Comment on their posts, share their work, and stay visible. People remember those who engage consistently. 6. Join Their Circle If they’re part of a group or community (in person or online), join in. Shared spaces strengthen relationships naturally. 7. Be Yourself Authenticity is key. People connect with real, relatable individuals, not perfect personas. Don’t be afraid to show your personality. According to a Harvard Business Review study, professionals with strong networks are 58% more likely to find new career opportunities and report 42% greater career satisfaction. Building lasting relationships takes time. Follow these steps consistently over 3-6 months, and you’ll notice a significant improvement in both the quality and depth of your network. I met a fellow executive at a leadership conference. Instead of just swapping LinkedIn profiles, I asked, “What’s one challenge you’re facing that keeps you up at night?” That question sparked a meaningful conversation, and I later sent a helpful resource. We stayed in touch, exchanged ideas, and, over time, became collaborators. Today, that connection is a trusted professional ally. Whether you’re in operations, finance, or leadership development, building a solid network is essential for long-term success. The right relationships don’t just help—they multiply your opportunities.

In my early career, I thought networking was all about building as many connections as possible. But I quickly learned that effective networking isn't about the quantity of your connections—it's about the quality. Throughout my career, the connections that have truly made a difference weren’t the ones where I just asked for help—they were the ones where I made it easy for others to want to help me. If you want to make others genuinely want to help you, it’s crucial to move beyond simply asking for favors. Instead, focus on creating value and building relationships where both parties benefit. So, how can you do the same? Here are four tactical tips to help you network effectively: ✅ Do Your Homework Before reaching out, research the person or company you’re interested in. Understand their work, challenges, and how you can add value. For instance, instead of asking a connection for job leads, do your own research first. Identify specific roles and companies you’re targeting, and then ask if they can help with an introduction. This approach shows initiative and respect for their time. ✅ Be Specific in Your Ask Whether you’re asking for an introduction, advice, or a referral, be clear and concise about what you need. For example, instead of asking, “Do you know anyone hiring?” say, “I noticed [Company Name] is looking for a [Role]. Would you be open to introducing me to [Person]? I’m happy to send you my resume and a brief write-up you can pass along, too.” This shows that you’ve taken the initiative and makes it easier for your contact to say yes. ✅ Offer Mutual Value When requesting a meeting or advice, frame it as a two-way conversation. Instead of saying, “Can I pick your brain?” try something like, “I’d love to exchange ideas on [specific topic] and share some strategies that have worked for me.” This not only makes your request more compelling but also positions you as someone who brings value to the table. ✅ Follow Up with Gratitude After someone has helped you, don’t just say thank you and disappear. Keep them in the loop on how their help made an impact. Whether you got the job, secured the meeting, or just had a great conversation, let them know. This closes the loop and makes them more inclined to help you in the future. Your network is one of your greatest assets—nurture it well, and it will be there for you when you need it most. What’s one networking tip that’s helped you build stronger connections? *** 📧 Want more tips like these? Join Career Bites - free weekly bite-sized tips to supercharge your career in 3 minutes or less: lorraineklee.com/subscribe 📖 You can also get behind-the-scenes stories, updates, and special gifts for my upcoming book Unforgettable Presence: lorraineklee.com/book

Building a relationship > Blindly networking Quality is always better than quantity while networking. And how do you focus on quality? ✨ - Carefully pick the people you reach out to. - When they add you to your network, follow up with them. - Introduce yourself. Share how they can add value to your career. - Be very specific on what topic you need help on. - When you ask, think of the things you can give to them. - If you’re scheduling a call, set a clear agenda for the call. - After the call, make sure you send a thank you message. - Follow up every 3-6 months with updates. And, do you know how you can stand out? Give before you ask! 💡 When I was meeting a Senior PM who also happened to be content creator, I offered to design her LinkedIn banner. She did not expect this and I bet she still remembers me. 💡 One of the Group PMs I was meeting was starting out with content on Youtube so when we met we talked about product management but when he asked about content creation - I shared my content creation experience with him. Most of the times we think we won’t be able to add value to someone senior to us. But all of us have unique capabilities that can add value to others. So focus on adding 10 people to you network who will vouch for you uncountable times instead of 100 people who will not add any value. Hope this helps! In the next post, let’s talk about things to do on a networking call. #career #students #networking #linkedin

