Most believe they are always nurturing their network.
But in practice, that is rarely the case.
What “Nurturing Your Network” Actually Looks Like
Most professionals define networking as:
• Occasionally liking posts
• Sending a message once or twice a year
• Reaching out when they need something
That’s not nurturing.
That’s passive proximity.
Real network strength shows up differently:
• You stay top of mind consistently
• You’re clear about what you’re working toward
• People understand how to help you
• There’s mutual value—not just occasional outreach
If those things aren’t happening…
Your network isn’t being nurtured.
It’s just existing.
The Referral Gap
We all know referrals matter.
You’re significantly more likely to land opportunities through people than platforms.
And yet:
Most professionals wait until they need help
Then reach out without clarity
And hope someone connects the dots
That’s not a strategy.
That’s wishful thinking.
Why This Happens
Not because people are lazy.
Because they’re unsure how to:
• Reach out without it feeling awkward
• Ask for help without feeling transactional
• Stay in touch without it being forced
• Position themselves clearly enough for others to advocate for them
So instead, they default to:
“I’ll just keep doing good work.”
But good work alone doesn’t create visibility.
And it doesn’t activate your network.
The Shift
Strong networks aren’t built in moments of need.
They’re built through intentional, ongoing connection.
And more importantly:
They’re activated through clear, confident communication.
Because people can’t help you…
If they don’t understand:
• What you want
• What you’re great at
• Where you’re going next
The Next Step
This is exactly what I’m breaking down in my upcoming session:
Referred? How to Network Like a Boss for Job Search Success
Inside, we’ll cover:
• How to build and strengthen your network (without it feeling forced)
• How to reach out in a way that feels natural and effective
• How to position yourself so people want to refer you
• How to turn conversations into real opportunities
If you’ve been “nurturing your network” but not seeing results… this will show you what’s missing.
👇 Join the session by RSVP’ing here
Because your network isn’t about who you know.
It’s about who knows how to advocate for you.
PS – Don’t forget to check out our Substack, where we go deeper on this topic this week.
Jaime Chambron, The Career Catalyst
Unlock Your Future with the Career Agility System