Tips for Building Career-Enhancing Relationships

My Relationship-Building Guide (Networking – if we must call it that) After 20+ years in finance, tech, healthcare, and games, I’ve never cold applied to a job. Not once. I'm giving you all my secrets for nothing because I want you to succeed. Every role I’ve ever had came from relationship building. Not from privilege. Not from inherited connections - I had none from my family. Well before any follower count or regular content creation (didn't do that at all until 4-5 years ago). Just consistent effort to connect with people I genuinely respected. This isn’t a cheat code. It’s not fast. It’s not always comfortable. But it is learnable. Important context: I deeply respect concerns around equal access, neurodiversity, comfort zones, and systemic bias. I’m naturally shy too. This isn’t dismissive – it’s practical for the world we’re in. Here are 30 relationship-building principles that shaped my career: 1. Start with alumni networks (school, bootcamps, online courses). Low barrier, real common ground. 2. Be visible online and in person. Familiarity builds trust. 3. Ask: “Is there anyone else I should talk to?” It multiplies your network. 4. Don’t lead with desperation. Lead with curiosity + steadiness. 5. Job talk starts at conversation 3 (minimum). Build trust first. 6. Only build relationships you actually want. No pretending. 7. Always have 5 mentees. Helping keeps you grounded and useful. 8. Always have 5 mentors. Growth never stops. 9. Maintain 10 meaningful conversations. Not 200 weak ties. 10. Say yes to events, then figure it out. 11. Find access (scholarships, discounts, partners). Ask. Research. 12. The “I’m in town” BD trick works. Confirm meeting, then book travel. 13. Celebrate others authentically. Show real appreciation with specifics. 14. Relationships often resurface years later. Be kind always. 15. Think in one-year arcs. Plant seeds. 16. Ask for conversations, not favors. 17. Some of the best convos are about nonsense. Be a person. 18. Never ask what you can Google. Respect time. 19. Map orgs like a business developer. Do homework. 20. Avoid tunnel vision. Great relationships come from unexpected places. 21. Curate your circle. Let go of what drains you. 22. Your performance is your best networking. Reputation travels. 23. Treat people like you're their friend, not their fan. 24. Leave people wanting more. Warm + concise wins. 25. Track outreach (I keep a simple CRM). Helps you be intentional. 26. Keep notes on key people (kids, pets, interests) because you care. 27. Think before you speak. Two minutes changes everything. 28. Be a 5x giver. Lead with generosity. 29. Be authentic and quirky. Realness is memorable. 30. Put good into the world. Giving creates trust that compounds. Here is the long-form of this guide in article form, if you want to learn more: https://lnkd.in/emKD4c93

Building stronger workplace relationships is easier than you think. Here's what actually works (after 10+ years in team management): 1️⃣ Start with genuine curiosity - Ask about their projects - Listen more than you speak - Remember personal details they share 2️⃣ Create connection points - Schedule regular coffee chats - Join or start team activities - Offer help before they ask 3️⃣ Practice professional empathy - Acknowledge their challenges - Celebrate their wins (big and small) - Be reliable with commitment 4️⃣ Foster open communication - Share knowledge freely - Give credit where it's due - Address issues directly, but kindly 5️⃣ Respect boundaries - Keep work conversations professional - Don't force social interactions - Honor their time and space The key? Consistency in these actions. These aren't just "nice to have" practices. They're essential for creating a workplace where everyone thrives. Remember: Strong workplace relationships aren't built overnight. But small, daily actions make a huge difference. Try these today. Your future self (and team) will thank you. 📌 Share if you know someone who could use these tips P.S. Which of these will you try first? Drop a comment below. #employees #workplace #team

Most career opportunities are never advertised. And yet, many professionals still spend hours sending CVs into the void, hoping for a response. Early in my career, I made the same mistake. I believed that the harder I worked on tailoring my applications, the better my chances. Don't get me wrong, it works to a degree but it isn't the whole package. What I didn’t realise was that I was competing with hundreds of others for the same few roles. The breakthrough came when I shifted my focus from job boards to people. I remember reaching out to someone in an organisation I admired, asking for a short conversation. That 15 minutes changed everything. Not only did I get insights into the role, but I built a relationship that eventually led to an opportunity I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Here’s what I’ve learned about creating opportunities through connection: 👉🏿 Curate your environment – Surround yourself with professionals, mentors, and peers who align with your career goals. Follow their work, learn from their insights, and engage genuinely. 👉🏿 Converse with purpose Don’t lead with “I need a job.” Instead, ask thoughtful questions, share your perspective, and show curiosity. Conversations should feel like two-way learning. 👉🏿 Demonstrate value Be ready to share clear examples of the problems you’ve solved, the actions you’ve taken, and the results you’ve produced. Stories matter more than bullet points. 👉🏿 Expand your community After meaningful conversations, ask who else they recommend you speak with. One introduction often leads to another. 👉🏿 Prioritise relationships over transactions People remember how you made them feel, not just what you said. Build trust, not just contacts. The lesson is simple: your next opportunity is more likely to come through connection than competition. How are you building meaningful professional relationships this year? Comment below 👇🏿 Join my ‘Consultant Mindset’ newsletter here 👉🏿 ⁠https://lnkd.in/eHyiwsmj #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #NetworkingStrategies

