While 75% of professionals consider networking crucial, few truly harness its power. Here, we spotlight three tech trailblazers who've done just that, dramatically shaping their careers. Dive into this article to uncover their networking strategies, from making lasting impressions to leveraging mentorship, and learn how to transform your own professional journey.
How has networking shaped your personal and professional journey?
I still vividly remember how difficult it was for me to approach strangers at first because I was afraid of saying something wrong! Today, my network is one of my greatest sources of inspiration. I am grateful for the remarkable individuals in it who courageously go their own way, motivating me to try new things and take on challenges myself. The professional advice and support of my network were especially important when I re-entered the workplace after the birth of my children. Today, my network offers more than just professional advice; it is a nurturing community. I truly found allies, mentors, and friends there. Through these relationships, I have learned some important lessons in perseverance, mental health, and adaptability. Essentially, my network has become a transformative force that has enriched my personal and professional journey in profound ways.
- Helen Orgis, Senior Manager Market & Ecosystem Strategies at diconium; Women in Tech Council Member
Your network is a living thing and should always be evolving, even after you have found a job. You never know when you may need to call upon your networking contacts again. Networking will always be essential to breaking into that “hidden job market,” so do not abandon it.
- Lindsay Hua, VP Global Deployment and Head of Diversity in Technology; Women in Tech Council Member
Connections are the most valuable asset one can have. I have always believed in the power of building relationships, and it has played a significant role in my life. Through my connections, I have landed some of the most incredible opportunities of my life.
Being an introvert, it was difficult for me to put myself out there and meet new people. I realized the value of networking and how it could help me grow personally and professionally. I started attending events and conferences and joining online communities to expand my reach and build new connections.
The most rewarding aspect of building connections is the feeling of making authentic relationships. When you connect with someone genuinely, you create a bond beyond the surface. You get to know the person, their values, interests, and experiences. This helps you build a stronger relationship, broaden your perspective, and help you grow as an individual.
- Rachel D. Fox, Sr. Manager of Learning and Development at Connectbase; Women in Tech Council Member
What strategies do you find most effective for building and nurturing your network?
Building a strong network isn't just about collecting contacts; it's a thoughtful process that begins with active listening. Before speaking, take the time to understand the needs, challenges, and aspirations of others. This approach shifts the focus from self-promotion to delivering value within your network, creating a foundation of trust and mutual benefit. One invaluable piece of advice I received was to keep notes and plan time for post-event actions. Networking is just the starting point; the real magic happens afterward. After meeting someone, I really make an effort to remember the details of the conversation. This helps to follow up with a personalized message, sharing insights or resources discussed during the event. This proactive approach keeps the connection alive and demonstrates genuine interest in nurturing the relationship.
- Helen Orgis, Senior Manager Market & Ecosystem Strategies at diconium; Women in Tech Council Member
Here are some of the strategies I used:
- Present yourself well
- Ask questions and listen actively
- Don't be shy to ask for help
- Stay in touch with your network
- Keep your network going and growing
- Lindsay Hua, VP Global Deployment and Head of Diversity in Technology; Women in Tech Council Member
Relationships are like plants; they require care and attention. Building a network is more than just adding people to your LinkedIn list. You need to take it a step further, schedule a meeting, and intentionally get to know the other person. Instead of focusing on what you can get from them, focus on what you can give. Be a person who adds value to the lives of those you connect with. Check-in with them, support their businesses or other endeavors, attend their events, like and share their content, and mention their names in rooms where they are not present. This is called sowing seeds; they will sprout up later because you have taken time to nurture the relationships you are developing. Not every connection will be the right one for you, but kindness will always be in style. Therefore, regardless of the outcome, remain kind and speak well of others.
- Rachel D. Fox, Sr. Manager of Learning and Development at Connectbase; Women in Tech Council Member
Can you share a recent success story achieved through your network?
Towards the end of 2020, I made a personal decision to open up about my postpartum depression within my professional circle following the birth of my twins. To my surprise, this vulnerability prompted people to reach out and check in on me. When I returned to work in 2021, my network recognized the importance of sharing such experiences to support mothers in the workplace. I was invited to speak about mental health, resilience, and the challenges of motherhood at various Women's Employee Resource Groups (ERG) in large companies. This led me to start crafting professional keynote speeches. Moreover, I received invitations for guest appearances on podcasts and booked masterclasses, providing me with a platform to raise awareness and inspire others on a topic dear to my heart. This experience reinforced that my network isn't just about business connections; it's a source of genuine care and empowerment.
- Helen Orgis, Senior Manager Market & Ecosystem Strategies at diconium; Women in Tech Council Member
I actually got my job today through networking! I was looking for my next move when an ex-colleague of mine referred me to a leader who was hiring for a tech exec role. There was no open job requisition for it - however, I was able to land my job after meeting that leader who was impressed with our connection and brought me to a series of interviews with her fellow leaders. They offered me options on the role that I would be best fit for and I chose the Global Deployment Lead role that I am in now.
- Lindsay Hua, VP Global Deployment and Head of Diversity in Technology; Women in Tech Council Member
In 2018, I made the difficult decision to leave my corporate job and start my own consulting business. This decision came after a challenging period when I had to become a caregiver for my critically ill child. As a result, I needed to be present for my child, and starting my own business allowed me to do that.
Building a solid network was crucial to the success of my consulting business. I had to start from scratch, which was both challenging and rewarding. I also learned the importance of maintaining good relationships and not burning bridges.
Although I had no plans of returning to corporate life, life had other plans for me. I found myself searching for a new opportunity. The networking seeds that I had sown started to bear fruit. I was presented with the opportunity to pursue graduate studies, and I am now pursuing my doctorate in leadership.- Rachel D. Fox, Sr. Manager of Learning and Development at Connectbase; Women in Tech Council Member
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