How to Learn Through Professional Networking

I sat across from a colleague who was on the verge of giving up on medicine. A brilliant mind, yet he felt trapped. What changed his path? Networking. Here’s how you can harness the power of networking to pivot your career in medicine. Whether you're an earlycareer physician or a seasoned practitioner, networking can redefine your trajectory. Think of it as building a bridge between where you are and where you want to be. Here are actionable steps to leverage networking: ✅ Start with your current network. → Reach out to mentors, colleagues, and even patients. ↳ You never know who might have the connection you need. ✅ Attend medical conferences and seminars. → Not just for learning, but also for meeting likeminded professionals. ↳ Use these events as opportunities to discuss your goals and aspirations. ✅ Join professional organizations. → Become active in groups like the American Medical Association or specialtyspecific societies. ↳ These groups often have career resources and networking events. ✅ Utilize social media platforms. → LinkedIn isn't just for corporate professionals. ↳ Engage in discussions, post your insights, and connect with peers globally. ✅ Seek informational interviews. → Identify and reach out to physicians who have made similar career changes. ↳ Learn from their journeys and ask for advice. ✅ Offer value before asking for help. → Share your knowledge, offer to help with projects, and be a resource. ↳ Relationships are reciprocal, and giving first often leads to receiving. Remember, a single conversation can open doors to new opportunities. Networking is not just about exchanging business cards. It’s about building meaningful relationships that can guide you to your next career milestone. Start today. Who will you reach out to first? 🔔 Follow me, Dr. Heath Jolliff, for more tips ♻️ Share with your network to help them

Something most professionals get wrong about networking: Having 500+ connections means nothing if none of them know what you actually do. Here's what I see constantly: People attend events, send connection requests, and collect contacts like they're checking a box. Then they wonder why nobody reaches out when a role opens up. Because a connection without context is just a name in a list. The professionals who turn networks into real opportunities do things differently 𝟭. 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝘀 Your first conversation shouldn't be "I'm looking for a job." It should be: "What are you working on that excites you right now?" People remember those who showed genuine interest. 𝟮. 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 Share an article relevant to their work. Make an intro they didn't ask for. Offer a perspective on something they posted. Small, consistent generosity builds trust faster than any elevator pitch. 𝟯. 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 After meeting someone, don't send "Great connecting." and disappear. Reference something specific from your conversation. Add value in the follow-up. 𝟰. 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 Research consistently shows that your best opportunities come from people you don't talk to regularly. Reconnect with former colleagues, classmates, and acquaintances. Those are your highest-leverage relationships. 𝟱. 𝗕𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 If someone wanted to refer you tomorrow, could they explain in one sentence what you do and why you're great at it? Make that easy for them. ✨ 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 (𝟭𝟬 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆): Pick three people you haven't spoken to in six months. 👉 Send each one a message that offers something, not asks for something. The biggest networks don't win. The most intentional ones do. Stop collecting contacts. Start building relationships that actually move things forward.

𝗚𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 🅻🅴🆂🆂🅾🅽 8/10 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 Connections are invaluable in the tech industry—they can open doors to opportunities, provide insights into the field, and accelerate your career growth. Here's how to build a strong professional network: 𝟭. 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗽𝘀, 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀 Industry events are excellent places to meet professionals, exchange ideas, and stay updated on the latest trends. Look out for: • 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗽𝘀: Often hosted by tech communities or organizations in your area. • 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀: These might focus on topics like AI, cybersecurity, or software development. Examples include DEF CON, PyCon, or Hackathons. • 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀: These provide a hands-on way to learn while connecting with like-minded peers. When you attend these events, don’t just be a passive observer. Introduce yourself to speakers, interact with participants, and exchange contact information. 𝟮. 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗶𝘁𝗛𝘂𝗯 • 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻: Create a professional profile that highlights your skills and projects. Share your achievements, follow influential professionals, and actively engage by commenting on posts or sharing useful content. • 𝗚𝗶𝘁𝗛𝘂𝗯: Showcase your coding skills by contributing to open-source projects or uploading your own work. Engaging in open-source communities allows you to learn from others and build relationships with developers worldwide. Building your online presence makes it easier for others to discover your work and expertise. 𝟯. 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 • 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀: They offer real-world experience and introduce you to professionals in the industry. Treat every internship as a chance to prove your skills and expand your network. • 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: Reach out to experienced professionals, professors, or alumni for guidance. Many are happy to share their journey and advice, which can be a source of inspiration and direction. Always follow up with a thankyou note or email after meaningful interactions—it leaves a lasting impression. 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗶𝗽: 𝗕𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 Networking isn’t about collecting contacts; it’s about building genuine relationships. Be approachable, respectful, and consistent in maintaining connections. Over time, this network can become a support system that helps you learn, grow, and succeed in your programming career. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘵, 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦, 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘪𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. #Students #ComputerScience #Programming #SelfImprovement

