How to Use Your Network for New Opportunities

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗜𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 An often quoted stat is that up to 70% of jobs are never publicly advertised. They're filled through the "hidden job market", a world of referrals and relationships. If you're thinking, "𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰 𝘐 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵?" you're not alone. The answer is networking. But if the idea of reaching out to strangers online fills you with dread, it can help to reframe your approach. This isn't about transactions; it's about 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲. The secret is simple: Be curious. Be generous. Make it easy for people to help you. Here’s a simple framework to get you started: 𝟭. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. Start conversations before you need help. A low-pressure opener like, “I’ve been following your work and would love your take on [topic],” can spark a great discussion. 𝟮. 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁. Comment thoughtfully, share an article, or introduce two people. Acts of generosity build trust long before you need it. 𝟯. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽. When you do ask for help, be specific. Instead of a vague ask, try something like, “I’m exploring mid-level marketing roles with Sydney-based tech companies. If you know of anyone hiring, would you be open to a quick intro?” 𝟰. 𝗥𝗲-𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 “𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀.” Opportunities often come from past colleagues or acquaintances you haven’t spoken to in years. These dormant connections can open unexpected doors. 𝟱. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁. One genuine check-in a day compounds over time. That's how strong networks are truly built. You'll never know which conversation leads to your next role. Often, it's a mix of timing, relationships, and persistence. So start small, and keep going. Remember: you’re not just looking for a job - you’re building a network that will support your career for years to come. #Networking #HiddenJobMarket #LinkedInNewsAustralia #CoachRecruitment  

Networking for board-level success isn’t about attending every event. It’s about tapping into the relationships you’ve already built. If you're not leveraging the people you already know, you’re missing out on huge opportunities. Here’s the thing: You already have a network. Your colleagues, friends, clients, suppliers, and even those you’ve collaborated with—they’re your network. You don’t need to collect business cards or go to every networking event. You just need to use what’s already at your fingertips. How can you tap into your existing network to unlock board opportunities? Here’s how: 1️⃣ Want to know when board opportunities arise? It’s not about who you know—it’s about who knows you. When you're genuinely connected with people in your network, they'll think of you when those board opportunities come up. Your colleagues, clients, and industry peers are often the first to hear about these openings—way before they’re posted publicly. So, make sure you’re engaging with them regularly and letting them know you’re interested in board roles. Keep the conversation alive, and they’ll bring you the opportunities before anyone else even hears about them. 2️⃣ Need to know if a board is the right fit for you? One of the best ways to evaluate a potential board is by getting the inside scoop from someone who's been there. It’s about using your network to get the real story. Maybe you know someone who’s been on that board, or someone who has worked closely with them. Their perspective on the culture, leadership, and overall dynamics will give you insights you can’t get anywhere else. This kind of knowledge helps you make an informed decision before you even apply. 3️⃣ Looking for a mentor or someone to mentor? Networking isn’t just about climbing the ladder—it’s about helping each other grow. Look at your existing connections and think about who you could learn from or who you could help. Maybe someone’s been where you are and can offer invaluable guidance. Or perhaps you’re the one with knowledge to share. Mentorship goes both ways. When you nurture these relationships, you build a network that’s not only valuable for career advancement but also personally fulfilling. Here’s the key takeaway: Networking isn’t about getting something—it’s about creating genuine connections and sharing value. When you focus on building relationships and providing value to others, opportunities will follow. These aren’t just “business” relationships; they’re partnerships that evolve over time. Genuine conversations lead to authentic opportunities, and that’s where the real magic happens. Pro Tip: Want to unlock board-level success? Stop thinking of your network as a list of contacts and start seeing it as a group of people you’ve built meaningful, ongoing relationships with. Follow up. Offer help. Stay in touch. That's how you build the trust that opens doors.

