Networking for Career Success: How One Conversation Can Change Everything
Episode 22
Struggling to land that job or grow your business—despite doing all the “right” things?
You’re not alone.
In Episode 22 of The People Success Circle podcast, we’re making the case for networking for career success—because the best opportunities rarely show up in your inbox. Whether you're a job seeker, business owner, or hiring manager, this episode breaks down how to network effectively without being salesy or overwhelmed.
We’ll cover stats, real-life stories, and simple strategies to help you build meaningful connections—yes, even if you're an introvert.
👉 Ready to rethink your networking game?
In Episode 22 of The People Success Circle, I break down why networking still matters in 2025—and how to make it work for you, whether you're hiring, job searching, or building a business.
Why networking for career success still outperforms online applications and ads
Real stats that show how most jobs and client leads are found through relationships
The surprising way I landed a dream HR opportunity without a degree in HR
How business owners can use relationship-based marketing to grow without relying on social media
Tips for introvert-friendly networking that feel authentic—not overwhelming
Actionable strategies for job seekers, recruiters, and entrepreneurs to build their network
The myth that networking takes too much time—and how to start with just 15 minutes a week
🎧 Press play or read on—you might be one conversation away from your next opportunity!
🔗 Helpful Links
🌐 Mindy’s website for business consulting: https://www.limerockcareerco.com
🎧 Listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Episode 22: Watch or Listen
Key Takeaways From Episode 22
Networking Is Still the #1 Way to Grow Your Career or Business
I know job boards and social media ads feel like the default these days, but the data is clear: networking for career success still outperforms everything else. 85% of jobs are filled through networking, and 93% of my business came from building intentional relationships. Whether you're hiring or seeking your next opportunity, networking needs to be part of your strategy.
Introverts Can Network Authentically—Without the Overwhelm
If walking into a crowded room feels intimidating, you're not alone. I'm actually right on the edge of introvert/extrovert myself. The good news is that effective networking doesn't require a loud elevator pitch. It can look like a thoughtful DM, a virtual coffee chat, or a follow-up email. The key is showing up as your authentic self and building trust one conversation at a time.
Great Hires Come from Great Networks
As someone who’s spent years in HR and recruiting, I’ve seen firsthand that employee referrals lead to the best hires. When your team helps expand your reach, you’re not just filling a role—you’re strengthening your culture. Building a strong network internally and externally helps you tap into talent that job postings may never reach.
Strategic Networking Builds Businesses, Not Just Contact Lists
Relationship-based marketing is one of the most underutilized tools for business owners. I shared the story of a San Antonio entrepreneur who grew a multi-six-figure business—not through ads, but through meaningful conversations and community presence. When people know what you do and trust who you are, they talk about you in rooms you’re not in. That’s marketing money can’t buy.
You Don’t Need Hours—Just Intention
One of the biggest myths I hear is “I don’t have time to network.” In reality, 15 minutes a week is enough to make meaningful progress. Send a message, write a note, or reconnect with a former colleague. Small actions, done consistently, will move the needle in your career or business.
People First, Profits Follow
If you’re struggling to get leadership buy-in, here’s what I remind my clients: when the people side of the business isn’t working, everything suffers. Sales, service, retention, culture—it’s all connected. When you invest in your people, you build the foundation for long-term success. And it all starts with seeing what’s really going on behind the curtain.
🎧 Want the full story, examples, and action steps?
Listen to the full episode of The People Success Circle for more insights on building a thriving culture that drives results.
Read the full transcript
Mindy:
Hi and welcome back to this week's episode of the People Success Circle podcast. This show is where we talk about all things business, career, and the people side of work. This episode is about networking. I'm calling it "The Case for Networking," and it's the first of a three-part series. Whether you're hiring someone, looking for a job, or growing your business—networking is where it starts. It’s not going to happen on a job board.
Let’s dig into the data, stories, and action steps that prove why networking is still the number one most powerful tool we have—and how to actually use it.
Mindy:
I want to start with the numbers, because sometimes people think networking is just a “nice-to-do.” But let’s focus on results. In 2025, 85% of jobs are filled through networking. That’s not just a trend—it’s reality. Seventy percent of jobs are never even posted publicly. That statistic alone shocks people.
Most companies skip the job boards and rely on their employees or networks to refer strong candidates. In fact, 80% of professionals say networking has been essential to their career success.
And here’s my personal favorite stat: 93% of my business last year came from strategic networking. I didn’t run ads or spend money on traditional marketing. I spent time building relationships and making sure I was known in rooms where I wasn’t even present.
