**Building Connections Matters**

Building a Lifetime Career Map: Leverage Your Personal Connections

Networking is often misunderstood, but it's actually about cultivating meaningful relationships that can help you navigate your career journey. Instead of viewing it as a daunting task, shift your mindset to focus on the people you already know and trust. You're likely already gathering information, seeking recommendations, and finding solutions through conversations with friends, family, and acquaintances.

Your existing network consists of people you have a personal connection with, such as friends, family, and neighbors. These individuals care about your well-being and are often eager to offer advice and assistance. Think about how you've asked for recommendations in the past, like finding a reliable electrician or a great restaurant. You trusted their opinion because of your personal connection.

Now, apply this same approach to your job search. Reach out to your existing network and ask open-ended questions that encourage conversation, such as:

• What do you think about the current state of our industry?
• How did you get started in your field?
• What skills do you think are essential for success in your role?

Your extended professional network includes people you've interacted with in a professional capacity, such as vendors, suppliers, customers, or colleagues from committees. These individuals may not be close friends, but you have a established a connection. Reach out to them and ask questions like:

• What are the biggest challenges facing your organization right now?
• How do you stay current with industry developments?
• What advice would you give someone looking to break into your field?

Growing your network is essential for career advancement. Identify people you'd like to meet, such as industry leaders or experts in your field. Create a list of these individuals and note why you want to connect with them. This will help you focus your networking efforts and build meaningful relationships.

Remember, networking is about building relationships, not just collecting business cards. By focusing on the people you know and trust, you'll be better equipped to navigate your career journey and achieve your goals.