Networking

Networking and Building Connections

When we hear the word “networking,” many of us picture crowded public events filled with people wearing name tags, shaking hands, and waiting for the ideal moment to say: “Here’s my business card. Let’s connect.”

Whether you want to work for yourself or for an organisation, building connections in your field is important.

This is often called networking.

What networking really means

When people hear the word “networking”, they often picture large events where people:

• wear name tags
• hand out business cards
• make small talk

Networking can include those things, but it’s much broader than that.

Networking is about building real relationships over time.

It’s about getting to know people, staying in touch, and supporting each other.

It can happen anywhere, not just at formal events.

The who, what, when, where and why of networking

Who

You never know where an opportunity might come from — or who someone else knows. Your network can include people:

• in your industry and outside it
• former classmates or teachers
• coworkers or supervisors
• friends, family, or acquaintances
• people you meet through community groups, volunteering, sport, or hobbies

What

Networking is about building genuine, professional relationships. Good networking is:

• based on trust
• two-way (you help others, and they help you)
• ongoing, not one-off

When

Networking doesn’t stop once you get a job. Any time you meet new people, you’re building your network. It’s something you do over time.

Where

Networking can happen almost anywhere, including:

• Networking events
• Other event and workshops
• Social media
• Cafés or workplaces
• Community events or sport

Why

A strong network gives you support. Your network can:

• connect you to opportunities
• introduce you to new people
• share advice and guidance
• help you move toward your goals

Your professional network is similar to your friend network – the relationships are work-related, but they still need care, respect, and effort.

Why networking matters

Networking takes time and energy, so it can feel easy to put it off. You might think:

• “I can do this on my own”
• “I don’t need help”
• “I’m already busy”

But building a network can make a big difference over time.

Select the + buttons below to learn why networking is important.

 

How to Build New Connections

A professional network is a group of people you can:

• support
• learn from
• and turn to when needed

Building a network takes time, intention and effort.

Five ways to build your network

• Stay socially active
  Relationships take time. Try to regularly:
  • attend events
  • stay active online
  • meet new people
• Be intentional
  Focus on quality, not quantity. Connect with people who:
  • align with your values,  interests or goals
  • come from different backgrounds
  • you’d be happy to support too
• Offer help
  Networking works best when it’s mutual. Ask people about their challenges and offer help where you can.

• Stay informed
  Keeping up with your industry makes you a valuable connection. It also gives you more to talk about and share.

• Show interest in others
  Listen, ask questions, and be present. People remember how you made them feel.

Where to Find New Connections

You can start a conversation almost anywhere, but some places are better than others for meeting new people and forming lasting relationships.

Select the + buttons below to learn strategies for meeting new people and expanding your professional circle.

Elevator Pitch

An elevator pitch is a short introduction that explains:

1. who you are
2. what you do
3. what you’re looking for

It helps people understand you quickly, especially in situations where you don’t have much time. It’s useful when:

• meeting someone new
• attending events
• going to interviews

An elevator pitch can be:

• spoken
• written
• shared digitally
• prepared in advance and reused

There is no single “right” way to deliver it.

Where to Share Your Elevator Pitch

An elevator pitch is great for any networking opportunity where you need to introduce yourself quickly on the spot

You might use an elevator pitch:

• at events or meetings
• in job interviews
• when meeting someone new
• online (for example, in messages or profiles)

You can adapt it depending on the situation.

Making an elevator pitch work for you

There’s no single way to share an elevator pitch. What matters is that it works for your communication style and access needs.

Here are some things to think about.

Use language that feels natural to you

You don’t need to sound polished or professional in a traditional way.

Use words that feel comfortable and honest.

Share it in the format that suits you

You might prefer:

• speaking it
• reading it from notes
• writing it out and sharing it
• using a digital profile, QR code, or message

All of these are valid.

Go at your own pace

You don’t need to rush. It’s okay to pause, take time, or share information gradually.

You don’t owe performance

You don’t need to:

• make eye contact
• use certain body language
• change how your body moves
• mask your disability or neurodivergence

Being understood matters more than fitting expectations.

Practice in a way that feels safe

Practice can help — but only if it’s supportive. You might practise:

• alone
• with someone you trust
• by writing and editing
• by saving a version you can reuse

A reminder

An elevator pitch is a tool, not a test. It’s there to support you. You get to decide:

• what you share
• how you share it
• when you share it