(Re)Connect with Purpose
Mid-Career Networking Made Simple
Summary: If your professional network isn’t as strong as it could (and should!) be, you’re not alone. It’s a common gap – but one you can still close. Here’s how to (re)build a professional network that helps you move forward.
“I wish someone had told me to network 20 years ago.”
That’s the kind of thing we hear time and time again. Often from senior professionals who are suddenly looking for what’s next. Sometimes it’s by choice. More often, it’s not. Redundancies, restructuring, or simply running out of steam in our current role – there are many reasons we might find ourselves looking for new opportunities.
And when that moment comes, we lift our heads up from years of hard work and realise something’s missing: a strong, active network.
Because networking never quite made the priority list. The early years of a career are packed with doing. We’re learning, delivering, proving ourselves. Especially in large organisations, the focus is internal. Networking? That’s for consultants or job hunters.
Until it’s not.
Does it really matter?
These days, most opportunities don’t come from job ads, they come from people. Conversations. Referrals. From someone who remembers you, rates you, and thinks of you when something interesting comes up.
A strong network also gives you perspective. It helps you see how others are tackling life and work. It keeps you informed, grounded, and in some ways, future-proofed.
A strong network opens doors – often ones you didn’t even know existed.
And perhaps most importantly, it makes life and work a lot more fun. Because it’s always better - and lighter - when you don't have to tackle challenges on your own.
So yes, it matters. A lot!
But is it too late? - Absolutely not.
It might feel like you’re starting from scratch. But you’re not. You’ve been in the game for years. You’ve worked with dozens – probably hundreds – of people. Some of them have moved on to other organisations. Many would happily reconnect. You already have a network. It’s just time to bring it back to life – and help it grow.
Here are five practical ways to (re)start networking mid-career:
Build on what you have.
Begin with what you already have. Dig out old contacts, former colleagues, past clients, mentors, and people you’ve managed. A simple “I was just thinking about our time working on X - how are things with you these days?” message is a simple way to reconnect.
Use your expertise to show up and be seen.
At this stage in your career, you have a lot to offer. Speak on a panel. Write a short LinkedIn post on a topic you know well. Volunteer on a committee for your industry’s professional body. You don’t need to ‘sell’ yourself – just share what you know and care about. Visibility is credibility.
Refresh your LinkedIn - and use it.
LinkedIn isn’t just a job search tool. It’s a reputation platform. Update your profile to reflect your current skills, values, and goals. Then start interacting. Like, comment, share. Follow people and organisations you admire. Think of it as digital networking - easy lift, high return.
Make networking a habit, not a project.
You don’t need to become a serial coffee-dater. Just commit to a small routine. One message a week. One coffee a month. Block 30 minutes each Friday to follow up, read something interesting, or drop someone a note. Networks don’t grow from big pushes. They grow from steady effort.
Let go of the ‘sleazy’ myth - real networking isn’t about using people.
Many people feel awkward about networking. They think it’s fake, pushy, transactional. But here’s the truth: Good networking is just good relationship-building. Be curious. Offer help. Share something useful. It’s about connection, not self-promotion.
And if you’re still feeling unsure…
Here’s a simple shift in mindset: Stop thinking of networking as something you do when you need something. Think of it as something you do to give something. A perspective. A connection. A sense of support.
You already have what it takes to be a great networker. You just need to get (re)started.
April 2025
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