Wednesday, 26 February 2025 Issue#020

Ever feel like networking is just a fancy word for awkward small talk and LinkedIn connection requests from people you barely know? You’re not alone. But here’s the thing—networking isn’t just about collecting contacts; it’s about making connections that actually matter.

In this week’s Honor & Purpose, we’re pulling back the curtain on what really makes networking work. Forget the vague advice about “putting yourself out there”—we’re diving into how to approach networking with purpose, strategy, and maybe even a little less discomfort.

So if you’ve ever wondered, Am I doing this right?, this one’s for you. Let’s get to it.

Networking

Have you ever noticed a word you barely paid attention to suddenly appearing everywhere once you focus on it? That was my experience with networking. When I started my transition, it seemed like the only thing people talked about—update LinkedIn, join this group, talk to that person. But what was I supposed to get out of it? How was I supposed to measure success?

Most of us understand networking in theory—the exchange of ideas and information to expand connections, learn about job opportunities, and stay informed. The challenge isn’t defining networking; it’s executing it. Transition programs emphasize its importance but often fall short in teaching the “how.”

Having worked with hundreds of transitioning service members through my company’s SkillBridge Program, a common thread is clear: they’re told to network but lack the tools. What are best practices? What questions should they ask? How do they find and approach people? Without structured guidance, many struggle to take meaningful action until time is working against them.

A Light Bulb Moment

The importance of networking became crystal clear during a forum at my company. A senior VP—also a veteran—hosts monthly discussions with past and current military fellows. Networking always comes up, and I realized something: nearly every former fellow who became a full-time employee got there through networking.

I experienced this firsthand. Late to the game, I struggled to connect with the right people. After finally securing an informational interview, I wasn’t the right fit for the role, but one of the leaders passed my name to a peer in another department. That connection led to my SkillBridge placement and, eventually, a full-time job. Many of us in that forum had similar stories. Was it luck? Timing? Or was it something in how we approached networking?

That’s the thread I want to pull on here—the execution side of networking. We’ll explore what works, what doesn’t, how to make networking feel natural rather than transactional, and whether volume matters.

Purpose

On the surface, the purpose of networking seems obvious—finding job opportunities. But for networking to be truly effective, there needs to be a deeper motivation. A clear purpose provides direction and focus.

Start by outlining what you want to gain from your network. Consider writing a purpose statement, such as: “I want my network to help me build relationships, identify opportunities, expand my knowledge, enhance my visibility, and provide support.” Not every connection needs to check every box, but they should align with more than one.

Your purpose will evolve as you gain experience. Defining it helps you recognize valuable connections and engage in more meaningful conversations. Instead of relying on generic networking tips, a well-thought-out purpose makes your interactions more genuine, helping you stand out and making networking feel less transactional.