The power of authentic networking and 3 tips to make valuable connections

Video Credit: Adobe Stock / motionxcom FILE#: 159297975

Video Credit: Adobe Stock / motionxcom FILE#: 159297975

Forget the unspoken competition for who can collect the most business cards. The key to successful networking is building authentic relationships and inspiring passion within your fellow networkers.

The word "networking" leaves a dirty taste in the mouths of many. It often comes matched with complaints of insincerity and feeling uncomfortable about having to “sell” yourself. However, not embracing this powerful resource could result in shortfalls in many of our career roles.

The truth is, networking is one of the most effective means of landing a job or internship, getting promoted, securing a business deal, and leading lasting change. It’s crucial not only for getting that dream position, but also for succeeding in it.

And it doesn’t have to be disingenuous. In fact, it can often be fun and lead to many new opportunities.

But for this to be the case, we must shed the superficial façade and ask ourselves, “are we networking because we actually care about the people we’re chatting with, or are we just trying to get something material out of this exchange?”

Two people's hands gesturing during conversation

Image Credit: Adobe Stock / Farknot Architect FILE#: 301042645

Image Credit: Adobe Stock / Farknot Architect FILE#: 301042645

Why networking is so important for your career

Katrina King, General Manager Capital Solutions at QIC shared her thoughts on the topic at a recent Business Chicks event presented in partnership with UQ. In her presentation, she spoke about the significance of networking and letting go of the jargon that prevents us from developing “real” relationships within the business community.

“Networks are how most business is achieved. It’s how the world works,” Katrina says.

“If you aren’t networking and just hoping that merit will get you through, you risk dipping behind those that are doing it more effectively.”

Katrina has almost 30 years’ experience in business and financial services and prides herself on being a strong advocate for empowering young women in STEM.

Having completed her Master of Business Administration (MBA) at The University of Queensland (UQ), where she received a commendation for Women in Leadership Excellence, Katrina says education and credentials will always be highly valued. But the reality is, many jobs never get posted to the public.

Katrina King, General Manager Capital Solutions at QIC profile picture

Katrina King

Katrina King

According to recent LinkedIn survey data conducted by CEO and founder of The Adler Group, Lou Adler, around 85 per cent of all jobs are filled through networking connections.

If a position opens, the first thing a company will do is ask its inner circle, “Who do we know?” or “Do we have someone that can do this?”

“That’s why to be able to find someone who can help you on your career journey is really important,” says Katrina.

“It took me a long time to realise that the people participating in networking events WANT to help others. Once you realise this, networking becomes a much more positive experience.”

However, “it’s not about the number of networking events you attend, it’s about the quality of connections you make”, Katrina says.

The key to developing those quality connections is to show up with a positive attitude, be present and authentic.

Picture of attendees to the Business Chicks event engaging in conversation with eachother

Attendees networking at the Business Chicks event

Attendees networking at the Business Chicks event

Katrina King engaging in conversation with two female attendees to the Business Chicks event

Katrina King chatting to attendees at the Business Chicks event

Katrina King chatting to attendees at the Business Chicks event

Katrina King presenting to a room of seated attendees to the Business Chicks event

Katrina King presenting at the Business Chicks event

Katrina King presenting at the Business Chicks event

Item 1 of 3
Picture of attendees to the Business Chicks event engaging in conversation with eachother

Attendees networking at the Business Chicks event

Attendees networking at the Business Chicks event

Katrina King engaging in conversation with two female attendees to the Business Chicks event

Katrina King chatting to attendees at the Business Chicks event

Katrina King chatting to attendees at the Business Chicks event

Katrina King presenting to a room of seated attendees to the Business Chicks event

Katrina King presenting at the Business Chicks event

Katrina King presenting at the Business Chicks event

“Leave your phone in your bag. It’s not an attractive networking accessory.”
A group of business people networking, conversing
Groups of business professionals networking
Groups of business professionals networking
A group of business people networking, conversing
Groups of business professionals networking
Groups of business professionals networking

Top 3 tips for networking with authenticity

1.     Have an open mind.

You have no idea what doors the people you meet could open for you. Perhaps you find yourself having a conversation with a copywriter at your next event, and you think to yourself, “Oh, I don’t need a copywriter right now.” But their colleague, friend or family member may just be the person you’re looking for – and without the copywriter, you have no connection.

Developing relationships with both like-minded and diverse peers can help us expand our networks exponentially.

“This is what women, in particular, need to focus on as they typically have less interest in simply transactional relationships or may feel they are insincere,” says Katrina.

Her advice is to, “Really open yourself up to people and enjoy them for what they can bring. Be curious and learn for the sake of learning.”

This way, each connection you make multiplies your chances of finding the perfect person to build a relationship with.

2.     Get past the “what do you do?” question.

We develop deeper connections when speaking on a personal level, so even if you have an agenda, it’s important to take the time to establish genuine connections with the people you’re talking to.

“This doesn’t mean you should walk up to people and ask if they have children right away. You still need to anchor the conversation and develop those deeper connections over time,” says Katrina.

As an easy way to start the conversation, ask questions like:

  • What brings you here today?
  • What have you got out of this event?
  • What are some of the topics that have resonated with you in these sessions?

3.     Think about how you can help the other person.

As the legendary Zig Ziglar says, “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.” Networking is a great way to build business relationships, but it’s important that your goal in meeting new people isn’t self-serving. Be authentic, ask questions and begin every conversation hoping to learn, “How can I help?”

“You have to approach networking with a genuine heart and true interest in the other people,” says Katrina.

“While you should certainly think about what you want to get out of it personally, it’s much more beneficial if you can think about what you can offer other people.

“Some examples might be reaching out to them on LinkedIn after the event, sharing a news article that they may find interesting or letting them know about a new book you enjoyed.”

Bonus tip: How to turn your connections into windows of opportunity

Through the process of authentic networking, you will identify people who can enrich your personal life and your career. Look out especially for mentors who can continue to help build you up as a person and master of your craft, and sponsors who can light up the path for you to follow.

“Mentors and sponsors are great for helping you on your career journey, but they each play very different roles,” says Katrina.

“Mentors are important in continuing to question and challenge and coach your thoughts and career progression. You can have mentors both internally and externally to your organisation,” she says.

“A sponsor is less of someone with whom you’d catch up for a coffee every 4 weeks who asks questions that challenge you, and more of someone who can open doors for you professionally. A sponsor will take a more active role in helping you progress your career by positioning you for new roles or introducing you to people who can make that happen. And again, they can be internal or external to where you currently work.”

Katrina says that while you can easily ask someone to be your mentor, a relationship with a sponsor must grow organically.

“If you can find somebody in your life who can take that extra step, extend that invite, create some space for you and open that door, they are worth seeking out.”

With regular networking events on the MBA calendar each month, UQ is helping its students increase their visibility and gain access in to those inner circles.

Image credit: Adobe Stock /Science RF

Web of gold lines connecting to gold dots against a black background

Develop your authentic networking skills and put your best foot forward with support from the UQ MBA Careers and Employability team.