You don’t need to attend awkward networking events to build connections. Here are 10 ways to network online (from your couch) to land your dream job, mentorship or just to stay in touch: 1. Start with warm calls, not cold DMs Reaching out to strangers is intimidating. So, begin with people you already admire or respect: past colleagues, old classmates, mentors, or anyone you’ve gotten value from. Reach out, share your goals, ask for advice, or simply reconnect. — 2. Build (or join) a 3-6 person mastermind Invite people you admire to check in monthly or quarterly. Ask 3 simple questions in each meeting: • What’s your biggest win? • What’s your biggest challenge? • How can we help each other? This becomes your personal board of advisors, and their networks become yours, too. — 3. Make intros within your own network Instead of always trying to add new people, try connecting two people you already know. It builds goodwill, and often sparks reciprocity. Some of my best opportunities came from introductions I made first. — 4. Be the tortoise, not the hare Strong networks aren’t built in a week. They come from consistency, trust, and staying top of mind. Check in. Celebrate small wins. Be helpful, even without asking for anything.  — 5. Send snail mail Want to stand out in a sea of LinkedIn messages? Send a handwritten card or even a fun comic with a note. The person will always remember your “extra” effort. — 6. Elevate the interaction • Only chatted with someone online? Try a call. • Had a few calls? Try a Zoom meeting. • Know them over Zoom? Meet up in person. Each upgrade strengthens the connection. — 7. Pick one platform to dominate Instead of being everywhere, go deep somewhere. For example, if it’s LinkedIn: • Endorse people • Write thoughtful comments • Share niche insights your network actually values   This depth pays off more than shallow visibility. — 8. Curate, don’t just connect Curate the best insights, tools, or articles in your niche, and share them regularly. You’ll become a trusted source people keep coming back or referring to. — 9. Do something fun together Shared activities build bonds. This could be as simple as playing a game, joining a sweepstakes, or co-hosting a webinar.  People remember who made them feel something. — 10. Swipe right (yes, really) Apps like Shapr or Invitly are designed for warm outreach — you match with people who want to meet others. It’s cold networking without the awkwardness. Networking isn’t about pitching. It’s about planting seeds. Start with one person. Reach out. Reconnect.  Then keep showing up, helping others, and making connections that count.

Don’t wait until you need a network to build one. It could cost you your next job. A few months ago, I started working with a Chief Operating Officer who had been with the same company for 17 years. He was loyal. He showed up every day. He built teams, delivered results, and never looked elsewhere. Then, one Monday morning — a restructuring email landed in his inbox. His role was eliminated. No warning. No conversation. Just… gone. When we started working together, he said something I’ll never forget: ➜ “Chris, I gave this company everything. And now I’m on the market with no one to call. I was too busy working to build a network.” This is so common ESPECIALLY for high-performing execs. You give. You deliver. You stay in your lane. But the truth is: Your network is your career insurance. And if you don’t invest in it consistently — when the time comes, you’ll be starting from zero. We rebuilt his approach from the ground up: 1) Identified 3 industries where he had transferable experience. 2) Built a list of 50 former colleagues, clients, and vendor partners from 10+ years ago. 3) Crafted a 3-line message to reconnect and ask for insight (not a job). 4) Created a new LinkedIn profile that positioned him as a strategic operator — not just “loyal” or “tenured.” 5) And shifted from reactive job apps to warm conversations. In just 6 weeks, he had two interviews from referrals — and one offer came from a former peer turned CEO. He’s now back in the game. More energized. And building relationships intentionally this time around. ➜ If you’ve been heads down for years: I GET IT. But now (& IN THIS MARKET) is the time to lift your head up. Start with this: 1) List 15 people you used to work with and respect 2) Reach out with a message like: “Hey, I’ve always appreciated working with you — and I saw you're currently working at Company X. Would you be open to catching up on a virtual coffee chat?” Your network doesn’t have to be huge. It just needs to be activated. And the best time to do it? Before you need it. #JobSearch #ExecutiveCareers #Networking #CSuite #GetHired #CSG

