The last few years have thrown us for a collective loop, and many people are looking to finally make that career change while they've got the opportunity.
If you're one of them, I know you KNOW that networking is the key to it all. I know you know you need to do it.
I know, I know. Networking suuuuuccks.
Except it doesn't have to.
And yes, you have to do it. If you want to tell your story and sell yourself, you need an audience. That means you do need to network. But it really isn't as hard or as bad as you think. You can and should even start in your own backyard, literally or metaphorically if pants aren't your thing.
But here's the rub: even if you know networking is crucial, even if you understand it intellectually, you're struggling with motivation these days. You may also be going through some serious career struggles and need some well-earned career growth. But nobody is going to hand it to you. Nope.
You absolutely have to be your own best advocate.
It's not that the powers that be don't care, but they're too busy worrying about their own careers, departments, and deliverables to check in on your career needs.
The Real Problem: You Can't Find the Motivation
Do you want to get a new job where you're actually engaged in the outcome? Have you been rocking it this quarter and want a promotion? Do you know you'd kill it on a certain account but haven't made the move? Have a knack for making impossible clients happy and want to leverage that into a new role?
Are you screaming "YES" quietly to yourself in your home office so you don't alarm the dogs, but you just can't find the motivation to make it happen? I feel you. Most of us could use some help in the motivational arena at the moment.
Here's the good news: you can jumpstart your motivation with a few simple techniques, and once you've got that momentum, networking becomes infinitely easier.
Three Ways to Find Your Career Motivation
Try one of these techniques if you're looking to find some career motivation but have no idea how to even start making it happen.
1. See It and Be It
It sounds cheesy, but "visualize the prize" is the real deal. Studies have shown that just the act of visualization can produce an exponentially higher success rate.
And this is something you can do on the couch while sporting your nasty sweatpants from college (you know the ones).
It's a three-parter though. You need to: (a) visualize the end product you're hoping to achieve, then (b) mentally list the reasons why you want this outcome, finally (c) repeat that list of goodness to yourself until it's set in mental stone.
Visualization works because, science.
Creating a picture in your mind tricks your mind into thinking it's real. That it can, will, and has happened.
So you want to switch gears and move into a creative role but your portfolio is a mess? What could your work life be like if you cleaned it up and slapped on a coat of digital paint?
Sit back, close your eyes, and visualize a totally stunning portfolio that you can send out to recruiters. Really picture each page and how it will be seen by all the amazed hiring managers out there.
See, your brain made it happen. Now your hands just need to get on board.
Want to visualize yourself at a networking event? Picture yourself having an engaging conversation with someone who can help you. See yourself confidently explaining what you're looking for. Feel the handshake at the end when they say, "I know exactly who you should talk to."
Your brain doesn't know the difference between visualization and reality. Use that to your advantage.
2. Flip the Script
This is all about the words the voices in your head say. C'mon, we all know you've got them.
The theory is that when you frame things as "I should do" or "I ought to" versus "I want to," you hold yourself back.
Once you start taking action because you want to, not because something or someone told you you should, stuff just starts happening.
It's not that weird if you really think about it. "I should network someday" versus "I want to connect with people who can help me get where I'm going."
Hell, now I want to network. You want to network. Everyone wants to network.
Reframe your internal dialogue:
"I should reach out to that recruiter" becomes "I want to connect with someone who can open doors for me"
"I ought to update my LinkedIn" becomes "I want to showcase my best work to the world"
"I need to email my old boss" becomes "I want to reconnect with someone who valued my work"
See the difference? One feels like homework. The other feels like opportunity.
3. Eat the Elephant
Okay. So are you "not motivated" because in reality you're freaked out about everything you think you need to do and 107 percent overwhelmed?
Grab a fork and "eat the elephant."
What the???
It comes from an old proverb: "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." Overwhelm is your elephant. It's the world's most common motivation killer, but it also happens to be the easiest to kick to the curb.
It's painfully simple. Take your huge task—i.e., "build my network"—and break it down into small, actionable steps that are concrete and accomplishable:
Monday: Research five people in your field on LinkedIn
Tuesday: Send one connection request with a personalized note
Wednesday: Email one former coworker to catch up
Thursday: Comment on one industry leader's post
Friday: Reach out to one recruiter
HAPPY DANCE, YOU'RE DONE FOR THE WEEK!
The first step to defining and achieving your career goals is deciding to do it, then putting one foot in front of the other and just moving.
