What’s the best way to build a network? With Isabel Berwick and Kirsty Newman

What you know matters, but who you know matters more. 

That’s not quite how the original saying goes, but perhaps it’s time for an update. Whereas once ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know’ might have been whispered and accompanied by a raised eyebrow, things have shifted. 

A strong network doesn’t, or shouldn’t, act as a substitute for our skills. But it can provide us with more opportunities to demonstrate them. According to LinkedIn, 70% of jobs aren’t even advertised on job websites, with 85% of all jobs filled through networking. 

So, your network, and your ability to network, really matter. But despite its undoubted importance, why does it often feel awkward for so many of us?  

The mere thought of circulating a room chatting to strangers or more senior colleagues, can feel daunting and uncomfortable in equal measures. So much so that one in four of us don’t network at all.

So, how do we overcome the discomfort and find a way to make networking work for us? And build mutually beneficial networks that will help get us to where we want to be?

That’s what we’re exploring with leading FT journalist and author of The Future-Proof Career, Isabel Berwick and Kirsty Newman, Market Chair at Deloitte UK, in this episode of The Green Room, as we ask: What’s the best way to build a network?  

Tune in to find out: 

• Why some of us find networking easier than others
• The difference between being strategic and being inauthentic when networking
• How businesses can facilitate networking – for their people and their clients
• Conversation starters to use the next time you network

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Guests: Isabel Berwick, leading journalist and author of The Future-Proof Career, and Kirsty Newman, Market Chair at Deloitte UK Hosts: Lizzie Elston and Ollie Carpenter Original music: Ali Barrett