I've landed about 95% of my career opportunities (including 5 F100 internships & LinkedIn Top Voice status) through effective networking, and this is EXACTLY how I did it... ⬇️ Effective networking has gotten me COUNTLESS opportunities for my career, including -- 🌟 Five internships at a Fortune 100 🌟 Two contract jobs at startups (while in college) 🌟 A full-time 6-figure new grad job offer at a "brand-name" tech co. 🌟 Funding AND sponsors for a new venture of mine 🤭 🌟 LinkedIn Top Voice "Next Gen" list 2023 🌟 Becoming a LinkedIn Learning [in]structor 🌟 Press features in Business Insider, Fast Company, and LinkedIn News 🌟 Social media/film collabs at two major Nevada sports franchises 🌟 An invite to a party where I met one of the founders of Rotten Tomatoes and an ex-CFO of Apple 1️⃣ Establish a good reputation through your work. In my opinion, the most challenging and time-intensive phase of your early career is building your reputation and credibility. When you get your first couple of opportunities, give it 150% - everything that you have. You want the people watching to see the quality of your work, your tenacity, and your work ethic. 2️⃣ Build relationships locally and in your existing network. One of the easiest ways to start forming quality relationships, fast, is to put yourself out there at in-person events. Go to meetups, conferences, charity fundraisers, and networking events. At these events, do NOT be shy. Go up to people you've never met, introduce yourself, and strike up a conversation. 3️⃣ My Secret Sauce 🤫 - "How can I provide value to YOU?" The #1 thing that people get wrong about networking is that they approach it with a mindset of "What can this person do for me?" STOP THAT 😂✋🛑. Go into every conversation with the opposite mindset and use this sentence ~ "Please let me know if there's ever a way I can provide value to you and support you in what you're working on." This is MAGIC because few people are ever expecting you to ask how YOU can help THEM. 4️⃣ Be vocal about what you're doing and get the word out! In step 2, you build relationships locally and within your existing network; eventually, you'll graduate from that because your network is going to get a bit bigger 😉. Don't be afraid to shout it from the rooftops ~ talk about your journey publicly! 5️⃣ Build in public! In addition to sharing about your journey, actively share about your goals, what you're working, and what you're building. This isn't just applicable to founders building companies ~ everybody's building SOMETHING, whether it be a business, a career, or even just your life. "Building in public" is what ultimately led to me becoming a Top Voice and getting funding, sponsorship, and support for my latest venture! #earlycareer #earlycareers #networking #networkingtips

I received a call yesterday from a good friend, an executive director at a thriving law firm.  We’ve known each other for years and while we ended up discussing business, it started my wheels thinking about relationships and how they build a business in professional services. After years of focusing the best marketing techniques in professional services, I always revisit one theme. Building strong relationships is key to developing a firm, and growing a practice. While having excellent skills will always be table stakes, the strength of a relationships is also an essential component. One thing is clear: it's all about the relationships we as individuals build and nurture. Here are five tips to strengthen those connections that matter to you. 💡 1.    Lead with Empathy Understanding what your clients or prospects are going through is crucial. It's not just about the business side—it's about seeing the bigger picture of their challenges and successes. When you truly empathize with others, it deepens trust and connection. 💡 2.    Find Common Ground We all have shared experiences—whether it's career paths, mutual interests, or personal milestones. Finding those commonalities can make the conversation more comfortable and genuine, helping to build a solid foundation for the relationship. 💡 3.   Care About Their Success It's not enough to focus solely on your own goals. You have to genuinely care about the other person's business, and that means understanding their industry, their pressures, and their needs. 💡 4.   Show Interest In-Between the Transaction A relationship built solely on a deal or a single litigation (even if the dollars are significant) is transactional, generally with a beginning and an end. Show interest in their life outside of work, and stay in touch with them in-between matters. 💡5.  It’s a Long Game Building strong relationships doesn’t happen overnight and there is no magical system that works the same for everyone. Follow up regularly, stay in touch, and show you’re consistently thinking of them. Relationships need nurturing, and this level of attention proves that you’re not just there for a quick win—you’re in it to support them for the long haul. Relationships are at the core of everything—whether you’re building a practice or growing a larger business.

Hey everyone! I'm excited to share some networking tips that were incredibly helpful during my job search. These strategies helped me navigate the interview process and land a role as a Program Manager at Google. Whether you're breaking into tech, switching careers, or just want to build your network, I hope these tips help you too! Tip 1: Targeted LinkedIn Research Before my interviews at Meta, Uber, and Google, I used LinkedIn to find people who were already in the roles I was targeting. I looked for Program Managers with similar years of experience, as their interview process was likely to be similar to mine. I also searched for alumni from my university (University of Houston - Go Coogs!), as this provided an easier "in" for starting a conversation. Tip 2: Clear and Concise Outreach When reaching out, I always stated that I was interested in [insert job title] roles at their company and requested a 20-minute coffee chat to discuss: - The interview process - Primary skills needed for the role - What success looks like in that position Including specific questions in my initial message dramatically increased my response rate. This approach made it clear to both parties what we would discuss, making efficient use of everyone's time. Tip 3: Focus on Building Relationships While referrals can be helpful, I recommend not asking for them from people you haven't worked with or who haven't seen your work firsthand. I found more long-term value in building genuine relationships through conversations and learning from their experiences. Tip 4: Leverage Diverse Perspectives Meeting with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, provided invaluable insights that helped me shape my resume, LinkedIn profile, and interview responses. For example, during one conversation, I learned that one of the companies valued a "scrappy" approach. I highlighted relevant project examples in my interview and received great feedback. I hope these tips help you in your own networking journey. Remember, building genuine connections and seeking diverse perspectives can make all the difference in your job search. Good luck! #networking #techcareers #jobsearch #interviewtips #careeradvice

