"I don't like asking people for favors."
As a career coach, I hear this concern constantly from accomplished professional women. If the thought of networking makes you uncomfortable, you're not alone. According to LinkedIn's 2024 Professional Networking Study¹, 79% of professionals find traditional networking approaches anxiety-inducing, yet 85% of positions are filled through professional connections.
The good news?
Building meaningful professional relationships doesn't require becoming someone you're not. Recent research from Harvard Business School² shows that authentic connections lead to more opportunities and better career outcomes than traditional networking approaches.
Here are three proven ways to build genuine professional relationships:
1. Start With What You Offer
Forget about asking for favors. Instead, focus on how you can contribute. A study in the Journal of Professional Development³ found that professionals who approach networking with a "contribution mindset" report 68% less anxiety and build stronger connections.
Try this:
Identify three unique insights from your experience
Share relevant articles or resources with colleagues
Offer your perspective on industry trends
Connect others with similar interests
2. Choose Your Natural Environment
Traditional networking events aren't the only way to build professional relationships. Research shows that connections formed through shared interests or experiences lead to more lasting professional relationships.
Consider these alternatives:
Join professional committees in your field
Contribute to industry discussions online
Participate in skill-based workshops
Volunteer where your expertise adds value
3. Build Relationships Before You Need Them
The most successful professionals consistently nurture their network rather than reaching out only when they need something. This approach feels more authentic and creates stronger long-term connections.
Make it manageable:
Connect with one person each week
Share one professional insight monthly
Engage in one industry conversation weekly
Celebrate others' achievements regularly
Let’s get growing!
We understand that networking can feel overwhelming - many accomplished women share this challenge. But you can prevail! Our clients see a remarkable 242% increase in networking confidence using these authentic approaches. Why? Because authentic relationship-building isn't about collecting business cards or uncomfortable transactional exchanges. It's about creating genuine connections that benefit everyone involved.
Ready to build your professional relationships with confidence? Download your 1-page Authentic Networking Guide from our Resource Library for additional strategies and conversation starters.
About the Author
Dr. Erica Walls empowers women at mid-career crossroads to achieve authentic success. As owner and CEO of Inspire to Excel, she combines proven career development strategies with heart-centered guidance to help women clarify and pursue meaningful work.
¹LinkedIn Professional Networking Study, 2024
²Harvard Business School, "Authentic Professional Relationships," 2023
³Journal of Professional Development, "Networking Mindset Study," 2024
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