Build connections when you don’t need them, so they’re there when you do. Networking is a long‑term investment. You never know what can happen tomorrow, whether it’s a new opportunity, an unexpected challenge, or a career pivot. By cultivating relationships early, you turn strangers into allies and potential into possibility. My pro‑tip? Develop your personal value proposition. 
- List your top 3–5 strengths and concrete examples of how you’ve helped others 
- Turn each into an “I help…” statement (for example, “I help marketing teams drive engagement through data‑driven storytelling”) 
- Use these statements to guide every outreach, ensuring you’re always offering value, not just asking for favors Then start from what you know. 1. Choose 5–10 people from your alumni network, former classmates, or close colleagues 2. Send a genuine note, share an article they might find helpful, congratulate them on a recent win, or simply ask how you can support them 3. No agenda. Just curiosity and a willingness to help Next, venture into the unknown. 1. Identify people at companies you admire or in roles you aspire to 2. Do your homework: reference a recent project, article, or speaking engagement 3. Reach out with a clear, value‑first message: “I enjoyed your piece on X; as someone looking to Y, I’d love to learn how you approached Z.” And keep the momentum going. 
- Schedule quarterly reminders to check in, share insights, celebrate milestones, or ask a thoughtful question 
- Track key dates (promotions, product launches, anniversaries) so your messages feel timely Your network matters. When you need advice, an introduction, or anything really, you’ll already have authentic connections. And at the end of the day, already built connections where you can leverage the relationships > dry unknowns ‘Hey, I need help’ messages. #StephSynergy

Don't just apply...strategically network as well! I know the job market is tough right now. You’re sending out applications, tailoring your resume, and maybe even feeling the frustration of hearing nothing back. It’s exhausting. But here’s the truth: applying to jobs is only one piece of the puzzle. There are other pieces. Strategic networking and referrals can be game-changers. 🔹 Leverage Your Network (and Build It!) ➡️ Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals. A simple “Hey, I’d love to catch up and hear what you’re working on” can open doors. 🔹 Engage on LinkedIn ➡️ Comment on posts, share insights, and connect with hiring managers (or TA's, recruiters). Showing up consistently keeps you top of mind. Identify the decision-makers / managers at the companies you're targeting and engage with them. Comment thoughtfully to their posts. The goal is to get on their radar, and hopefully establish a relationship. 🔹 Ask for Referrals (the Right Way) ➡️ Instead of “Can you refer me?”, try: "I see [Company Name] has an opening for [Job Title]. I’m really interested in this role because [specific reason]. Would you be open to a quick chat or sharing any insights?" Reach out with a short, value-driven message. Hiring managers trust referrals, and many jobs get filled before they even hit job boards. A strong network can help you cut through the noise. Keep applying, but don’t let your network sit idle. Your next opportunity might come from a conversation, not just a job posting. If you’re in the job search trenches right now, know this: You’re not alone. Keep going. The right opportunity will come. #JobSearch #Networking #CareerGrowth #ReferralsMatter #JobSeekers

Your next opportunity probably won’t come from a job board. It’ll come from a comment. A conversation. A connection you nurtured months ago. That’s how the real doors open. I’ve seen it in my own career. From global speaking engagements to strategy advisory roles, The biggest opportunities didn’t come from cold outreach. They came from warm relationships built on trust, value, and genuine engagement. Not because I asked for favours. But because I stayed visible, stayed curious, and stayed human. Here’s what I’ve learned about relationship-driven growth: [1] Be interested, not just interesting. Ask better questions. Pay attention. Show up for others without an agenda. [2] Generosity scales. Offer your insights. Cheer others on. Send a helpful article. You’ll be surprised how far a kind gesture travels. [3] Consistency builds credibility. Don’t wait for a career crisis to start connecting. Be present even when you’re not “looking” for something. One of my keynote clients once said, “We’ve followed your content for over a year. When the time came, we didn’t need to compare — we already knew you were the one.” That’s the power of intentional presence. How has your network helped you grow  professionally or personally? #CareerGrowth #NetworkingTips #RelationshipCapital #FriskaWirya #LeadershipLessons #FutureFitCareers #VisibilityMatters #OpportunitiesThroughPeople #PeopleFirstGrowth