Why "Networking" Advice is Garbage for Early Professionals
Jul 04, 2025 6:16 am
Workplace Multiplier by Tola Akinsulire
July 4, 2025
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Why "Networking" Advice is Garbage for Early Professionals
Howdy ,
"Build relationships." "Network more." "Get out there and meet people."
All garbage advice for early career professionals.
Here's why: You don't have much to offer yet, so traditional networking feels transactional and desperate.
The better approach: Become genuinely curious about other people's work challenges.
Once upon a time in my career, when I took over a senior role, a staff member who did not report directly to me came to my office. He offered to help me with any market research I might need in the future.
Later on, he offered to accompany me if I had any event I was speaking at and needed someone to also work the room. A few weeks later, I had one of those events. Not only did I call him, but that event led to him making new connections that helped him in his work area.
Notice what he did? He offered value first, then asked for nothing in return.
The magic: People love talking about their challenges. They rarely get asked thoughtful questions about their work.
Your conversation starter could be as simple as "I'm trying to understand how remote work is affecting client relationships. How is that playing out in your day-to-day work?"
This isn't networking. It's research. It's learning. It's service.
But guess what happens? Those conversations naturally build relationships with people who see you as thoughtful and curious, not needy and transactional.
Your action: Today, ask one colleague a thoughtful well well-aligned question during lunch or coffee.
This is one more shift you can make to build a strong career foundation.
Want to hear more?
Then join me on Saturday at "The First 5 Years: Building Your Early Career Edge" masterclass, where I'll share the complete transformation system to give your career the foundation it needs.
July 5th, 2025 | 6 pm WAT | 12 pm EST | 5 pm GMT | 7 pm WEST
The best of all, it's free. Consider it as my investment in your future career success.
Keep winning at work and in life
Tola Akinsulire
Your Strategic Workplace Mentor
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