This is part of a special series sharing insights, tips, and actions you can implement when searching for a job — whether leaving your current one or due to a recent layoff.

Your network is your net worth. 💰️

While some are born with a silver spoon and a network from mommy and daddy — others earn the respect of their networks over time.

And here’s the good news: everyone has a valuable network.

The key is knowing what to do to build, maintain, and grow it.

One of the first groups of relationships I developed was during my time at Chuck E. Cheese’s. 🐭 (Yes, there were times I had to be Chucky Cheese)

At the time we were just a group of high school kids hosting parties and fixing coin machines… but today you can find us across a number of industries and professions.

Knowing “big time people” in your network is one thing. But that isn’t the actual value of the network.

True value of relationships is when someone will respond to your message and help you out even after 15 years.

In the world of social media, it isn’t hard to have over 1,000 connections. But ask yourself this:

How many people do you know will respond if you reached out for a favor?

How to Build Your Personal and Professional Network

Part 1: Reconnecting with Past Relationships

Believe it or not, you are probably sitting on a gold mine of relationships. Most of the time we take the connections we have with others for granted… and simply forget about them.

Organizations & Associations

As we grow up, we naturally are associated with a number of organizations.

Even before I left my small town for college — I had a network amongst my church, high school sports, and a school organization called DECA.

Reconnecting with people in these groups was one of the easiest ways because we already had a common interest.

“Hey, it’s been so long! I still think about that championship game we played in high school. How you been!?”

Education System (K-12, University, & Trade Schools)

During our time in the education system… there are a lot of opportunities to meet people. Keeping in touch is usually the hard part since everyone goes their own path afterwards.

But there is another huge opportunity you can leverage: alumni!

But Nick, that only works if you go to an ivy league school.

Sure those are the networks that people shell out $250k over four years for access… but every school has a network of alumni.

At any given point there are 25,000+ students attending my alma mater, San Jose State University. Considering the University was founded in 1857 — there are a lot of alumni.

People want to help others that had taken a similar path to themselves.

Colleagues (Past & Present)

If there is one thing that I am known for at work — it’s that I’m a social butterfly. 🦋

It’s actually super intentional.

When I am at a company, I am meeting everyone. It doesn’t matter if they work directly with me. Or on a team that I’ll never overlap with.

You are often spending most of your waking hours with these folks… so might as well get to know them!

I typically add people that I meet at work on LinkedIn after our first meeting. The key is to find a way to keep connected either via email or a social media platform.

You never know when they might be hiring in the future for a role that is perfect for you… or working at a company that you would love a referral to.

Friends & Family

This one we can keep short.

Who would be a better group of individuals willing to help you out?

Your mom, dad, sister, brother, and close friends all have networks of their own… and will be more than willing to help out with a referral or introduction.

They want to see you succeed!

Seems pretty straightforward… but this network I see people forget the most!

Part 2: Growing Your Network

Basically a fancy way of saying — meeting new people.

There are two types of connections you can pursue: warm or cold.

A warm connection is usually when there is an intermediary to help broker the connections. A cold connection is when two people are meeting with no prior relationship or reason to bring them together.

Introductions or Referrals (Warm Connection)

Organic Growth: When you are catching up with people in your network, you will naturally discuss opportunities or areas of interest. Naturally, they might know someone that would be a good fit for you.

Any time someone thinks that I should meet someone — I take them up on it! I trust that there must have been some reason that they made the connection in their mind to connect us.

Direct Growth: This is more intentional. If there is a job opportunity or someone you are interested to meet — LinkedIn will tell you who in your network has some connection with them.

With the direct approach you are taking the initiative to request the introduction.

That seems self-serving. It is.

That is why it’s important to maintain relationships with people. You never want to be someone that just “takes takes takes.”

The Golden Rule: For every one favor you ask of someone — return the favor with at least 2x the value.

Participate in Organizations or Events (Warm to Cold Connection)

There are organizations and events that people attend with the intention to meet other people. You can find local ones on places like Eventbrite or MeetUp.

When I moved up to the Seattle area, I had no idea how to get involved in the technology startup world.

I started by researching known organizations in the city, such as venture capital firms. There was one firm that actively hosted events.

I went to one… then another… and another.

Before I knew it there was a snowball effect of people that I was able to meet, learn about opportunities, and be plugged in to any other invite-only events!

Cold Outreach (Cold Connection)

LinkedIn was my best friend, especially after moving to Seattle, Washington.

After 25+ years in the San Francisco Bay Area… I had near zero connections in Seattle.

But I used that fact to my advantage:

“Hey there! I just moved to the Seattle area and was looking to connect with other professionals in the area. Would you be open to a 15-min chat?”

That opening line led not only a 15-min chat… but multiple introductions to others in their networks and even job opportunities.

Not everyone is going to respond — that is okay.

Set your personal expectations that for every 50 people you reach out to, 1 person will accept to connect.

Try different messages. Every message should be an opportunity to learn how you can improve your messaging… and then double down on what works.

Before you know it — you’ll be able to hit 1 out of every 3 messages.

You are a cold outreach pro! 💪

Part 3: Maintaining Relationships in Your Network

You’ve spent the time and energy to meet new people… now you have to keep the relationship warm.

Relationships are either growing or dying. And if you wait too long — someone you once knew will become just another stranger.

Birthdays, Anniversaries, & Throwbacks (Low Effort)

Name your social media and they are actively giving us prompts to engage with our network.

Even a simple “like” will at least bring your name back into their feed. Half the effort of being remembered is just staying top of mind.

But I wouldn’t stop there. Use the prompt to start a conversation directly with them.

When sending your comment — make sure to include an open-ended question with it.

Saying “Happy Birthday!” is a nice gesture. But will only be met with a “Thanks!”

Feel free to check-in with the person — specifics matter.

“I saw that you recently started a new job, how are you liking it?”

Responding to Life Events (Medium Effort)

When someone shares something with their audience… you must remember that there is some significance of it to them. They didn’t share it just because.

Last week, someone that I went to college with started posting about a renovation. I found out that they were getting into real estate investing, and this was one of their recent investments.

I too have gotten into real estate investing over the years which was something neither of us had even thought of when we used to hang out over 10 years ago!

These are the type of small events and small conversations that will keep relationships going throughout the years.

The Art of Small Talk — Cold Message to Conversation (High Effort)

What do you do when there isn’t social media?

First, national holidays. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years are probably the easiest of the holidays to send someone a message and wish them the best.

Second, a random text message. Yes, out of the blue message just to start a conversation with someone.

I’ll literally just scroll through my phone contacts once a month and see who I haven’t connected with in a while. Then I’ll shoot them a message.

💡 Action Steps

Remember: A strong network takes time, repetition, and willingness to step outside your comfort zone.

🔁 Reconnect (10 mins)

Create a list of all past organizations, associations, schools, etc.
Under each item, list people you had a past relationship with
Find each of these people on social media or in your phone’s contacts
Reach out to them!

🌱 Grow (10 mins)

Start with creating a list of the larger organizations in your industry
Sign-up for their distribution lists for events and newsletters
Attend an in-person event
Make it your goal to meet and connect with at least 5 people
Bonus: Schedule follow-up meetings with good connections!

👋 Maintain (Ongoing) Open whichever social media you use and navigate to life events (like birthdays) in your network. For anyone that had an event in the past week, use that to start a conversation.

Your network is your net worth.

This article is for educational purposes and not career advice.

The 10 Ways I Grow and Maintain My Network