Strategic Networking: How to Build Connections That Actually Move Your Career Forward
Networking is one of the most talked-about career strategies and one of the most misunderstood. For professionals in every industry, networking isn’t about collecting contacts or asking for jobs. It’s about building long-term professional relationships that create visibility, credibility, and opportunity over time.
In fact, a recent review of networking and career success highlights that 72% of high-earning professionals credit their career progress to who they know and the relationships they’ve built.In today’s competitive and often unpredictable job market, networking is no longer optional. It’s a career skill.
Below are practical, realistic networking strategies designed to advance, pivot, or expand your career.
Approach Networking With Purpose
Before you dive into networking activities, get clear on your goals and what you want to achieve whether that’s career advice, role exposure, or industry insight. Self-reflection improves focus and networking outcomes.
Ask yourself:
What kind of connections will help move my career forward?
What skills or experiences am I trying to showcase?
What situations (in-person, virtual, 1:1 chats) make the most sense for me?
Internal Networking Comes First
You likely are already working with a valuable base and have access to internal industry knowledge. Internal networking can be one of the most effective ways to advance because you’ve got credibility and shared context with your colleagues.
Try:
Learning from people who are one or two levels ahead
Asking them how they navigated their career paths
Offering to help on small collaborative tasks or informational chats
Internal advocates often become the people who refer you for your next role.
LinkedIn: Make It Work For You
LinkedIn remains one of the most effective tools for professional networking in 2026. Thoughtful LinkedIn activity can raise your visibility and push your profile in front of the right people even without directly asking for jobs.
Key habits:
Connect with professionals in roles you aspire to
Personalize connection requests with context about why you’re reaching out
Share or comment on content that aligns with your target identity (e.g., financial operations, banking trends)
Don’t overthink your posts consistency and relevance matter more than volume.
Expand Your Network Strategically
When you reach beyond your internal circle, diversify your contacts in ways that make your networking worthwhile:
People in departments you’d like to understand better
Recruiters specializing in banking or finance
Alumni from your school or professional programs
Building broad connections can open up access to deeper conversations, mentorship, and potential opportunities that formal job postings might never expose you to.
Networking Events & Conversations
Attending industry networking events virtual or in-person can be especially valuable. These events allow you to form face-to-face connections and make lasting impressions. Preparation and follow-up are key:
Set clear, simple goals (e.g., meet 3 new professionals) before each event
Research attendees ahead of time
Ask engaging questions and listen actively
Follow up afterward with a short, personalized message
Being intentional rather than transactional makes a huge difference.
Keep Networking Human, Not Transactional
One of the most consistent themes across networking advice is authenticity. Approaching conversations with genuine curiosity—not just “what can this person do for me”—builds stronger, longer-lasting professional relationships.
Networking is ultimately about reciprocity. If you can offer insight, encouragement, or support in return, you’ll be remembered for the right reasons.
Tie It Back to Career Positioning (Your Next Phase)
From The Birch Blog:
The 2026 job market remains unpredictable, and visibility (through networking and positioning) has never been more important for career mobility.
Read more: “The Job Market in 2026: What to Expect and How to Prepare Now.”Additionally, as you continue to refine your professional identity—whether for banking advancement or a move to NYC—rebranding and articulating your strengths clearly is essential.
Read more: “How to Rebrand Yourself for a Career Pivot: Turning Your Skills Into a New Opportunity.”
Networking helps amplify that rebranding by building a network of people who understand and can reinforce your story.
Final Thought
Networking doesn’t have to be intimidating or transactional. When you approach it as a deliberate practice of building real relationships, you increase your visibility, your insights, and your chances of being top-of-mind when the right opportunity arises.
Networking works best when your positioning is clear.
If you’re building connections but aren’t sure your resume or LinkedIn profile reflects where you’re headed, Birch Group can help you align your story with your goals.