Here's something that surprises people: my last seven nursing jobs came from networking. Not from cold applications, not from perfectly timed job postings, but from relationships I built over time with people who knew my work. And here's the twist you might not expect: I'm an introvert. I would rather stay in my lane and do my work. So if networking has always felt awkward, transactional, or just not your thing, this episode is for you.

This is part three of the Small Steps, Big Moves series, and I'm pulling back the curtain on what networking actually is. Hint: it's way less intimidating than you think. We talk about why networking isn't the business card collecting, awkward LinkedIn message thing you're picturing, what actually counts as building relationships, and why career growth never happens in isolation. Then I give you two low effort ways to start this week. Because a book or a podcast can give you ideas, but it can't give you the colleague who thinks of you when an opportunity opens up. That part is up to you.

3 Takeaways

• Networking is rapport, not a transaction. It isn't collecting business cards or using people to get ahead. It's building genuine rapport, showing up consistently, and becoming someone others want to recommend.
• Relationships are the thing a podcast can't give you. Books and shows are the starting point, but they can't give you the sponsor who advocates for you when you're not in the room, or the colleague who thinks of you when a role opens up. Those are career gold, and they only come from real connection.
• Start small and start with what you have. You don't need a massive conference. Reconnect with one person you already know, and put one event on your calendar for the quarter. Two moves, not ten.

Got a Career or Work question? Send me a text right here.

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