It’s my birthday today—55! And I truly believe there’s no greater gift than reaching this age with clarity on what really matters.
If you asked me what my biggest assets are, I’d say:
- My health (and my family’s)
- My personal brand and my network—they are absolute gold
Why? Because in today’s fast-paced, hybrid workplace, your network can make or break your career trajectory—and the same goes for your team.
The Best Networkers Aren’t Lucky. They’re Intentional.
The strongest connectors I know don’t leave networking to chance. They’re deliberate. They do the reps. They show up.
They’re grabbing coffees, attending events, engaging meaningfully on LinkedIn. They’re not waiting for the “perfect moment”—they’re creating opportunities for connection.
But here’s the reality: since the rise of hybrid and remote work, many professionals have gone quiet. We’ve become a little… out of shape.
And just like skipping the gym for a few months makes your muscles stiff, skipping relationship-building has made us socially rusty.
Harvard Business Review even dedicated an entire issue to this networking disconnect, calling out how the skill is fading in a hybrid world.
Has Your Team’s “Connection Muscle” Weakened?
Before remote work, we used to naturally interact with 8–11 people daily—in elevators, meetings, and office corridors.
Now? Those incidental moments have disappeared, and many professionals haven’t rebuilt that connection muscle. I see this all the time in our leadership programmes—talented, capable leaders who feel hesitant or even anxious about networking.
But networking is no longer a “nice-to-have.” It’s a career necessity.
And building that skill across your team is one of the most powerful ways to future-proof your business.
Don’t Let Your People Become “SOS” Networkers
Here’s the truth: Great networks aren’t built overnight. They’re not a quick fix.
They’re not about hunting—they’re about farming. The best networks grow slowly and steadily over time. The key? Consistency.
Too many people wait until they need something to reach out. We call them “SOS Networkers.” But the best leaders—and the best teams—build strong connections long before they need to call on them.
Want to Strengthen Your Team’s Network-Building Skills?
Here’s where you can start:
✅ Help them get clear on their next career move—where do they want to grow?
✅ Identify who in their network (or your industry) can help them get there
✅ Encourage two connection points a week—one inside the business, one outside
✅ Shift the mindset from “What can I get?” to “What can I give?”
✅ Show them how to research and bring value—whether it’s a helpful article, a connection, or a big idea
Think of relationships like bank accounts—you have to keep depositing value so your team is never in social overdraft.
Our Programmes Build Connection and Confidence
At The Networking Company, we’ve been teaching leaders how to build real relationships in the modern workplace for over a decade.
Our leadership development and networking-focused programmes help teams:
- Rebuild confidence in their relationship skills
Become intentional, consistent connectors - Lead from a place of generosity, visibility, and long-term influence
👉 Learn more about bringing these skills to your team. Get in touch with us today by contacting our Head of Sales, Cindy Cant, via email, cindy@tnco.co.za or cell +27 0720311272.
Because no one grows alone. And your team’s ability to connect will define how far they can go.
Big love,
Helen Nicholson
CEO and Founder, The Networking Company