How does networking turn into a job opportunity? We've all heard it before - networking is crucial for career growth and finding new job opportunities. But how do you tap into your network authentically without coming across as simply using connections? Truthfully build relationships that are built on mutual understanding and value exchange. Networking was never a one-way street and should be done with long-term intentions. Here are a few things I did that allowed me to turn relationships into career opportunities: 1. Provide Value First - Before asking for ANYTHING, see how you can help. This can be done through sharing industry insights, personal contacts, or sharing your expertise on a subject matter pro bono. 2. Express Authentic Interest - It's obvious when you're faking it! Learn their goals, interests, and pain points and ask thoughtful questions to have real conversations about more than just work. 3. Stay Top-of-Mind - Share updates on projects you're working on, milestones you've hit, or just check in periodically. This allows you to stay present in conversation. 4. Pay it Forward - Make intros between connections who could benefit each other, without the expectancy of something in return. Adopt the habit of giving just to give! These tips have allowed me to turn my network into my career superpower, supporting personal and professional goals. Drop some of your tips for building genuine relationships in the comments. #Networking #BlackLinkedIn

Many times I've heard, "Your network is your net worth." Well, if that's the case, then I consider myself immensely rich. I appreciate the extensive and supportive network I've built on LinkedIn over the past couple of years and strive to provide value and support while I get the same back in return. Frequently engaging with and providing value to your network are the keys to building strong, mutually beneficial professional relationships on this platform. Here are some ways to actively engage and give back to your network: 1)     Consistently Engage with Content: Regularly react to, comment on, and share posts from your connections that resonate with you. Thoughtful and insightful comments add value to the conversation and show your support. Active engagement keeps you and the poster visible. 2)     Share Valuable Insights: Post content that provides value to your network, such as industry insights, practical tips, or relevant articles. Sharing your knowledge and experiences establishes you as a thought leader and encourages others to engage with your content. 3)     Join and Contribute to Groups: Participate in LinkedIn groups related to your industry and interests. Engage in discussions by asking questions, providing answers, and sharing relevant content. This helps you connect with like-minded professionals and adds value to the community. 4)     Offer Support and Resources: Be proactive in offering help to your connections. Whether it’s sharing job opportunities, making yourself available for informational interviews, or making introductions, your willingness to support others strengthens your network and builds goodwill. Are there other ways you like to engage with and provide value to your network? Share your ideas and experiences in the comments to help others. #Networking #LinkedInTips #ProfessionalGrowth #PersonalBranding #CareerDevelopment

Most people tell you to network, but they don’t teach you how. Here’s what you can do: 🔹 Quality Over Quantity: Before attending, study the event's attendee list and identify 2-3 people you want to meet. This focused approach can lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations. I’ve recently done this myself at a TED event. 🔹 Adopt a Giving Mindset: Offer to share your expertise or resources. For example, if someone is working on a project you have experience with, volunteer to provide insights or introduce them to someone who can help. This shows you're invested in their success. 🔹 Research Smartly: Look into their recent projects or publications. If your contact has recently published a paper or given a talk, read it and mention specific points you found intriguing or valuable. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart. 🔹 Make the First Move: Send a message acknowledging a challenge they mentioned in a public forum or LinkedIn comment. For example: "Hi [Name], I saw your post about the challenges of remote team management. I've faced similar issues and found that regular virtual coffee breaks helped. Would love to share more if you're interested. Best, [Your Name]" 🔹 Build a Habit: Set a weekly reminder to engage with your network on social media. This could be liking, commenting on, or sharing posts from your contacts. Regular engagement keeps you top of mind and builds a foundation for deeper connections. Tomorrow’s newsletter is packed with actionable insights to turn casual contacts into valuable connections. ➡ Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eE-aFmFy 💜 Career Well-being is the best work-life newsletter, according to my readers! Join us! #NetworkingTips #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #careerbutterfly #CareerWellbeing