Network with Everyone Everywhere – Part One

You never know who knows who.

Bill, an unemployed sales manager, struck up a conversation while waiting at a car service center. Within weeks, through one new connection, he landed a new job in his industry. That’s the power of networking to get a job.

Don’t be shy. Most people like to help. Every day you can be prayerful, intentional, and alert to connect with everybody everywhere.

Pray and Prepare for Career Networking

A Biblical Foundation for Networking

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

Networking isn’t just about finding a job — it’s about walking in the opportunities God has already prepared for you.

The 7 Steps to Prepare for Networking

Crossroads Career’s 7 steps to find your calling, career, and job include:

1. Upward – Hear and follow God’s calling
   
2. Attitude – Stay positive in your job search
   
3. Aptitude – Know what you offer (skills, interests, values)
   
4. Altitude – Clarify what you seek (job type, employer, income, culture)
   
5. Searching – How to network effectively online and in person
   
6. Sorting – Interview prep, references, salary conversations
   
7. Selecting – Evaluating offers and starting strong in a new job

Networking Tips: How Many People Should You Contact?

Why You Should Aim to Connect With 200 People

Reaching at least 200 personal contacts may sound impossible, but it’s not. In recruiting and executive search, it often takes 200–500 connections to find the right match. The same holds true for job seekers.

What “Contacting” Really Means

Sending hundreds of emails doesn’t count — only true interactions matter. A networking contact means you’ve exchanged personal messages by phone, email, online, or in person.

Where to Find Networking Contacts

Start With Family and Friends

Your closest network includes family, relatives, and in-laws. Then extend to workmates, employees, customers, and vendors.

Reconnect With Old Contacts

Think about schoolmates, military teammates, neighbors, and past church or community connections. With some effort, you’ll quickly reach 100 contacts.

Expand Through Social Media and LinkedIn Networking

The biggest opportunity comes from connecting with people you don’t know yet. On platforms like LinkedIn, you can find professionals by job title, employer, or location. Building a LinkedIn profile for networking makes it easier for others to find you too.

Daily and Weekly Networking Goals

• If unemployed: connect with 10 new people per day
  
• If employed but looking: connect with 10 new people per week
  
• If not job searching: connect with at least 1 person per week
  

Focus on one industry, employer, or location at a time. Consistency is the key to effective networking for your career.

Final Thoughts: Networking as a Spiritual and Career Discipline

Networking isn’t just about landing your next job — it’s about stewardship of the opportunities God provides. By connecting intentionally, you can uncover open doors, serve others, and prepare for the career He’s designed for you.

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Brian has been writing, speaking and connecting people to Christ in the workplace for 45 years. He is Co-Founder of Crossroads Career Services, former Chick-fil-A restaurants VP for Human Resources and Administration, and Owner of Primus Consulting executive search. He has authored Christian resources including Mastery of Leadership, Real Success at Work, and New Job Jump Start. Brian and his wife Kristy live in the Charlotte, NC area.