How to effectively network your way to success

There’s a hard pill to swallow for many professionals: often, the road to success isn’t just about what you know, but who you know. Networking has many connotations attached to it. Some see it as a lucrative and opportunistic way to market your brand, get a job, or find new business partners. Others simply shun the idea because they don’t know how to network with people the right way. It might seem daunting to make cold calls to strangers, or you might feel like you’re just wasting your time.

But here’s the softer pill to swallow: networking is essentially about connecting with like-minded industry professionals. It’s a worthy investment that provides many long-term benefits for your career. Conversely, it’s also an opportunity for you to provide value to other people’s pursuits.

When you are able to network effectively and authentically, you will realize that the true essence of networking is not the high-tier connections you will make but the resources you can exchange with each other. Read on for tips to successfully network with professionals.

Even if you’re still a college student, you might already have some projects and internships to anchor your current disposition. Meanwhile, an executive with decades of experience will likely have to focus on tentpole projects that have defined their career.

When was the last time you gave your resumé or CV a closer look? These days, resumés are not just full of content; they also carry visual appeal. If you need to do an overhaul, Canva’s resume templates⁠(opens in a new tab or window) can help you. There is a wide range of options to suit different styles for different industries.

Many creative professionals also use portfolios to showcase their best works. Gone are the days of lugging around heavy binders to job interviews and business events. With a well-designed online portfolio⁠(opens in a new tab or window), you’ll only need to present a URL or QR code⁠(opens in a new tab or window). Many design tools, including Canva, can help you create your portfolio or professional website⁠(opens in a new tab or window) so you can clearly but stylishly introduce your skills and experiences.

Essentially, every connection you need can be found through a Google search.

On the flip side, every person you meet can look you up through a Google search.

This is why being visible online matters, and for the right reasons, too.

You might be reading this because you want to know how to network for a job that’s been on your radar. LinkedIn would probably be your go-to for looking for career opportunities. It's also the first place headhunters will seek you, so be sure to keep your profile updated.

Other social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, have their own benefits. Set up your brand’s business pages, then populate them with engaging content.

Your personal pages can be useful once you know how to use them professionally within your close networks. Make your public profile look presentable. Engage in Facebook groups and pages and use hashtags on Instagram to meet more people who align with your industry background. If you know how to make friends on social media, then you definitely know how to network to the right market on Instagram and Facebook.

Putting yourself out there can feel intimidating. Not everyone adapts quickly to social settings, especially among acquaintances and unfamiliar people. If you’re unsure about how to do the networking rounds in trade events and business gatherings, you can start within your existing circles.

Have a conversation with a mentor, former colleague, or college classmate who can help you broaden your reach. Once you’ve re-established your connection, you can have someone you trust to review your resume. If you created your resumé through Canva, share the link with them so that they can easily offer their comments. By asking for resume feedback, you’re introducing your contact to your background experience. Who knows—they might offer recommendations based on what they see on your page.

Go beyond your primary circle of networks. Connect with your alumni on LinkedIn and join interest groups on Facebook. Take part in conversations, and don’t forget to offer your insights, too.

LinkedIn can be more than just a repository of your CV. There are a lot of guides available online or read through our comprehensive resource on how to use LinkedIn for business⁠(opens in a new tab or window). Then, create engaging and visual content for your LinkedIn posts and stories using Canva’s design tools.

A lot of new connections begin online. A common acquaintance might create an introductory email for you. Or you might start following a thought leader who has an upcoming conference.

Don’t hesitate to take the online interaction to the offline setting. After all, the real power of networking happens offline. Be proactive and explain your intentions for meeting them. You’ll be surprised that they will be more than likely to accept. (Remember: networking goes both ways!)

There’s nothing like a face-to-face conversation to be able to get to know someone’s career background beyond small talk and email exchanges. Whether you’re attending a social event or meeting someone for a one-on-one conversation over coffee, be sure to….

You might be itching to get a job offer or close that next deal during your meeting. Throw your expectations out the window, and instead, focus on establishing your credibility and building a relationship with them.

Come prepared to ask questions, and be ready to give answers. Since this is a two-way street, you will be able to provide as much value as you seek from them.

Become a listener, too. Be generous with the information you can share and maintain a positive attitude. When you smile, stay courteous, and remain authentic, you’re showing them that you are credible and they can trust you.

Carry with you your resumé, portfolio, and business card. Exchanging cards at the end of a conversation is a signal that you want to continue this communication soon. Design your business card⁠(opens in a new tab or window) for networking and determine what to put on it. Besides including your basic details, it should establish your unique brand and professional identity. Some creative professionals even include their social media handles for more casual interaction as shown in these creative business card ideas⁠(opens in a new tab or window).

What do you need for a network meeting to be successful? The quick answer is: have an honest meeting agenda⁠(opens in a new tab or window) and be patient.

It’s rare for meetups to end with a job offer or an investment deal. What you are cultivating is, in fact, a relationship with rewards that might come much later on.

When you start to see networking as an opportunity that will offer value in the future, you’ll learn how to network more efficiently.

Maintain a connection with your new business acquaintance. Did you mention an article or promise to let them know the details of an upcoming event? Stay true to your commitment and send them a message. It will show that you keep to your word and are sincere about offering what you have.

You can also send a thank you letter after networking with them. Use the AI letter generator⁠(opens in a new tab or window) to craft a quick, personalized message. Ecards⁠(opens in a new tab or window) are ideal because they’re something you can send out immediately. Have a template ready in your Canva account and create a personalized message for your new contact. Show your appreciation for the meeting and offer to be available for them in the future.

You may also want to extend the connection via LinkedIn or their professional accounts on other social media platforms. Be careful not to be too intrusive—pace your interactions to make them meaningful rather than overwhelming.

The basic principle of networking is that it’s an investment: you do it when you don’t need it.

It’s good to realize the importance of networking in business settings, but you can also practice networking during your leisure time. If you join clubs or meet people on other social occasions, don’t be afraid to start conversations. You’ll never know who you’ll meet!

Once you fully embrace the idea of networking, it will come out naturally. You won’t just be asking, “What’s in it for me?” but also, “What can I offer them?” Generosity and trust create credibility, and it’s your credibility that will lead you to places.

Keep your online accounts active and engaged. Update your portfolio and resumé regularly. Be ready to send them out anytime an exciting opportunity pops up.

Begin to network your way to success by creating your professional documents on Canva. These will carry the proof of your credibility and experience, which you can bring to your immediate circles, online spaces, and meet-ups. With the many tools available, effective networking can be done anywhere, anytime.