Recharge Your Network, Refresh Your Career
““Research shows that new ideas and career opportunities are most likely to come from weak ties—relationships outside our closest circles.” ”
As many of us return to the office, networking is evolving—and for some, it's a skill we're eager (or maybe a little nervous) to rebuild. I begin all my networking workshops with the quote above because it captures just how transformational networking can be—when approached strategically.
Let me share a true story.
When I was close to publishing my third book, The Productive Perfectionist, I met with my editor and asked how I might use the book to break into the world of keynote speaking. That simple question led to a life-changing introduction to Victoria Labalme—a bestselling author and keynote speaker who, at the time, was what researchers would call a “weak tie.”
I was incredibly nervous about speaking with her. I knew she could help me, but I wondered: What could I possibly offer in return? Turns out, Victoria just wanted to be helpful. And when I asked her how to become a keynote speaker, she replied, “Just start calling yourself one.”
At first, that sounded like some new-age fluff. But that mindset shift changed everything. Within weeks, I landed my first two keynote gigs. Wow.
This story captures three of the most common networking mistakes I see:
We keep our networks too small.
We’re afraid to ask for what we really want.
We underestimate our own ability to give and support others.
To help you break out of that cycle, I want to offer three simple steps to refresh and recharge your network.
Three Steps to Recharge Your Network
Reflect and identify your current circle.
List the 10–15 people you spend the most time with—friends, colleagues, family, and those in your social or professional groups.Seek a mentor or sponsor.
Ask someone you trust (or want to get to know better) for help reaching your goals. Who could open a door, make a connection, or share advice?Join a group that lights you up.
Find a professional organization, alumni network, nonprofit, or social group that aligns with your values—and get involved. Connection happens through shared purpose.
A Client’s Story: Networking Her Way to a Promotion
One of my clients, Sabrina, an Executive Director at a large financial services firm, once told me she loathed networking. When I asked her to map her trusted network, she came up with fewer than five people—most of whom were peers or junior staff. She had little connection to senior leadership and wasn’t active in any cross-functional groups.
Her biggest gap? Visibility with senior leaders. She knew that to be promoted to Managing Director (MD), she had to be known and trusted by the president and a few key execs. But she avoided networking—it felt inefficient, even self-serving. She wasn’t on LinkedIn, skipped events unless clients were present, and never even said hello to the president when he walked by.
What changed? She reframed networking. Instead of seeing it as superficial, she began to see it as essential to getting things done, growing the business, and making a bigger impact.
Sabrina’s Three Networking Steps to MD
She became more visible.
She started saying hello to the president, speaking up in meetings, and sending short weekly business updates.She asked for guidance.
She invited a senior-level woman she admired to coffee and asked her about the MD process.She got involved in a cause she cared about.
Sabrina volunteered with a charity supporting underprivileged children—an organization her company’s senior leaders were passionate about. It gave her a chance to connect in a meaningful, informal way.
These small steps created real change. In less than a year, her network grew from fewer than five trusted advisors to more than ten. Those new relationships played a key role in her promotion to MD.
The best part? Sabrina didn’t become someone she wasn’t. She didn’t start schmoozing or faking small talk. She simply became intentional. Strategic networking was no longer about “playing the game”—it became about making an impact and doing her job more effectively
For the Perfectionists in the Room…
Networking has gotten a bad rap. But for those of us who are perfectionists—who pride ourselves on results—building and maintaining a web of support is the surest way to get there. If you want people to listen to your ideas, implement your advice, or champion your growth, then it starts with taking baby steps to expand your circle.
Begin with your friends. Your trusted colleagues. One connection at a time.
If you want to dive deeper, I cover strategic networking in The Productive Perfectionist, now available wherever books are sold. I also share monthly insights on leadership development in my blog—subscribe to stay ahead of the curve. And if you’re looking for coaching, training, or just some encouragement, visit kcmayer.com to connect.