Great Connection. Missed Opportunity? How to Make Networking Count
Updated: 1 day ago
A few weeks ago, I was wrapping up my first working session with a new client, Molly. We'd been exploring potential career paths and developing an initial list of jobs that might be a good fit.
With about a minute left, she casually mentioned something.
"Oh, by the way, I have a networking call tomorrow."
"Great! Who's the call with?"
She knew the person's name, but not much else.
"Okay. What are you hoping to get out of the conversation?"
She wasn't really sure.
So we added ten minutes to our session and did a little digging.
Turns out, Molly would be speaking with a highly accomplished Executive Producer of blockbuster movies and television shows. Given her interest in television production, this was an extraordinary opportunity.
We quickly developed a game plan: understand who she was talking to, figure out what she wanted to learn, and prepare some thoughtful questions.
Nothing terribly complicated. Just a little homework and some strategic thinking.
The call went really well. Better still, it led to additional conversations with people in the industry. What could have been a one-off introduction is now helping Molly build a professional network.
Momentum is starting to build.
And it reminded me of something I've seen repeatedly in my work with college students and recent graduates:
Having access to a great networking opportunity and knowing how to make the most of it are two very different things.
I've worked with dozens of young people who have supportive parents, professors, coaches, or family friends willing to make introductions.
That's a tremendous advantage.
But too often, these young people aren't prepared to capitalize on those introductions. Not because they're unmotivated or lacking potential. They've simply never been taught how to network.
After all, how many college courses teach you that?
Here are three common mistakes I've seen—and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Thinking Networking Is About Getting a Job
Let's say someone introduces you to a senior executive at a company you're interested in.
You have a nice conversation. They share some advice and wish you luck.
But they don't offer you a job or internship.
Was the conversation a waste of time?
Absolutely not.
Networking, when done right, is about curiosity, exploration, learning, and relationship building.
A good conversation might introduce you to a career path you didn't know existed. Or help you realize that a job you thought sounded amazing isn't actually for you.
You might learn which skills employers value, which companies are worth exploring, or who else you should be talking to.
Those are all wins.
Especially when you're still figuring out what you want to do.
When you're networking, you're planting seeds. Some won't grow into anything. Others may surprise you months or even years down the road.
Mistake #2: Showing Up Without Doing Your Homework
Here's something I've learned from talking with successful, busy professionals who regularly make time for networking conversations with college students and recent graduates.
Most genuinely enjoy helping young people. But they don't want to do all the work for them.
Imagine you're a busy executive who has agreed to spend 30 minutes with a college student or recent graduate.
You get on the call, exchange pleasantries, and hear:
"So, can you tell me what you do?"
Now imagine a different opening:
"I saw that you started your career in marketing before moving into television production.
What prompted that transition?"
Which young person would you be more excited to help?
The second one has shown curiosity, initiative, and respect for your time.
And that doesn't require an impressive internship or years of experience. Just preparation.
Here are five things I encourage my clients to do before an important networking conversation:
1. Do your homework. Research the person, their career path, company, and industry. Prepare three or four thoughtful questions that go beyond what's on LinkedIn.
2. Be open about your journey. You don't need your career figured out. But be able to explain what interests you, what you're exploring, and what you're hoping to learn.
3. Have a twinkle in your eye about something. I tell my clients this all the time. People are drawn to genuine enthusiasm. Whether it's sports, storytelling, technology, or solving problems, let your curiosity show.
4. Have a memorable story ready. Think of an experience that says something about you—how you tackled a challenge, showed initiative, or learned something important. People remember stories.
5. Make it easy for people to help you. If someone asks, "How can I help?" have a specific, reasonable request ready. Maybe there's someone else they'd recommend speaking with. And always follow up with a thank-you.
One more tip: think about the questions you're asking.
Instead of asking a television producer, "How do I get a job in production?" try:
"When you're hiring people early in their careers, what separates the candidates who really impress you from the rest?"
You'll probably learn a lot more.
Mistake #3: Expecting Results After A Few Conversations
We're living in an age of instant gratification.
Hungry? Order delivery.
Bored? Fire up Netflix.
Need an answer? Ask ChatGPT.
Professional relationships don't work that way.
You might have a terrific conversation on Tuesday and hear nothing for three months. That doesn't mean you did something wrong.
People get busy. Opportunities come and go. Sometimes the person who couldn't help you in October remembers you when something interesting comes across their desk in February.
That's why I encourage my clients to start networking before they're actively searching for a job.
Use those conversations to explore your interests, understand different industries, and build relationships.
And remember: networking is a skill.
Your fifth conversation will probably be better than your first. Your fifteenth may be better still.
You'll learn to ask better questions, tell your story more naturally, and recognize opportunities you might otherwise miss.
But none of that happens if you give up because your first few conversations didn't lead to a job.
One Last Thought
Let's go back to Molly.
She had access to an extraordinary professional contact. But until we spent those extra ten minutes together, she hadn't fully appreciated the opportunity sitting right in front of her.
That's not unusual.
Networking is a skill, and like any skill, it improves with preparation, practice, and a little guidance. Sometimes, ten well-spent minutes can make all the difference between a missed opportunity and the beginning of something bigger.
And if you have a networking call tomorrow? Even better. You already have something worth preparing for.
A Little Guidance Can Go a Long Way
Wherever you are in your career journey, it helps to have someone experienced in your corner. IQ Catalyst combines personalized guidance, practical tools, and a structured approach to help you move forward.
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