5 People You Need In Your Network to Succeed

You’ve heard about the importance of networking. 

But with only so many hours in a day. Where should you prioritize?

As a professional in these crazy times, you’re likely dealing with many new experiences. 

It takes a special type of network to help you through this. 

When it comes to your network. Here’s where to put your energy. 

These are the 5 people you should have in your network to become a success story. 

5 People You Should Have in your Network

1. The Goals

The Goal is a role model. They have accomplished things that you’re still working towards. And their success is an inspiration to you.  

You need this person in your network as a young professional for a few reasons.

They force you to level up. They make your dreams feel within reach. And you can learn a lot from them. 

Take an honest look at your network. Does anyone make you think #goals? 

If not, it could be a sign that your network needs a makeover. 
Check out this blog post to learn how to upgrade your circle.

2. The Confidant

There’s levels to networking. Some people will get the filtered you. And others will get the raw you. 

We all need people we can keep it real with. That’s where the Confidant comes in. 

Your Confidant is someone you can be yourself with. They cheer you on without being asked. Being vulnerable comes naturally with them.

A confidant can see things in you that you don’t see in yourself. This is why they’re important to have in your network. 

As a young professional, you don’t want all your relationships to be superficial. Have a few confidants you can turn to when life isn’t so easy.

3. The Plug

The Plug is someone that is very well connected. Their high vibes attract people from all walks of life. 

What makes them special is that they aren’t stingy with their connections. The Plug is someone that likes to make introductions. And connect people in their network. 

You need this person in your network as a young professional for a few reasons. They can help you expand your network. 

They can be super beneficial during a job search. And they can help open doors you didn’t even know existed.  

4. The Mentor

As a young professional, you’re likely dealing with many firsts in your career. First real job. First layoff. Or your first promotion. 

There’s no reason to go through them alone. Having a mentor that gets you can be a gamechanger. A mentor can help guide your career in the right direction. 

Research shows that people with mentors are promoted 5 times more than those without mentors. 

Check out our post about 15 Free Female Mentorship Programs to find a mentor!

5. The Sponsor

It takes time to build your credibility and influence. A sponsor can help speed up that process for you. And that’s why every young professional needs a sponsor in their network. 

A career sponsor is an experienced professional that uses their connections and influence to create opportunities to advance your career. 

Sponsors advocate for you, help you earn promotions and raises, and use their network to open doors that you wouldn’t have access to on your own. 

A sponsor can mention your name in rooms you’re not invited to. Which can take your career to the next level. 

Check out our post on the 20 best questions to ask your career sponsor. 

Review the People in your Network

Now that you know the people you should have in your network. Your next step is self-reflection. 

Ask yourself this: Do I have all 5 people in my network? 

If not, don’t worry. Here are 5 tips for improving your network. 

5 Networking Tips for Young Professionals

1. Review the people in your network 

Take a look at your connections. Decide where each of them stands. Think of the quality of each of these relationships.

2. Create a Network Wish List

Who’s missing from your network? Make a list of them. Your network wish list consists of the people you’d like to build relationships with.

3. Set Networking Goals

Now it’s time to hold yourself accountable. Create networking goals to help you track your progress. Set clear goals for each relationship you want to build. 

4. Create an action plan 

Create a plan for how you’ll go about reaching out to those on your wish list. Check out this blog post on how to create a networking plan.

5. Stay Consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to growing your network. Commit to a certain amount of time you’ll spend networking each month and stick to it.

Networking for Success

Don’t let networking overwhelm you. Use this list to help you focus on the professional relationships that matter most. 

If you’re new here, join our community with thousands of future leaders worldwide. It’s free and you get instant access to our Career Center with free resources to help you upgrade your career! 

Remember to be patient with yourself while you’re networking. The best relationships are built over time, not overnight. 

Over to You

Do you have these 5 people in your network? Head over to our comments section on social @netwerkmovement and let us know. Share this with someone working on becoming a success story!