The Networking Lie: Stop Believing You're Not Connected Enough

When I was returning to work after a 12-year career gap, I knew I needed a strong network to relaunch my career. But there was just one problem—I didn’t have one. At least, that’s the story I told myself. To make things even harder, I had just moved across the country to a rural area, leaving behind 20 years of relationships. It felt like I was starting from scratch.


If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, I don’t have a network, I see you. Maybe you were happily employed for decades, only to be blindsided by layoffs. Maybe you’ve been focused on raising a family, caregiving, or running a business, and networking simply wasn’t a priority. Or perhaps you’ve been in an industry where networking wasn’t front and center. Whatever the reason, if you’re struggling to figure out how to land a job, accelerate your career, or even get inspired about what’s next, having conversations is a big piece to navigating the next step. But here’s what I need you to know: You do have a network. You just might not be seeing it yet. 


You’ve probably heard the phrase, your network is your net worth—and it’s true. Up to 85% of jobs are landed through connections. And any business person can tell you the difference between a warm referral and a cold lead. As Jim Rohn says, you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with—your circle shapes your mindset, habits, and success. The network that got you here isn’t necessarily the one that will take you where you want to go next, but you already have a solid foundation to build from.


Today, I’m going to show you how to uncover your hidden network, and take the first steps toward building the next level connections you need to succeed—whatever that looks like for you.

Step 1: Set Yourself Up for Success
Before you start networking, set up the tools you’ll need to track conversations and maintain outreach. Since you’re here, I assume you’re working on your career in some capacity—so for most, LinkedIn is the obvious starting point. However, if you're in an industry where LinkedIn isn't widely used (like teaching), consider using a spreadsheet or a customer relationship management (CRM) tool to keep track of connections.

Other essential tools include:
✅ A calendar system (Goggle, Calendly, etc.) to simplify scheduling.
✅ A professional email address that is your name.
✅ Social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.) to expand your reach.
✅ A video conferencing tool (Zoom, Google Meet, Teams). Free versions work but be aware of the time restrictions.

Step 2: You Have a Network (Even If You Think You Don’t!)
I’ve helped countless clients set up their first LinkedIn profile—or dust off one that’s been inactive for 10+ years—and here’s what I’ve seen time and again: you already have a network. You just need to recognize it.
Think about:
🔹 Everyone you've worked or volunteered with.
🔹 People from your community, church, alumni groups, family, and friends.
🔹 Fellow members of professional organizations or social groups.
🔹 Neighbors, business owners, and even people you interact with regularly.
Start by connecting with these people on LinkedIn (or track in a spreadsheet/CRM), then prioritize who to reach out to based on their field, experience, or connections. People want to help—you just need to show up authentically, take an interest in them, and reach out.


Step 3: Reach Out to People Who Inspire You
Who are the people that light up a room, inspire you with their work, or live in a way that aligns with your interests and values? Start by setting up coffee chats—virtual or in person—with them. The goal isn't just to "network" but to exchange ideas and support each other.
Before your conversation, consider:
🔹 What does success look like for this meeting?
🔹 Are you looking to explore new career possibilities?
🔹 Do you want an introduction to a company or client?
🔹 Can this person get you to where you want to go faster - because they have already done it, or are a few steps ahead of you?
Be intentional—these conversations can open doors you didn’t even know existed and introduce you to new ideas and possibilities.


Step 4: Expand Your Network Strategically
Once you've reconnected with people you already know, it's time to branch out. Look for events and communities that align with your interests—both in person and online. There are plenty of free or low-cost options, so mix it up!
Great places to start:
🔹 Social media groups and LinkedIn events.
🔹 Local community and alumni networks.
🔹 Professional associations and development workshops.
🔹 Eventbrite and Meetup keyword searches.
🔹 Sign up for workshops and courses online, or an your local university or college.
🔹 Volunteering (a fantastic way to showcase your skills and meet like-minded people).
Before attending an event, ask yourself: Who is likely to be in the room? What would make this experience valuable? Be intentional—your time is an investment.

Step 5: Take Action—Set Up 2-5 Calls This Week!
Yes, this week. People are busy, it can take weeks to find a time where schedules align.  

Here’s your challenge:
1️⃣ Set up at least two calls with people in your existing network or those you admire.
2️⃣ Do a little research beforehand so you can ask thoughtful questions.
3️⃣ Be genuinely curious—show interest in their journey, challenges, and insights.
4️⃣ At the end of every conversation, ask: Who should I talk to next?
Bonus Tip: Virtual relationships can be just as powerful as in-person ones. When I moved across the country, I worried I was leaving my entire network behind—but that fear turned out to be unfounded. Through social media and strategic visits back home, I not only maintained my connections but also strengthened them in new ways. Over the years, my remote network has supported me in projects, provided lifelines when I felt stuck, connected me to job opportunities, sent client referrals, and offered a sounding board for my ideas. My network didn’t disappear—it simply evolved to work for me in a different way.


The right connection can change everything —your career trajectory, your confidence, your future. 


A conversation today could lead to a job tomorrow. A warm introduction could open doors you didn’t even know existed. If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start making real progress, let’s connect. Let my network become your network. Connect with me on LinkedIn and let’s build the relationships that will take you where you want to go.


My mission is to inspire you to disrupt traditional career paths and build lives by design – so you can be exactly where they’re meant to be, when you’re meant to be there. If you’re ready to reimagine what work can look like for you, I invite you to hop on my calendar. Let’s chat! https://calendly.com/mariadastur/30-minute-exploration-session

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