Forget the spreadsheet tally of 100 new “contacts.”
I’d take five deep, high-quality relationships over 100 superficial ones any day.
Why?
A shallow network won’t fight for you.
They won’t put their reputation on the line for you.
And they definitely won’t share the best opportunities with you.
True career momentum comes from relationships built on trust, reliability, and shared experiences — not a “met them once, checked the box” approach.
How to Build Them
- Start where you are – Build strong connections in your immediate team first — from junior team members to senior leaders.
- Expand with intention – Seek out people who aren’t just like you. Different perspectives open new possibilities.
- Swap stories – Share your personal journey without fear. You might be surprised who relates — struggle builds bonds.
- Look for the bridge – Even wildly different backgrounds often share common values. (Army and Peace Corps? Both served something bigger than self.)
- Give, don’t just take – Bring value in any form — insight, energy, humor, empathy.
The Golden Question
When you meet someone, ask yourself:
“How can I help them solve their problem?”
That mindset will make you stand out — because most people are focused only on solving their own.
Bottom line: Don’t “network” to grow your count. Build relationships to grow your career.