Build genuine professional relationships that open doors to referrals and opportunities.
Networking is the practice of building and maintaining professional relationships that can provide mutual support, advice, or opportunity over time. Done well, it is not transactional; it is about genuine connection that occasionally leads to help in both directions.
Approaching people with real interest in their work, not just what they can do for you.
Actually following up after meeting someone instead of letting the connection go cold.
Offering help, information, or introductions to others, not only asking for favors.
Maintaining a clear, active LinkedIn or GitHub profile that gives people a reason to engage with you.
You wanted a referral at a company but only had one distant LinkedIn connection who worked there.
Instead of directly asking for a referral, you messaged them with a specific question about their team's tech stack, had a genuine short conversation, and two weeks later they offered to refer you once they saw you had actually engaged rather than just asked for a favor.