Many young professionals face challenges when it comes to building robust professional networks. Recent research from LinkedIn indicates that a significant number, 72% of Gen Z professionals, are held back by a lack of confidence. More than half, 53%, report uncertainty about how to begin making professional connections. Common concerns include fears of bothering others (37%), being judged (37%), or sounding inauthentic (34%). This hesitation can limit access to one of the primary advantages of a professional network: the opportunity to learn from others. Connections can provide guidance, share experiences, or highlight opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Despite these concerns, older professionals are often willing to help. A large majority, 83% of Millennials and Gen X professionals, state they would assist someone at the beginning of their career, even if they were not previously acquainted. This willingness suggests that the fears of young professionals may not always align with reality.
The evolving work landscape, particularly with advancements in artificial intelligence, underscores the importance of a strong professional network. Having individuals to consult for advice, information, and new perspectives can simplify the process of navigating these ongoing changes.
Catherine Fisher, a LinkedIn Career Expert, observes that Gen Z understands the value of these relationships but often struggles with how to cultivate them. Fisher advises that “Real connections rarely start with a perfectly crafted message or a big ‘networking’ move, but something much smaller. Over time, these small interactions add up.” This suggests a less intimidating, incremental approach is often more effective than trying for a perfect start.
Instead of feeling pressure to “network” perfectly, professionals can start with small, manageable steps. Here are five practical ways to make building and maintaining professional relationships feel more natural:
**1. Find Common Ground:** Initiating contact is less daunting when there's an existing connection. Professionals can look for shared experiences such as fellow school alumni, individuals in the same industry, former employers, or even common professional interests. On LinkedIn, the Grow tab within the My Network section can help identify relevant people based on existing connections or shared attributes. Additionally, an AI-powered people search allows users to look for individuals using everyday language, for example, “someone who went to my university and now works in marketing.” This commonality provides a specific reference point, making it easier to craft an initial message.
**2. Follow First:** When encountering someone whose career is admirable but whom you don't personally know, a direct connection request isn't always the first step. Following them provides an opportunity to learn from their shared content and engage with their posts without needing an immediate connection. If a post resonates, joining the conversation in the comments section can be a good way to interact. As rapport develops through these interactions over time, a connection request may become a more natural next step.
**3. Engage with Posts:** Networking isn't solely about direct messages. Participating in conversations through thoughtful comments, asking follow-up questions, or offering a unique perspective on a post can be an effective way to maintain relationships within a professional community. Active engagement can also lead to reciprocal interactions. LinkedIn research shows that members are almost three times more likely to receive a connection request and nearly five times more likely to receive a message if they have previously interacted with a post from someone in their network. As Fisher notes, “Small interactions can be the start of meaningful professional relationships.”
**4. Connect Regularly:** The most challenging time to begin building a professional network is typically when one is urgently needed. Instead, integrating regular communication into one's routine is advisable, recognizing that not every check-in requires a significant reason. LinkedIn's Catch Up tab, found within the My Network section, provides simple conversation starters, such as when someone starts a new job or celebrates a work anniversary. Even games offered on LinkedIn can serve as a low-pressure method for reconnecting, whether through comparing scores, discussing strategies, or engaging in friendly competition with a colleague. Simple greetings like “Congrats! How’s the new role going?” or lighthearted banter over a puzzle can effectively initiate a conversation.
**5. Focus on Nurturing, Not Just Numbers:** The quantity of connections in a network holds less significance if there is no ongoing interaction. The emphasis should be placed not merely on the number of people in one's network, but on actively nurturing existing relationships. Professionals can start by committing to one interaction this week, and then another the following week. Building a professional network, along with the confidence to utilize it, is a gradual process that develops one relationship at a time. It is also worth remembering that the individuals on the other side of a comment, follow, or message are often much more willing to offer assistance than one might initially anticipate.