Building Meaningful Connections: Five Low-Stress Networking Moves for Career Growth

In today's fast-paced professional landscape, networking can often feel daunting and transactional. However, Jackie Pelegrin, in episode 101 of the Designing with Love podcast, emphasizes the importance of transforming networking into a more human experience. In this blog post, we’ll explore five actionable connection moves that can help you build genuine relationships and foster professional growth.

Understanding Networking as Relationship Building

The first key insight shared by Jackie is the need to reframe our understanding of networking. Instead of viewing it as merely collecting contacts, we should recognize it as building meaningful relationships over time. This shift in mindset is crucial; when you approach networking with curiosity and a desire to support others, it transforms from a self-promotional act into a community-driven initiative. Jackie encourages listeners to reflect on their own definitions of networking, suggesting that if it feels uncomfortable, it might be time to rethink what networking means to you. 

Tiny, Repeatable Actions for Networking Success

Jackie introduces Connection Move 2, which focuses on implementing small, consistent actions rather than overwhelming yourself with grand gestures. Networking doesn’t have to be about attending large conferences or sending cold messages. Instead, consider these low-stress options:

1. Leave thoughtful comments on LinkedIn or in professional groups. Instead of a simple "great post," try something specific, like "I love how you frame this. I noticed something similar when working with SMEs, especially when timelines are tight."
2. Send a short message to someone whose work you admire. For example, "I really appreciated your post about learner engagement. Thank you for sharing that."
3. Reconnect with someone you already know. A simple "Hey, I saw this and thought of you. Hope you're doing well!" can go a long way.
4. Setting a tiny weekly goal, such as two thoughtful comments and one message, can help you stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed.

Creating Visibility: Leaving Breadcrumbs

Connection Move 3 is about leaving breadcrumbs—small signals that allow others to understand what you do and what you’re passionate about. Jackie emphasizes that people can’t refer you if they don’t know what you do. This doesn’t require daily postings; even monthly updates can keep you on the radar. Share insights from your projects, updates to your portfolio, or reflections on current trends. Use the formula Jackie suggests: one insight, one example, plus one question to foster engagement. 

Nurturing Connections: The Power of Follow-Up

Once you make connections, it’s essential to nurture them. Connection Move 4 is all about following up. Jackie explains that follow-ups don’t need to be lengthy or formal; they just need to be intentional. A simple note like, "I really enjoyed our conversation. Your perspective helped me think differently," can turn a casual chat into a meaningful relationship. Keeping a quick networking notes list can help you remember important details and plan your next steps. 

Building a Supportive Community

Finally, Connection Move 5 encourages listeners to seek out community and mentorship. Jackie suggests finding adjacent mentors—those who are just a step or two ahead of you—who can provide practical advice based on their recent experiences. Strategies include asking for short informational chats and joining communities where you can engage consistently. Remember, your network is not only about opportunities but also about support and perspective.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways 

Networking doesn’t have to be overwhelming or transactional. By reframing networking as relationship building, implementing small, consistent actions, creating visibility, nurturing connections through follow-ups, and fostering community, you can build a network that supports your professional growth. Start small, show up consistently, and remember that even tiny moments can create significant momentum. As Maya Angelou wisely said, people may forget what you said or did, but they will never forget how you made them feel. 

🔗 Episode Links:

Please check out the resources mentioned in the episode. Enjoy!

5 Connection Moves Toolkit: Use this interactive toolkit to pick a move you can try this week.

Networking Resource (Bottom Line): A practical guide to networking basics, why it matters, and how to start. Plus, LinkedIn and informational interviewing tools.

Photo by Shantanu Kumar: https://www.pexels.com/photo/smartphone-with-linkedin-app-16564260/