Feeling Stuck? Don’t Rush the Next Step—Get Informed First. When we’re feeling uncomfortable or uncertain in our work, the natural urge is to move—quickly. To find something new. Anything that seems different and looks better. But here’s the truth: it’s hard to make a wise move when you don’t yet have a fuller picture. That’s why I often say: treat networking as research. Not just a means to an end, but a way to explore, learn, and get clarity. Talk to people. Ask curious questions. Learn about roles, industries, cultures, challenges. The more you understand what’s out there, the better equipped you are to make a decision that feels right. Most people stop networking once they land a new position. But if you continue fostering connections, you will uncover insights—and possibilities—you hadn’t even considered. This isn’t about a constant hustle. It’s about thoughtful clarity. And clarity is what turns your next move into the right move. #CareerClarity #Networking #CareerTransitions #WorkfromtheInsideOut

𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞: 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 "𝐈𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫" 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 Networking is more than exchanging business cards. It’s about building meaningful connections that can enhance your "It Factor." Purposeful networking strengthens your presence by creating a supportive network of like-minded professionals. They can offer opportunities, insights, and encouragement. These connections enhance your visibility, credibility, and influence. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤: 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬: Set Clear Objectives: Identify your networking goals. They could include finding mentors, gaining industry insights, or discovering new opportunities. Find the Right People: Connect with individuals who align with your goals and values. 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: Be Active: Take part in conferences, seminars, and workshops. Engage in events to meet key players and stay updated on industry trends. Follow-Up: Reinforce connections after events by following up and exploring potential collaborations. 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚: Optimize Your Profile: Ensure that your LinkedIn profile is up to date and reflects your personal brand and achievements. Engage Online: Join relevant groups, take part in discussions, and share valuable content. This helps you to establish your presence and connect with peers. 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬: Be Authentic: Approach networking with genuine interest and authenticity. Focus on long-term relationships rather than transactional interactions. Offer Value: Support, share knowledge, and assist your connections. Reciprocity strengthens relationships. 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭: Stay in Touch: Keep in touch with your network through periodic check-ins. Share interesting articles or catch up over coffee. Nurture Relationships: Show appreciation and acknowledge milestones to nurture relationships. 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬: Find Guides: Identify experienced professionals who can provide guidance and support your growth. Be Open to Learning: Approach mentorship with a willingness to learn from others' experiences. 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Get Involved: Join professional associations to expand your network. This is how you can access valuable resources and opportunities. Take on Roles: Volunteer for leadership roles or committees. This increases your visibility and demonstrates your commitment to your industry. 𝐏𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡, 𝐞𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 "𝐈𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫."

If you are a student looking to develop your professional network, one of the best things that you can do is conduct informational interviews with people that have jobs that you are interested in learning more about. The benefits of taking this kind of approach to networking are incredible: 1. Provides you with the ability to work on your communication skills. 2. Helps you learn about different professional areas in ways that you can't from merely a book. 3. You'll put yourself in a position to receive job and internship offers. 4. You will develop relationships with potential mentors that can help shape your path. 5. You'll get introduced to additional people, further expanding your professional network. 6. Most of all, you'll have a chance to be inspired. When you take the time to learn about people and what they do for a living, you will also learn about the path that they took to get to where they are, their families, and how they overcame their own challenges. Any other benefits one can think of?

Networking is a career-changing skill…But how exactly do you do that effectively❓Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to mastering professional networking etiquette: ① 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 ↳ Know exactly what insights you’re seeking to make it easy for others to help. ➤ Clear goals lead to clear answers! ② 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 ↳ Leverage common interests or shared affiliations to make introductions smoother. ➤ A genuine connection turns a stranger into an ally. ③ 𝗦��𝗼𝘄 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 ↳ Approach each conversation eager to learn and understand others. ➤ People notice authenticity and remember how you make them feel. ④ 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗝𝗼𝗯𝘀 ↳ Ask for guidance, and let job opportunities arise naturally. ➤ When you ask for advice, opportunities follow. ⑤ 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 ↳ Share resources or connections that genuinely benefit your network. ➤ Generosity builds stronger connections than transactions ever will. ⑥ 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 ↳ Always acknowledge the time and effort people share with you. ➤ A simple thank-you note can deepen relationships dramatically. ⑦ 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 ↳ Stay in touch regularly; people value hearing about your progress. ➤ Regular check-ins keep relationships alive and thriving. ———————————— Your professional network grows strongest when you build authentic connections. Confidence and genuine curiosity always lead to opportunities. 💬 Which networking etiquette tip has helped you most in your career? Share below! ♻️ Repost and tag someone who needs to see this! #NetworkingTips #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment

