Are résumés dead? Of course not. Not by a long shot. But even with the right experience, skills, and a shiny polished CV, you’re faced with the same reality—résumés don’t open doors. People do.
Set the time machine back to March of 2014, and I had just been laid off from a company where I had spent the previous 9 years. Like a bucket of cold water. I was suddenly in job-hunting mode, scrolling through listings and sending out applications because it was now, very literally, my new full-time job. But the opportunity that actually led to my next step? It didn’t come from a job board—it came from a player on my YMCA hockey team. He set up a conversation for me with a former coworker of his, and that simple introduction led to a job that shaped the next 4.5 years of my career.
That’s the power of networking. And those examples are everywhere. It’s not about handing out business cards—it’s about building real relationships that create opportunities when you least expect them.
The Hidden Job Market: Why Networking Matters More Than Ever
I saw a figure recently that estimated roughly 3/4 of jobs are never publicly posted. It’s a difficult statistic to verify. But it still got me thinking — even the real number is anywhere remotely close, the point is the same. Those are positions that get filled through referrals, internal hiring, and word-of-mouth recommendations. That means if you’re only relying on job boards and applications, you’re missing out on the majority of opportunities.
And it goes way beyond job hunting. Strong networks lead to:
New business opportunities – The best clients come through referrals, not cold calls.
Collaborations & partnerships – The right introductions can spark something bigger than you imagined.
Career growth – Mentors, colleagues, and connections help guide you to the next level.
If you’re waiting until you need a network to start building one, you’re already behind.
Building the Right Kind of Network (Hint: It’s Not Just About Collecting Contacts)
We’ve all met that person—the one who treats networking like a numbers game. They hand out business cards like Halloween candy, pitch their services before they even know your name, and disappear until they need something.
That’s not how real networking works. Instead, think of it like farming, not hunting. The best professional relationships aren’t built overnight. They’re cultivated through time, trust, and consistency.
Here’s how to do it right:
🌱 Start by Getting to Know People – Instead of focusing on what they can do for you, focus on who they are. What do they do? What are they passionate about? What challenges are they facing?
🌱 Find Common Ground – People don’t do business with strangers. They work with people they like and trust. Make real connections by being genuine, engaged, and helpful.
🌱 Be a Connector – One of the best ways to build your network is by helping others grow theirs. Make introductions. Share resources. Be the person who adds value without expecting anything in return.
🌱 Follow Up & Stay in Touch – A single conversation won’t build a relationship. A quick follow-up email, a LinkedIn connection, or even grabbing coffee down the road keeps the relationship alive.
And most importantly: Be patient. Trust takes time, and the strongest networks are built long before you ever need them.
Looking to Grow Your Network? Start Here.
If you’re ready to start networking the right way—by building relationships, not just collecting contacts—we’d love to have you at one of our events. Whether you’re looking for career opportunities, business growth, or just a great group of professionals to connect with, our networking group is designed to help you meet the right people, the right way.
Because when you invest in your network, you’re investing in your future. And trust me—it pays off in ways you’ll never see coming.