10 simple ways to start networking. Build connections before you're desperate for them. The best professional relationships? They're built when you don't need anything. Here's how I transformed my contact list into a network That landed me opportunities (including my current role): 1. 𝗠𝗮𝗽 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: List current contacts by industry, role, and relationship strength. Know who you already have in your corner. 2. 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀: Commit to meaningful contact with 2-3 people weekly. Consistency beats intensity every time. 3. 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵: Track interactions in a simple system (even a basic spreadsheet works). Schedule follow-ups to stay organized. 4. 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸-𝗶𝗻𝘀: Drop a 2-3 sentences referencing their recent win or something interesting from their profile. Simple but powerful. 5. 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Comment meaningfully on their posts or share content that aligns with their interests. Shows you're paying attention. 6. 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲-𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: Forward resources that match their goals - "This project management framework reminded me of your team challenges..." 7. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Propose brief coffee chats or calls without an agenda. Building rapport takes time and consistency. 8. 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁: Lead with curiosity about their work and challenges. Authentic relationships create mutual value. 9. 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: A quick note celebrating their promotion, new certification, or company milestone goes far. 10. 𝗔𝘀𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: When appropriate, ask mutual connections to introduce you to people in your target companies or roles. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁. I started small - committing to meaningful contact with just 1-2 people weekly. The results? More referrals, insider knowledge about openings, and stronger professional relationships. Great networking happens between job searches. (not during them) PS: What's your biggest networking challenge? 🧡 Follow me for PM leadership & career insights. ♻️ Repost to empower your network.

This week I spent some time in Nixa, Missouri and It reminded me of the importance of connecting. The most successful professionals I know don’t just meet people, they build meaningful relationships that create opportunity, trust, and growth. Wanted to share some quick takeaways on how to network on a higher level. 1. Add value before you ask for value. Offer insight, support, or a connection before expecting something in return. Reciprocity starts with generosity. 2. Show genuine curiosity. Ask better questions. Listen for what drives people, not just what they do. That’s how you move from a transaction to a relationship. 3. Stay consistent. The follow-up is the differentiator. Most people stop at hello or don' reach out when they say they're going to. Leaders build relationships through intentional, consistent follow-up. 4. Be the connector. Introduce great people to each other. When you create value for others, your own network becomes your biggest asset. The goal isn’t to network for a season but to nurture connections that compound over a career.

In my early career, I thought networking was all about building as many connections as possible. But I quickly learned that effective networking isn't about the quantity of your connections—it's about the quality. Throughout my career, the connections that have truly made a difference weren’t the ones where I just asked for help—they were the ones where I made it easy for others to want to help me. If you want to make others genuinely want to help you, it’s crucial to move beyond simply asking for favors. Instead, focus on creating value and building relationships where both parties benefit. So, how can you do the same? Here are four tactical tips to help you network effectively: ✅ Do Your Homework Before reaching out, research the person or company you’re interested in. Understand their work, challenges, and how you can add value. For instance, instead of asking a connection for job leads, do your own research first. Identify specific roles and companies you’re targeting, and then ask if they can help with an introduction. This approach shows initiative and respect for their time. ✅ Be Specific in Your Ask Whether you’re asking for an introduction, advice, or a referral, be clear and concise about what you need. For example, instead of asking, “Do you know anyone hiring?” say, “I noticed [Company Name] is looking for a [Role]. Would you be open to introducing me to [Person]? I’m happy to send you my resume and a brief write-up you can pass along, too.” This shows that you’ve taken the initiative and makes it easier for your contact to say yes. ✅ Offer Mutual Value When requesting a meeting or advice, frame it as a two-way conversation. Instead of saying, “Can I pick your brain?” try something like, “I’d love to exchange ideas on [specific topic] and share some strategies that have worked for me.” This not only makes your request more compelling but also positions you as someone who brings value to the table. ✅ Follow Up with Gratitude After someone has helped you, don’t just say thank you and disappear. Keep them in the loop on how their help made an impact. Whether you got the job, secured the meeting, or just had a great conversation, let them know. This closes the loop and makes them more inclined to help you in the future. Your network is one of your greatest assets—nurture it well, and it will be there for you when you need it most. What’s one networking tip that’s helped you build stronger connections? *** 📧 Want more tips like these? Join Career Bites - free weekly bite-sized tips to supercharge your career in 3 minutes or less: lorraineklee.com/subscribe 📖 You can also get behind-the-scenes stories, updates, and special gifts for my upcoming book Unforgettable Presence: lorraineklee.com/book