It only takes a little action to make a lot happen.
Where to Actually Start Networking (Without Losing Your Mind)
Now that you've got your motivation techniques locked in, let's talk about where to actually start. Make sure you've got your selling points set so that when you reach out to people, you can clearly and concisely let them know what it is you're looking for.
The more specific, the better.
If you're just looking for "a new kind of job," you'll get way less helpful responses than if you say you are seeking "a senior marketing role in the glass slipper manufacturing field." Why? You're not giving them enough info to truly help you.
So where to start?
Your Backyard
Reach out to your immediate network. Friends, family, head of your kickball team, your favorite bartender. Ask them who they know that you should talk to.
Here's the weird thing about networking: the most useful connections come from someone a bit removed from you. So it won't be your sister-in-law who hooks you up with your gig, but that guy she went to college with that she can connect you to.
Start here because it's the easiest, lowest-stakes networking you'll do. These people already like you. They already want to help you.
Past Professional Relationships
Because you were a responsible, professional person who didn't burn bridges or entire offices to the ground, you have a ready-made group of people who know your professional capabilities.
Reach out to your past employers, coworkers, clients, and anyone else you worked with professionally. Let them know you're looking, ask advice, ask for recommendations, ask if they know anyone who could use your skills. Let them know what you're ideally looking for.
These connections are gold because they've seen you in action. They can vouch for your skills, work ethic, and personality.
Influencers
I'm not talking TikTok models with 28 million followers (I mean, if you've got them, work ‘em) but I'm talking influencers in your community and career field. Members of the chamber of commerce, local business owners, PTA presidents, pee-wee soccer coaches. These people know everyone.
They're connectors by nature. That's what makes them influencers. One conversation with the right community influencer can open a dozen doors.
Fellows in the Field
Connect with other people who are currently doing the career thing you want. Just be real, genuine, and non-creepy about it. Your college groups: alumni associations, fraternities, sororities, theater and debate groups, are gold mines for these types of connections.
LinkedIn should be your next port of call. Research those in similar titles and find a way to connect with them on common ground.
People doing the work you want to do can give you the real scoop on what it's actually like, what skills matter most, and often who's hiring.
The Professionals
Actively reach out to recruiters and hiring managers in your new chosen field. They genuinely want to know you're out there. Their job is to hire talented AND energetic people.
Get on their radar. Make a list of 25 places you would be excited to work at. Then hit up the hiring managers and recruiters.
Let them know you're interested not only in a role but the company as a whole. Make it tailored to them. And DON'T wait for a job posting to be posted. Save them some work and build a relationship before they need to fill a role. When the time comes, hey look, you.
The Masses
Not quite spamming, but almost. It's time to get the word out on allllll the socials. LinkedIn, your blog, Twitter, Instagram. Someone who is following someone you know has a connection for you. I promise.
Post about what you're looking for. Share articles about your industry. Comment thoughtfully on others' posts. Make yourself visible and valuable.
Why Right Now Is Actually the Perfect Time
Here's something most people don't realize: while lots of folx are out of work, in terms of networking, is when you absolutely shouldn't let it slow down but should ramp it up.
People are more open to casual conversations. Coffee meetings can happen on short notice. You can suggest a walk instead of a stiff conference room. The vibe is just easier.
So if you've been putting off networking because it feels too formal or intimidating, now is the time. Take advantage of the energy.
The Bottom Line
You got this. You want this. You do. Go get it.
Networking doesn't have to suck. Motivation doesn't have to be this mysterious force that either shows up or doesn't. You can create both through simple techniques and strategic action.
Visualize success. Flip your internal script from "should" to "want." Break overwhelming tasks into bite-sized steps. Start with your backyard and work your way out. Be specific about what you need. And take advantage of the energy of right now.
Nobody is going to hand you your career. You have to advocate for yourself. But with the right mindset and approach, networking can actually be enjoyable. Or at least not terrible.
And it works. The most useful connections really do come from the friend of a friend. The casual coffee conversation really does turn into a job offer. The LinkedIn message really does get a response.
But only if you send it.
So visualize that connection. Tell yourself you want to do it. Break it down into one small step. And then do it.
Your career is waiting. Your network is out there. Your motivation is within reach.
Bonus Option
If all else fails, crank the Beyoncé and strut around your apartment until you feel like you OWN THE WORLD. Because you can, if you move.
Now get moving.
Yours in career goodness,
EBS
—-
EB Sanders | Career Coach for Creative Types