Mindy:
Here’s another thing to consider: if you’re only applying online, you have a 4% chance of getting hired. Compare that to the 85% success rate through networking. For recruiters, the best candidates aren’t usually the ones applying—they’re being referred by people who trust them.
Mindy:
To bring this to life, I want to share three quick stories that have shaped how I think about networking.
The first one is from early in my career. After college, I joined McDonald’s Corporation in a startup capacity. I started as a manager trainee and worked my way up through assistant manager, general manager, district manager, and eventually moved into human resources.
So how did I make that pivot without an HR degree? My mentor at the time told me: “If you want to get into HR, tell everyone you meet—and ask to be included on projects where you can show your HR skills.” I followed that advice, and it worked. People started to remember what I wanted and what I was good at. That’s what led to my first HR job—and even more exciting, it led to a role on McDonald’s Olympic food service team in 1996. I lived in Atlanta for a year and helped recruit and staff for McDonald’s restaurants at the Olympic Village and various venues. All of that started with one networking conversation.
Mindy:
Story two is from my time as a recruiter. I’ve worked with many amazing applicants over the years, but the best hires almost always come through employee referrals. When I trained internal teams to be my eyes and ears—asking who they knew, who they’d worked with before—that’s when we found the strongest candidates. Networking isn’t just external. It’s also about leveraging the relationships within your own company.
Mindy:
Story three is about a local business owner I know who has grown a multi–six-figure business in just four years—without using social media. She’s known all over San Antonio because she takes the time to connect with people. She has coffee with them, follows up, and genuinely builds relationships. When people hear her name, they know what she does—and they recommend her without hesitation. That’s the power of relationship-based marketing.
Mindy:
So what if your next client isn’t on your website filling out a form—but is actually one conversation away? That’s what networking can do.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: a lot of people say they don’t want to network. I hear this all the time: “I’m an introvert,” “I hate LinkedIn,” or “I don’t have time.” But networking doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
I’m actually right on the line between introvert and extrovert. I recharge by being alone. So if big events aren’t your thing, that’s okay. Networking can be a DM, a virtual coffee chat, or a quick email. You don’t need to walk into a room and pitch yourself. You just need to show up as your authentic self and connect one-on-one.
Mindy:
The other big myth is that networking takes too much time. But it doesn’t. You can network in 15 minutes a week. Send a couple of messages, follow up on a conversation, or schedule one short call. I personally set aside just 30 minutes a week for virtual coffee chats—and it’s always worth it.
Networking also doesn’t have to be formal. It could be a quick text, a handwritten note, or a message saying, “Hey, thinking of you—hope you’re doing well.” These small touches build trust over time.
Mindy:
And the third myth: “I don’t know anyone to network with.” The truth is, you do. If you’re in marketing, you know others in marketing—and probably in HR, accounting, or operations too. Think about coworkers, college classmates, neighbors, parents at your kid’s school, people at the gym. Everyone you know is connected to someone else.
Mindy:
Here are some quick tips to get started, whether you’re a job seeker, recruiter, or business owner.
For job seekers:
– Don’t rely only on job boards.
– Make sure your LinkedIn profile is strong.
– Follow up with someone from the company after applying.
– Reconnect with old colleagues or classmates.
– Message three people a week. Ask for advice, insights, or just a quick chat.
For recruiters:
– Build your pipeline before you have an open role.
– Rely on your internal team for referrals.
– Network even when you’re not actively hiring.
– Treat every great conversation as a future hire.
For business owners:
– Networking is marketing.
– Be known—not just by name, but for what you do best.
– Show up to events (virtual or in-person) and build genuine relationships.
– Ask your clients and peers, “Who do you know that might need what I offer?”
– Don’t make it transactional—make it intentional. Relationships build trust, and trust builds business.
Mindy:
In closing, networking isn’t just a career or business strategy—it’s a life strategy. Whether you’re looking for a doctor, a plumber, a job, or your next client—your network matters.
The future of your career or business may not be in your inbox. It may be in your network.
Mindy:
Here’s my challenge to you: Reach out to just one person this week. Say hi, share what you’re working on, and ask what they’re up to. Networking isn’t about asking for a job or a sale—it’s about connection. One genuine conversation can open doors that no pitch or resume ever could.
Mindy:
If this episode resonated with you, check the link in the show notes to join the waitlist for my upcoming program, Networking School. I’ve done the research on what keeps people from networking, and I’m building a membership program to help people from all backgrounds build the confidence and skills to connect authentically.
Mindy:
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star review and share it with a friend. It helps more people find the show.
Mindy:
Thank you for listening to this week’s episode of The People Success Circle podcast. As always—keep showing up, stay curious, and remember: opportunity lives in connection, not in your inbox.
