Mastering Trust-Based Networking for Career Growth

As People leaders, we know the importance of relationships in the workplace. Yet, many professionals overlook the power of a trust-based network to accelerate their careers. In the latest myNextory lesson, Networking 101, we emphasize how crucial it is to build a network grounded in trust—one that supports career development, personal growth, and professional opportunities.

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Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn’s founder, exemplified this vision when he launched the platform in 2004. At the time, MySpace and Friendster dominated the social networking space, but Hoffman saw the need for a network that focused on career growth and trusted connections. Fast forward to today, LinkedIn boasts over 1 billion global members, and its success is rooted in its foundation of trust-based networking. (and some noise).
In the HR disciplines, we recognize the network effect—how people really find jobs, advance in their roles, and secure new opportunities. Studies show that referrals are one of the most effective hiring tools, accounting for up to 50% of new hires. The lesson highlights that referrals offer a unique advantage by bypassing automated hiring systems and connecting candidates directly to decision-makers. This kind of insight is invaluable to HR leaders, especially in an age where traditional applications often get lost in the "black hole" of online job portals.

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But networking is about more than just finding your next role—it’s about creating a circle of trusted advisors, or “career senseis,” who can guide you through important career decisions. Throughout your career, you’ll encounter key moments where you’ll need advice—whether to take a job, negotiate an offer, or pursue a promotion. Morrison encourages learners to identify at least three individuals who can serve as their career senseis, providing wisdom and guidance.

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Where to start? Networking happens both online and offline. We  suggest leveraging alumni groups, former colleagues, and even contacts made during past job interviews (even if you didn’t get the role) to expand your network. LinkedIn groups related to your industry are also powerful ways to connect and engage. The advice is simple: “Swim with the swimmers, cycle with the cyclists,  run with the runners”—immerse yourself in communities relevant to your career.

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Our most recent lesson also emphasizes the importance of attracting and recruiting connections in a strategic way. Your LinkedIn profile is your first impression, and optimizing it is key to being found and considered for new opportunities. With a professional photo, a compelling headline, and a detailed summary of your skills and achievements, you can significantly increase your visibility. Personalized connection requests, engaging content, and thoughtful interaction with others’ posts are all ways to build trust within your network.

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Once your network is established, nurturing those connections is crucial. Regular engagement—liking, commenting, and sharing updates—ensures you stay top of mind with your contacts. Offline interactions, such as coffee meetings or attending industry events, deepen these relationships. Offering help, sharing resources, and even endorsing or recommending others for their skills are all ways to strengthen these bonds and pay your network forward.

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Don’t forget the importance of developing and practicing YOUR  elevator pitch. You never know when you’ll meet someone who can open doors for you, so being prepared to articulate your unique value succinctly is essential. Your personal brand and “elevator pitch” are the keys to making strong impressions and opening career opportunities–maybe not this next job but the job after that.

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At the end of the day, this latest myNextory lesson reminds us that networking is about genuine, reciprocal relationships. It’s a long-term investment in your career, like planting seeds in a garden. As HR professionals, we can model this approach within our organizations and help others understand the importance of building and nurturing a network that’s based on trust. Whether you're hiring, mentoring, or building your own career, a strong, trust-based network is the foundation of success. Let’s all work toward building and nurturing our networks to ensure long-term career growth and the myNextory ethos of Living and Working HAPPY.

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