Terms related to expanding and strengthening your professional network

Professional Networking

A link established between two people in a professional network, fostering information exchange and potential collaboration.

Someone you meet in networking with the goal of building a relationship and fostering a mutually beneficial connection.

An experienced professional who provides guidance, advice, and support to help you navigate your career path and achieve your goals.

A recommendation from someone in your network vouching for your skills and experience to a potential employer or collaborator.

The psychological phenomenon where you are more likely to trust and engage with something if others have already done so. In networking, positive testimonials or endorsements  can enhance your credibility.

A concise statement that highlights the unique benefits you bring to a potential employer, collaborator, or client.  Your value proposition helps others understand why connecting with you is mutually advantageous.

Knowledge within an organization or network where valuable information isn't shared effectively.  Networking helps bridge information silos by fostering communication and knowledge exchange between different groups.

A targeted approach to networking that focuses on building relationships with individuals or groups who can directly contribute to your career goals or the success of your organization.

A concise and compelling statement that summarizes your skills, experience, and value proposition, typically delivered in the time it takes to ride an elevator.

Paying close attention to understand the perspectives and interests of others during networking conversations, not just waiting for your turn to speak.

The art of maintaining communication after an initial networking interaction. It involves sending a thoughtful message that expresses gratitude, reinforces your connection, and potentially explores future collaboration.

The trail of your online presence, encompassing social media activity, professional profiles, and any publicly available information about you.

A connection within your network where both parties gain value from the interaction. This could involve sharing knowledge, offering support, or making referrals that benefit each other's careers.

A conversation with a professional in your field to gain insights about their career path, company culture, and specific job roles. This is a valuable way to learn and explore potential career options.

Initiating contact with someone you don't know directly via email for networking purposes.  Crafting a well-researched and personalized cold email can be an effective way to expand your network.

A concise summary of your skills and experience.

A highly respected and influential figure in your field.

Guidance and support provided by a more experienced professional.

An organization representing a specific industry or profession.

A recommendation for a job or opportunity from someone in your network.

A gathering designed for professionals to connect and build relationships.

The unique benefit you bring to others in your network.

An unsolicited introduction to someone in your target network.

Maintaining contact with someone you met after a networking interaction.

A feeling of trust and connection with someone in your network.

Endorsements and recommendations from others within your network.

A recruiter who specializes in finding qualified candidates for specific roles.

A website showcasing your skills and experience.

A conversation with someone in your field to learn about their career path.

A casual meeting with someone in your network to build rapport.
Value-Added Connection: A relationship where you offer and receive mutual support and knowledge.

A casual meeting with someone in your network to build rapport.

A relationship where you offer and receive mutual support and knowledge.

Similar to elevator pitch, a brief introduction of yourself and your career goals.

Building relationships with a particular goal in mind, such as a career change.

A casual connection within your network, like a former classmate.

A close and trusted connection within your network, like a mentor.

Professional norms and behaviors when interacting with others in your network

A specific objective you aim to achieve through networking, such as finding a job.

Websites or apps designed for professional networking (e.g., LinkedIn).

An unsolicited email sent to someone in your target network to introduce yourself.

The benefits you gain from your networking efforts.