How to Make Networking Feel Natural and Build Strong Career Relationships
Networking often gets a bad reputation. Many people imagine awkward small talk, forced handshakes, or the dreaded sales pitch from someone they just met. But the truth is, networking doesn’t have to feel stiff or salesy. At its best, it’s about building meaningful, long-term relationships with people who share your interests, values, or professional goals.
At reStart, we help job seekers and professionals turn networking from a chore into a skill they genuinely enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a new role, exploring a career change, or simply wanting to expand your circle, there are ways to make the process authentic, productive, and even fun.
Here’s how to transform the way you think about networking so it becomes a natural and empowering part of your career.
Shift the Goal from Getting to Giving
One of the most common mistakes people make when networking is focusing too much on what they can get. Instead of thinking, “What can this person do for me?” try flipping the question to “How can I offer value to this person?”
This small shift in mindset instantly changes the dynamic. Offering value can take many forms:
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Sharing a helpful resource or article you’ve come across
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Introducing them to someone in your network who could help them
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Offering advice or insight on a challenge they’ve mentioned
Generosity builds authentic rapport and trust. Over time, those you’ve helped will often be eager to return the favor, leading to opportunities you might not have found otherwise.
For more strategies on offering value while building connections, check out our Career Networking Guide.
Start With People You Know
Your network is likely larger than you think — it includes former colleagues, classmates, mentors, community members, and even friends. One of the easiest ways to strengthen your connections is to start with people you already have some history with.
You don’t need a big reason to reach out. A simple message to check in, congratulate them on a recent achievement, or share a relevant article can go a long way. The key is to make the interaction personal and genuine, rather than sending a mass “hope you’re well” message.
Examples of easy reconnections:
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“Hi Alex, I saw your post about the conference you attended. How did you find the keynote? I’d love to hear your takeaways.”
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“Hi Maria, I came across an article on AI in hiring and thought of you since you’ve been exploring that space. Here’s the link — would love to know your thoughts.”
Even short, thoughtful touchpoints like these keep your relationships warm and make it easier to reach out down the road when you have a more specific purpose.
Be Curious, Not Scripted
Many people get hung up on having the “perfect” elevator pitch when meeting someone new. While it’s important to be able to explain what you do in a clear, concise way, you don’t want to sound overly rehearsed.
Instead, focus on being curious. Ask about the other person’s work, their goals, and the challenges they’re tackling right now. Most people enjoy talking about their experiences, and genuine curiosity makes you more memorable than any perfectly polished pitch.
You might ask questions like:
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“What’s the most exciting project you’re working on right now?”
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“What’s the biggest challenge your team is facing this year?”
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“How did you get started in your industry?”
By shifting the focus to them, you create space for a more organic, two-way conversation — and that’s where real connection happens.
Use LinkedIn Thoughtfully
LinkedIn is more than a place to upload your resume. Used strategically, it’s one of the most powerful tools for building and maintaining your professional network.
Here’s how to make LinkedIn work for you:
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Comment on posts from people in your network with thoughtful insights or follow-up questions.
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Send personalized connection requests instead of the generic “I’d like to connect.” Reference where you met, what you discussed, or why you’d like to connect.
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Share relevant content such as articles, your own professional insights, or success stories.
Remember, networking isn’t about blasting your achievements. It’s about showing up consistently, adding value, and engaging with others in a way that builds credibility over time.
If you want to take your profile to the next level, see our LinkedIn Optimization Tips for making your presence stand out.
Make Networking a Habit
The most effective networkers aren’t the ones who scramble to connect only when they need a job. They’re the ones who make networking a consistent, ongoing practice.
One easy way to do this is to set a recurring reminder — maybe every Friday afternoon — to reach out to one or two people in your network. These could be:
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Congratulating someone on a recent promotion or award
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Sending an article you think they’d find useful
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Following up after meeting someone at an event
These small, steady touches build strong, trust-based relationships over time. And when you do find yourself in a job search or seeking new opportunities, you’ll already have a network that knows and values you.
Keep It Human
It’s easy to get caught up in the “professional” side of networking and forget that it’s ultimately about human connection. While you want to be professional, you also want to be authentic. Don’t be afraid to share a bit of your personality, your interests, and even your challenges.
People are more likely to connect with you when they see you as a whole person, not just a job title. Whether you’re interacting in person, over email, or on social media, aim to make the exchange feel like a conversation, not a transaction.
The Bottom Line
The best networks aren’t transactional — they’re built on trust, value, and mutual respect. By focusing on giving rather than getting, reconnecting with the people you already know, being curious, leveraging LinkedIn thoughtfully, and making networking a habit, you can turn it into a natural and even enjoyable part of your career growth.
At reStart, we help professionals develop networking strategies that fit their personality and career goals. Whether you’re an introvert looking for low-pressure ways to connect, or you want to maximize the value of in-person events, we can help you build relationships that open doors — without the awkwardness.