I used to think networking was all about sending generic LinkedIn connection requests. But I was wrong ⬇️ Genuine relationship building completely changed my perspective. 🤯 Here's what I've learned as a college student trying to break into my dream industry: → 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆: It's not about how many people you know, but how well you know them. Focus on building meaningful connections with a few key individuals rather than trying to network with everyone. → 𝗕𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂: Don't try to be someone you're not. People can sense inauthenticity from a mile away. Share your genuine interests and passions––that's how you'll connect with like minded people. → 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲: Always think about how you can provide value to others. Maybe it's sharing an interesting article, offering your skills, or making an introduction. When you give first, people are more likely to want to help you in return. → 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵: Networking doesn't end after the first meeting. Set reminders to check in with your connections regularly. Share updates on your progress and congratulate them on their achievements. → 𝗨𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆: LinkedIn isn't just for connection requests. Engage with people's posts, share your own insights, and join relevant groups. It's an easy way to stay on people's radar. → 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗱: Don't be afraid to reach out to professionals in your desired field for a quick chat. Most people are happy to share their experiences and advice with students. ⭐ 𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬'𝗦 𝗧𝗜𝗣: Create a networking tracker spreadsheet to keep notes on your connections, when you last spoke, and potential follow up topics. This has been a game changer for me in managing my professional relationships! Remember, networking is about building genuine relationships, not just adding names to your contact list. Don't get me wrong...it definitely takes time and effort, but the connections you make can open doors you never even knew existed! #networking #studentlife #careeradvice #professionaldevelopment #linkedintips #jobhunting

Most professionals wait until they need a job to start networking. But by then, it feels forced, rushed, and honestly… a little desperate. Here’s the truth: Networking is not about asking for favors. It’s about building genuine relationships before you need them. If you’re trying to shift roles, grow into leadership, or feel stuck where you are, start here: 1. Connect with intention. Reach out to people in roles, industries, or companies that interest you. Not to ask for a job, but to understand how they got there. 2. Make it easy for them to respond. Send a short, clear message. Let them know why you admire their path and ask for 10–15 minutes to learn from their experience. 3. Lead with curiosity, not need. The best conversations happen when you’re genuinely interested—not just looking for an opening. 4. Stay in touch. A thank-you note, an article they might like, a quick update on your progress—relationships grow through consistency, not one-offs. 5. Give before you ask. Share insights, offer help, or simply support their work. Thoughtful connection builds long-term trust. Networking isn’t about being extroverted or strategic all the time. It’s about being present. Showing up. And remembering that people open doors for those they remember for the right reasons. If you’re waiting for the perfect time to start, this is it.

“Trust is built when people speak well of you in rooms you’re not in.” I am inundated at the moment with messages offering to find me new clients. A new service, a piece of tech and all usually involving AI. These strangers are after my money! But I know where my next deal will come from, and I don't need to pay a "carpetbagger" to help. For as long as I can remember, my new business has always come from my network, either directly or through an introduction. "𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥. 𝐈'𝐦 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩" But of course, for this approach to work, you must build and maintain a network. You must create trust and clearly express your ask. You must be visible and approachable. You must be trusted. To help you and those in your network, I have written this article, breaking down seven practical steps to optimise your networking, built from years of experience growing global communities through Scottish Business Network and working across international markets. In the article, I focus on what actually drives results: clear intent, relevant connections, adding value, active listening, consistent follow-up, making introductions, and building long-term relationships. If you are serious about improving your networking strategy, personal brand, and business development, this is worth a read because small shifts in how you approach networking can have a disproportionate impact on outcomes. This advice is relevant for the entrepreneur building their business, the undergraduate starting their career and those who have suddenly found themselves losing their job. Please share, and hopefully, between us, we can help someone in need. What will you do differently this week to strengthen your professional network and build relationships that actually create opportunities?