They say, the first job makes everyone cry at least once. 😢 One of my cousins warned me. Yes, it happened just as she said. I wanna ask you something, “Whose face appears when you have to recall that one person who made it very easy for you at your first job?” 🤔 I remember my friend, who was my senior, just like an elder sister 👩❤️👩, she would support me with unconditional love. It's been 10 years, and I'd never forget that bond we shared. In the corporate culture, we often talk about building skills, networking, and what not. But there’s one important thing that often gets ignored - Professional friendships. 🤝 Here’s how building strong professional friendships can be a game-changer for your career and the key concepts you should consider while building these relationships: ✨ Belonging Capital - Belonging capital is the emotional connection and a sense of belonging that comes from knowing you have a trusted circle at work. Imagine working on a challenging project. Knowing that you have friends who support you 🛡️, can make you feel more secure and motivated, even when tasks become overwhelming. ✨ Trust Compounding - Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship, and in professional friendships, it builds over time, creating what can be called Trust compounding. Having a professional friend you trust 🤝, allows you to discuss new ideas openly, get feedback on challenging situations, or even brainstorm strategies for career advancement. ✨ Stress Buffering - You cannot discuss your work stress with your family or friends since they don’t know the context completely. Here’s when professional friendships act as a stress buffer, providing a support system that reduces the impact of workplace stress. ☕ Regular coffee chats or brief check-ins with friends at work can help you feel recharged and focused, providing relief from daily stressors. ✨ Collective Wisdom - You might have the best of friends, but they may be in a different career or field and might not provide the best guidance for your particular field. Here’s where professional friends who understand your career path and goals 💼 can provide valuable insights into industry trends, connect you with influential contacts, and suggest strategies that can elevate your work performance. 📈 There was a study by Gallup in 2015 that revealed that employees who have a "Best friend at work" are seven times more likely to be engaged in their job. 💡 By investing time in cultivating meaningful professional friendships, you’re not only enriching your career journey but also building a network that can elevate you, support you, and inspire you for years to come. 🚀 Please share with me the name of that one person who made it easy for you to settle in your first job. ❤️ #CorporateCulture 🌐 #CareerGrowth 🚀 #WorkplaceWellbeing 🌱 #NetworkingMatters 🌟 #TrustAndBelonging 💼 #WorkplaceConnections 🤍 #FirstJobMemories ✨ #TeamworkWins 🤝 #ProfessionalDevelopment 📈 #WorkplaceInspiration 🌟

🚀 The Power of Networking: How One Message Can Change Everything Let’s be real—landing opportunities isn’t just about having the perfect resume or a high GPA. In today’s world, it’s about who you know. Networking can open doors that a cold application never could—whether it’s referrals, expedited applications, or career-changing advice, one conversation can make all the difference. For me, networking isn’t just about sending DMs—it’s about putting myself in spaces where opportunities exist. Here’s what has worked for me: ✅ Attend Career Fairs, Networking Events & Conferences – One of the best ways to expand your network beyond your school and community is by attending events where recruiters and industry professionals are present. I’ve attended NSBE, AfroTech, and various advocacy-focused conferences, and each has connected me to new people, career opportunities, and mentorship. These spaces allow you to meet professionals in different industries, learn about new roles, and even secure internships on the spot. ✅ Build Multiple Networks – You don’t have to limit yourself to one professional space. I have a tech & innovation network that helps me grow in my career, and I also have an advocacy & community service network that aligns with my passion for youth empowerment. Both have led to meaningful opportunities because of the relationships I’ve built. The more diverse your network, the more opportunities you create for yourself. ✅ Utilize LinkedIn, Handshake & Career Services – These platforms are more than just job boards—they are relationship-building tools. Your next opportunity could come from a LinkedIn connection, a recruiter reaching out on Handshake, or a career counselor introducing you to an employer. Use every resource available! ✅ Ask for Virtual Coffee Chats – A simple 15-minute conversation with a professional can lead to mentorship, a job referral, or even an unexpected opportunity. The hardest part is reaching out, but most people are willing to help if you ask. A message like, “Hey [Name], I admire your work in [Industry]. I’d love to learn more about your experience at [Company]. Would you be open to a quick virtual coffee chat?” can go a long way. ✅ Take That First Step – I know it can be intimidating, but DM that person, introduce yourself at an event, ask that question. You never know where it could lead. Every opportunity I’ve had came from simply putting myself out there. Networking has allowed me to integrate all my passions—tech, advocacy, and even traveling. And the best part? It all started with a single conversation. 👇🏾 What’s one opportunity you’ve landed through networking? Drop your story in the comments!