Redefining Networking: How to Transform Your Career and Build Powerful Connections

Networking Without the Cringe

Be honest – when you hear the word networking, does a part of you shrivel up inside? Do you picture yourself in a sterile hotel conference room, holding a limp glass of wine, wandering aimlessly through clusters of strangers with name tags? (Yeah, same 😬).

But here’s the thing – what if we’ve been thinking about networking all wrong? What if networking isn’t about awkward small talk, but about human connection, curiosity, and genuine generosity? My conversation with networking expert Kelly Hoey, author of Build Your Dream Network, completely transformed my view on this, and it’s about to transform yours too.

Let’s dive into the goldmine of advice Kelly shared on how to navigate change, build relationships that matter, and use your network to transform your career.

Kelly’s Career: A Story of Networking Transformation

First, let me introduce the powerhouse that is Kelly Hoey. Kelly started her career as a lawyer, pivoted into management, and went on to become a leader, speaker, author, and coach. And guess what? Every shift in her career came through the power of networking – but not the kind you’re thinking of.

Her first transformation happened when she realized she was unhappy as a lawyer. Rather than jumping ship blindly, she did something radical: she paused and got curious.

Kelly asked herself: What do I actually enjoy about my job? What am I good at, and where could those skills take me? She started talking to people she trusted within her network, reaching out to colleagues who had successfully transitioned into roles she admired. And guess what she discovered?

Networking doesn’t have to feel like asking for favors. Instead, it’s about reaching out to learn.

“I’d email people and say, ‘I see you made this change. I want to learn how you did it.’ That’s it. No vague ‘let’s catch up.’ Be specific. People want to help when you make it easy for them.” – Kelly Hoey

Lesson #1: Don’t ask to “pick someone’s brain.” Ask for specific insights they’re uniquely able to give.

The Fear of Asking (and How to Overcome It)

Raise your hand if you’ve ever stopped yourself from reaching out to someone because you didn’t want to “bother” them – or worse, because you were afraid of being rejected.

“That fear of rejection is primal,” Kelly explains. “But here’s the thing: when you ask someone a clear, thoughtful question, you’re actually being kind. You’re showing that you value their time.”

Your brain might convince you that a vague request like, “Hey, let’s catch up,” is softer and nicer. But to the person receiving that email? It’s the opposite. Vague requests feel like work to the recipient’s brain. They don’t know what you want, and that uncertainty makes their brain scream, “I don’t have time for this!”

So, here’s the magic formula:

Be specific about what you’re asking.
Lead with curiosity about their journey.
Leave it up to them to decide how to respond. (Do they want to email you back? Share a resource? Hop on a call? Their choice.)

For example: “Hi Kelly, I noticed you transitioned from law into management. I’m curious how you figured out that was the right move for you. Would you mind sharing what skills helped you make that change?”

Boom. Specific. Kind. Easy to answer.

Your Network: It’s Bigger Than You Think

One of the biggest ah-ha moments for me during this conversation? “Your current colleagues are part of your network.”

Mind-blowing, right? We always think of networking as something that happens outside of our company. But Kelly reminds us that every interaction with the people you work with is an opportunity to build trust, showcase your strengths, and expand your network.

How to network at work without being awkward:

Volunteer for projects or initiatives outside your team. (This gives others a chance to see your skills in action.)
Be a mentor or offer to help colleagues.
Reach out to people in other departments with a simple, curiosity-driven question.

“People are watching you every day. Your actions – how you show up, how you collaborate, how you lead – that’s networking.” – Kelly Hoey

Networking is not just about what you ask for. It’s about how you show up for others.

Reinvention Through Action

If you’re feeling stuck or unhappy in your career, Kelly’s advice is clear: take action before you have all the answers.

“Clarity emerges through action. You can’t figure it all out in your head. Start experimenting, connecting, learning – that’s how the path becomes clear.” – Kelly Hoey

This is how Kelly went from lawyer to manager to president of a global women’s business network to author and speaker. Each step of the way, she said yes to opportunities, used her network to learn, and figured out the path as she walked it.

And here’s the truth: No one’s path is linear. Reinvention happens in leaps and pivots, and it’s only in retrospect that the throughline becomes clear.

So, start where you are. Get curious. Reach out. Follow up. And remember: every human interaction is an opportunity to connect.

Your Next Step

If you’re still thinking, “Networking isn’t for me,” let me challenge you to try this one small step today:

Think of someone whose career or work you admire.
Reach out with a simple, curiosity-driven question.
Be specific, be kind, and follow up.

Because as Kelly says:

“In a world that’s rapidly changing, relationships are everything.”

✨ Now go out there and connect.

Inspired by this conversation? Share it with a friend who needs to hear it, and let’s keep building connections that matter. 😊

MONSTERKONG.MARKETING