Rethinking Networking – Building Connections Beyond Events

When we hear the word "networking," most of us picture an event: new faces, casual conversations, business card exchanges, and classic small talk like, “So, what do you do?” At Gap No More, Kiss Luca is a black belt in this kind of setting, while I usually find myself teetering on the edge of my comfort zone. I’m not exactly a natural initiator, and I often feel like an outsider in these situations.

That’s why I want to approach networking from a different angle this time: I’ll write about how we can build meaningful professional relationships naturally, yet intentionally, as part of our everyday work. This will be a subjective take – I won’t use terms like “cognitive social capital,” “weak and strong ties,” or “structural holes.” (Although you can see I know what I’m talking about 😉)

In my view, there are three levels worth examining when it comes to building connections: with peers, with more senior colleagues, and with those junior to us.

1. Peers – Those on the Same Level

Early in my career, networking pretty much meant going out for drinks with colleagues. That was fun, of course, but – looking back – it also had a career benefit: I found it much easier to approach someone with a professional question if we had just partied together a few nights before. There was no strategic intent behind it – we just wanted to have a good time.

(This is why team-building activities really matter – it’s worth investing time and money into strengthening relationships within a group.)

For a long time, my professional network consisted almost entirely of people I worked with at the time. Even so, every new position brought new people, and over the years, these connections kept expanding. I’m genuinely proud that I can still reach out to people I worked with twenty years ago – and that they feel the same way about me.

These relationships became lasting because mutual respect developed while we worked together. We learned to rely on one another. Even today, I believe authenticity is key: if I make a promise, I keep it. If I can help, I do. What’s changed is that I’m more intentional about noticing people’s strengths, and I more often suggest win-win collaborations. Partying is no longer the tool for relationship-building – but a shared coffee or lunch is always a great excuse for a casual conversation.

2. Those More Senior Than Us

In my experience, people in more senior positions usually have less time. They’re always on the move, always handling something urgent. Let’s face it: they hold more important roles, with greater access to information and resources. That’s why it’s usually up to us to proactively connect with them – and yes, that takes more effort.

To make such a relationship work, we first need to understand why it would be worth their time to talk to us. What can we offer them? A different perspective? Information they may not have? Help with a task that’s routine for them but a growth opportunity for us?

Yes, it will likely require extra work, time, and energy on our part. But a strong, functioning professional network doesn’t just happen – you have to earn it.

So how do you find the right senior person to connect with?

If your company has a mentorship program, you’re in luck: those who sign up as mentors are usually happy to share their experience. Another option is to reach out to someone senior you’ve worked with before – on a past project, or someone who used to be your manager, for example. My own tactic is to bring them an idea and ask for their opinion. Yes, this is work – your idea needs to be interesting enough to spark their curiosity. And while you’re presenting it, ask as many questions as you can to understand what matters to them, what their pain points are. It’s okay if your idea doesn’t work out – what matters is that they see your potential. And ideally, you’ll be able to say at the end of the conversation: I’d be happy to keep thinking about these challenges – and come back to you for feedback in the future.

Looking back now: oh my god, how much extra work I created for myself this way! :DAnd oh my god, how much I learned from it! :D

There’s a third scenario too: when you’re trying to connect with a senior person you’ve never interacted with before. In that case, I don’t think a “cold call” is the best strategy. Sure, seasoned pros might be able to secure a follow-up meeting in a one-minute elevator pitch – but let’s be honest, that’s not my strength.

My recipe in this case is to find someone who can introduce me. Yes, that’s more complex, because first you need to convince someone else that you’re worth introducing to the “important person.” But if it works, the connection doesn’t start from zero – and the chances of building a valuable, lasting professional relationship are much higher.

Of course, all this takes time and energy – but in the long run, it pays off. These are the kinds of connections that can turn into the people who offer you opportunities, support you, or simply believe in you even when you’re having a rough patch.

3. Those More Junior Than Us

In this situation, we are the ones who are “too busy.” We’re the ones with too much on our plates, struggling to carve out time for junior colleagues.

But we probably understand better than anyone just how much a few encouraging words or a genuine conversation can mean – especially the kind where it’s safe to ask the questions you wouldn’t bring up in a meeting.

So why is it really worth investing time in these relationships?

• Because if we expect attention and meaningful support from those more experienced than us, the least we can do is pass that same quality of connection onward.

• Because it’s arrogant to think we can’t learn from them. A fresh perspective, a simple question, or a new way of looking at things can sometimes teach us more than yet another training course.

• Because these relationships don’t just benefit them – they benefit us too. Most leaders eventually realize they can’t carry everything alone. And if you’ve helped nurture a younger generation around you, one you trust, they’ll pay that back – with loyalty, ideas, and collaboration.

And because watching someone grow and knowing you had a hand in that – honestly, it’s one of the best feelings in a professional life. Maybe it’s a little like what a teacher feels: a mix of pride and joy. And beyond the emotional reward, there’s a practical one too: they won’t forget you. Even when they catch up with you – or even outgrow you.

A single conversation, a shared task, or thoughtful feedback can become a lasting part of someone’s career journey. And if we’re occasionally willing to step aside and let others shine, we might just

learn something new about ourselves too.

So connecting with junior colleagues isn’t just a responsibility – it’s an opportunity. An opportunity for our own growth, for lightening our load, and for giving something back to those who will one day pass it on again.

In Closing

Networking doesn’t just happen at conferences and meet-ups. In reality, every single workday offers a chance to build meaningful professional connections – whether through a well-timed question, a shared project, or a thoughtful chat by the coffee machine.

And who knows? Some of these everyday interactions might just turn into our most important allies in the future.