Reasons to Build Your Professional Network

Behind every opportunity is a relationship, and behind every relationship is a conversation. Networking is about building real connections that last and have the potential to help you find your next opportunity. Data shared by the University of Maryland’s Department of Economics indicates you won’t find 70% of available jobs on any site that posts open positions. Those positions are usually found on a company’s internal network, often by referral. In other words, relationships can make the difference between finding a job or not. That’s no surprise to me. Throughout my journey, from engineer to investor, relationships have been a constant driver of growth. Mentors, colleagues and peers have not only opened doors, but also challenged my thinking, sharpened my skills and inspired my vision. Here’s what I have learned: - Be curious: Ask questions that show you care about people’s stories. - Be intentional: Connect with purpose, not just for your own gain. - Be consistent: Follow up, follow through and add value where you can. Networking isn’t a one-time event. It requires maintaining ongoing relationships rooted in trust and genuine interest in other people’s lives. Whether you’re just starting out on your professional journey or deep into your field, relationships are what power careers.

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is waiting until they need a job, a referral, or a favor to start reaching out. But relationships aren’t transactional…they’re transformational. Your network is your community. And like any strong relationship, it needs to be nurtured over time. That means: - Checking in just because. - Sending a “thinking of you” message with no ask attached. Yes! You can do this. I promise it’s not weird! - Celebrating others’ wins and sharing opportunities with them. - Reaching out to offer help, not just to ask for it. - Staying curious, listening well, and being genuinely present. You never know when a conversation over coffee will lead to a collaboration. Or when a kind word you offered months ago will make someone think of you for a dream opportunity. The best time to build relationships was yesterday. The next best time is today. Keep showing up. Keep giving. Keep connecting. Because when you lead with authenticity and generosity, your network becomes your net worth personally and professionally. #Networking #RelationshipBuilding #Leadership #CareerAdvice #AuthenticConnections #CommunityOverCompetition

Here’s why staying active on LinkedIn matters, even when you’re happy in your role or already have a lot of connections: ☑️ 1. More opportunities come to the people who are active on LinkedIn. The best opportunities—collaborations, partnerships, or even career upgrades—often come from people in your network. My friends and myself, get offers regularly because we are seen on LinkedIn. This is the reason why I remain open to help executives, corporate brands, and experts to get featured in TV and media. Recommending people to be seen, is the least I can do to help others find more opportunities. ☑️ 2. Industries are evolving and you should too! As people are being replaced by technology. The people who have the ability to connect organically and creatively stand out. Building relationships across industries can give you insight into trends, innovations, and where the future is headed. This can allow you to find new positions that never existed before. One of the biggest mistakes some people do on LinkedIn is only connecting with people from their industry. I have several engineers and government contractors in my network, despite starting out in TV and business-related productions. If those people did not value connecting with me; they would not be garnering extra business today. Over the years I have become an advisor for brands who are being placed within popular TV and streaming platforms. I did not know that a position like this existed, until I started meeting people on LinkedIn. ☑️ 3. Your relationships are career insurance. Change is inevitable. Whether it’s layoffs, company restructuring, or a sudden pivot in your career goals, having a strong network gives you a safety net to bounce back faster. ☑️ 4. Your network reflects your brand. Your brand is what you are known for. Being well-connected isn’t just about numbers—it’s about depth. Engaging meaningfully with your network shows you’re someone who values collaboration and growth, which enhances your personal brand. ☑️ 5. You will build influence. Networking isn’t only about what you can gain. Genuinely supporting others, sharing insights, or helping someone land their next role builds goodwill and positions you as a trusted advisor. It’s easy to think that networking is just for job seekers or those building their connections for business—but that mindset limits your growth and opportunities. Your career isn’t just about where you work—it’s about who you grow with. If you have a job, keep connecting. If you need a job, keep connecting. Networking can increase your income & the people that you meet can improve your life! Rachel Mitchell © ---- 🔺I shared this in my private executive newsletter. On my personal profile I choose to share the mindset that has helped us. ----- #rachelmitchell #ladylongevity #socialsaturday #socialsubday #elevate your growth ♻️ Repost this to help your network. And follow me: Rachel Mitchell for more.

Early in my career, I thought hard work alone would get me ahead. But the truth? The biggest career accelerators aren’t just effort—they’re relationships, guidance, and access. -Employees with mentors are promoted 5x faster (Harvard Business Review). -76% of professionals say mentorship is key to success—but only 37% actually have a mentor (Forbes). -People with strong mentors earn 25% more, on average, than those without one (CNBC). Still think you can figure it all out alone? The hard truth: Talent and hard work alone won’t cut it. The most successful people? They had someone who believed in them, pushed them forward, and helped them sidestep years of trial and error. I know because I’ve lived it. I’ve had mentors who saw my potential before I did. Who helped me navigate the corporate maze, avoid dead ends, and level up in ways I couldn’t have done alone. And now, I do the same for others. When I started LS International, it wasn’t just about filling executive roles—it was about building careers that last. Because getting placed is one thing, but thriving? That’s the real game. That’s why I built LS Elevate , that gives professionals what I wish I had earlier: 💡 Direct access to top leaders who’ve been in your shoes 💡 Insider insights on leadership, career growth, and industry trends 💡 A network that doesn’t just exist, but actually works for you Because here’s the deal: Your next career breakthrough won’t come from a LinkedIn job post. It’ll come from the right mentor who pushes you into rooms you didn’t even know existed. So, if you don’t have one yet, what are you waiting for? LS International #upskilling #mentorship #mentoring #networking

𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗗𝗠 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿. 𝗜 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸. That it was only for extroverts, salespeople, or those who knew the “right” people. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The truth? LinkedIn changed my career more than any job board ever could. From landing internships to publishing research and breaking into power & energy, the biggest opportunities in my career didn’t come from job boards—they came from building the right connections. Yet, so many professionals hesitate to network strategically because they: * Feel awkward reaching out to strangers * Don’t know what to say in a cold DM * Fear getting ignored or rejected I get it—I used to be the same way. But once I started using LinkedIn the right way, I landed mentors, internships, and research opportunities that shaped my entire career. Here’s How You Can Do It Today: ✅ 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 * Look for professionals in your target field (engineers, hiring managers, senior leaders). * Use LinkedIn’s “People Also Viewed” section to find similar profiles. * Join industry groups to see who’s actively sharing insights. ✅ 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 Forget “Hi, can I pick your brain?” That doesn’t work. Instead, try this: 💡 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗠 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲: “Hi [Name], I came across your profile while learning about [topic]. I admire your work on [specific project]. I’d love to hear your thoughts on [question]. Would you be open to a quick chat?” ✅ 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗗𝗠 * Like and comment on their posts genuinely * Share their work and add your insights * Make your name familiar before sending a message ✅ 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 People respond better when you bring something to the table: * Share an article or resource relevant to their work * Offer a fresh perspective on one of their posts * Ask a specific, thoughtful question instead of just “Can you help me?” The Outcome: I’ve used this exact strategy to build meaningful relationships that led to: ✔ Internship opportunities before I even applied ✔ Research collaborations that boosted my career ✔ Insights from industry leaders that I couldn’t find anywhere else If you’re not leveraging LinkedIn for strategic networking, you’re leaving opportunities on the table. 💡 Try this today: Pick ONE person you admire, craft a thoughtful DM, and hit send

Your network isn’t just about who YOU know—it’s about who knows you and trusts you. ❌ Great relationships aren’t built on transactions. ✅ They’re built on trust, generosity, and showing up as your real self. I used to think networking was about collecting contacts. That was a short-sighted and selfish view of networking. I quickly learned that the real power of networking happens when you give more than you take. 💡 Offer your time. 💡 Share your knowledge. 💡 Listen—really listen. People want to be heard. 💡 Be vulnerable, be authentic, show up as you are. When I stopped holding back and started sharing what I know, everything changed. My credibility grew. My network expanded. And—no surprise—opportunities followed. 🔥 In fact, most of my career opportunities came from my network because I built relationships on mutual respect, learning, and authenticity. And that last piece is the most important. ✨ Authenticity begets authenticity. ✨ When you show up as you, you give others permission to do the same. That’s when real connections happen. That’s when people want to work with you, collaborate with you, and yes—bring you along for new opportunities. So, my advice to people who want to expand their networks to build real, lasting relationships: 1️⃣ Give more than you take. 2️⃣ Show up as yourself (and make other people feel safe enough to do the same). . What's your best advice for building a strong network?

Ever walked into a room full of strangers and felt that awkward knot in your stomach? I know, it's not easy. But let me tell you a story. A few years ago, I was mentoring a young professional named Emma. She was brilliant, techsavvy, and had all the skills you could ask for. Yet, she struggled. Why? She found networking terrifying. Emma would shy away from events, avoid small talk, and felt her career was at a standstill because of it. One day, I asked her a simple question: 'What's the worst that could happen?' She thought for a moment and replied, 'I guess... someone might not want to talk to me.' I smiled and said, 'Exactly! And what if they do? What if they find you fascinating?' That was the turning point for Emma. She started attending events, engaging in conversations, and slowly, the fear melted away. Networking became less of a chore and more of an opportunity. Why should you master professional networking? Here’s what Emma learned: → Opportunities: You never know where a conversation might lead. ↳ Emma met her future business partner at a tech conference. → Growth: Each interaction is a learning experience. ↳ She learned new perspectives, new technologies, and new strategies just by talking to people. → Visibility: Out of sight is out of mind. ↳ By showing up, Emma became a familiar face in her industry. → Support: A strong network is a safety net. ↳ Emma found mentors, advisors, and even friends who supported her through thick and thin. Professional networking isn’t about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections. It's about building real, meaningful relationships. Emma’s story could be your story. If you’re hesitating, remember this: The worst that can happen is someone doesn't want to talk. But the best that can happen? The sky's the limit. Have you had a similar experience or breakthrough moment in networking? Share your story in the comments. Let's inspire each other!

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.

Every opportunity that changed my life came from a relationship (not a resume). 6 tips to build a network that actually works for you: 1/ Check In Without Needing Anything ↳ Send "how are you?" texts more often than "can you help me?" emails. ↳ People forget what you said, but they remember that you stayed in touch. 2/ Give Before You Get ↳ The best networkers give help more often than they ask for it. ↳ Share opportunities, make introductions, send useful articles. 3/ Start Building Today ↳ The worst time to build relationships is when you desperately need them. ↳ Your next job won't come from a blind job app. It'll come from someone you know. 4/ Make It Personal ↳ Remember birthdays, kids' names, their big wins. ↳ One genuine conversation beats 100 business cards. 5/ Stay Consistent ↳ Set reminders to reach out quarterly. ↳ Small efforts compound into strong connections. 6/ Be The Connector ↳ Introduce people who should know each other. ↳ Become known as someone who helps others win. The net worth of your network compounds faster than your 401(k). Every promotion, every opportunity, every breakthrough... They all started with a relationship. Your dream job is one conversation away. But that conversation only happens if you've been nurturing relationships all along. Start today. Text someone you haven't talked to in months. Not because you need something. Just because relationships are your most valuable career asset. What's your favorite way to network? Reshare ♻️ to help someone in your network. And give me a follow for more posts like this.