Your Networking Problems – Solved! #8: You are not senior enough to get instructed

Having a network is often seen as the only way to win work, but what happens if you are too junior for the “right” network to want to spend time building a relationship with you. At times it is important to consider your level of seniority when networking and seeking opportunities.

Firstly you might want to consider the types of networking events that you are attending and consider what groups are appropriate for your level. For example, you might want to join networking groups or attend events aimed at industry juniors/grads when you are starting and progress through the different levels as you become more senior yourself. A lot of the industry heavyweight organisations have junior or “NextGen” subgroups/organisations. By participating in these types of groups you will be meeting the leaders/decision makers of the future who are currently your peers, or one step ahead of you and investing in your network for the future. When they progress to the next stage they have the potential to pull you along with them.

But what about right now? Well it is important to tailor your approach depending on your audience. At times for example, it might be that you promoting your team or company’s expertise (not necessarily your own personal expertise) which is why it is important to understand your own company and internal network. A good networking event/connection might simply be introducing someone you have met to someone more senior in your team or company.

Focus on maintaining contact with people you have worked with and/or have referred work to your company (even if they didn’t make the referral directly to you). Careers last a long time, by strengthening these relationships, you could be who they think of next time. You never know when they may recommend you or your company.

Finally, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there in front of the decision makers – who knows what might happen. Take the pressure off yourself to win work and just make connections and have fun. Another way to get contact time with senior decision makers is to meet them outside of a direct working environment. When you have a hobby in common, often the difference in seniority may not seem to matter and you may be given referrals from your “outside” interests.