Why Networking Matters for Procurement and Supply Chain

Networking isn't just about who you know, it's about who knows what you're capable of. Have you ever noticed that sometimes it's not the most qualified candidate who gets the job, but rather the one who knows someone on the inside? It's a harsh reality, but it highlights the importance of building relationships and making connections in today's competitive job market. This insight should encourage you to not only focus on your skills and qualifications, but also on cultivating a strong network of contacts who can vouch for your abilities. So, next time you attend a networking event or reach out to someone on LinkedIn, remember that it's not just about who you know, but about who knows what you're capable of. Keep building and remember, sometimes the best opportunities come from unexpected places. #jobseeker #careerinsights

Let’s talk about one of the most 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 tools in your job search: strategic networking. 🤝 If you’re sending out countless applications with no traction, it might be time to shift focus. The truth? Most high-level opportunities are never posted—they’re unlocked through conversations, introductions, and relationships. Here’s the key: Networking isn’t about collecting business cards or cold-pitching your résumé. It’s about building authentic, mutually beneficial relationships that lead to real results. 💼 Swipe through this post to learn how to: ✔️ Build meaningful connections (not just contacts) ✔️ Prioritize quality over quantity ✔️ Show up at the right industry events ✔️ Maximize LinkedIn to connect with purpose ✔️ Follow up the right way to stay top-of-mind When done with intention, networking can be your most powerful asset—opening doors, landing interviews, and even helping you negotiate stronger offers. 🌟 Want to make your networking efforts actually count this year? 📩 DM me ‘NETWORKING’ and I’ll send you my free Career Mobility Checklist—a powerful guide to help you identify key contacts, reconnect with your network, and take purposeful action toward your next opportunity. #NetworkingTips #ExecutiveJobSearch #CareerMobility #LeadershipGrowth #HiddenJobMarket #ExecutiveCoaching #CareerStrategy #AuthenticNetworking #MichellePerchukCoaching #CareerDevelopment

Unlocking Growth: Why Strategic Networking Matters In today’s fast-paced industries, the core problem many professionals face is not the lack of talent but the lack of visibility. Did you know that over 70% of jobs are filled through personal connections rather than job boards? Building and nurturing professional relationships not only leads to new opportunities but also accelerates career growth by giving you access to insights and collaborations you might otherwise miss. 🌟 What steps are you taking to strengthen your professional network this year?

Engaging in virtual networking involves communicating with others through messaging and commenting. Over time, you may find yourself participating in video calls with your contacts. Adopt a marketer’s mindset and view your existing connections as potential leads. The more engaged they are, the more likely they are to engage in conversation with you. Some people in your network are more engaged than others, so focus on those who are closer to making a decision, as they are more likely to respond to your outreach. Reconnect with old friends, past classmates, former colleagues, and acquaintances you may have lost touch with. Keep yourself informed about their career paths and other professional endeavors. If you're seeking a job or considering entering the job market, converse with your current connections to explore potential job opportunities. A significant 92% of business leaders rely on word-of-mouth or employee referrals for recruitment, and 43% of them say that referred candidates are almost always hired. #networking #remotework #connections #productivity #workingremotely #remotetribe #communication

Engaging in virtual networking involves communicating with others through messaging and commenting. Over time, you may find yourself participating in video calls with your contacts. Adopt a marketer’s mindset and view your existing connections as potential leads. The more engaged they are, the more likely they are to engage in conversation with you. Some people in your network are more engaged than others, so focus on those who are closer to making a decision, as they are more likely to respond to your outreach. Reconnect with old friends, past classmates, former colleagues, and acquaintances you may have lost touch with. Keep yourself informed about their career paths and other professional endeavors. If you're seeking a job or considering entering the job market, converse with your current connections to explore potential job opportunities. A significant 92% of business leaders rely on word-of-mouth or employee referrals for recruitment, and 43% of them say that referred candidates are almost always hired. #networking #remotework #connections #productivity #workingremotely #remotetribe #communication

Engaging in virtual networking involves communicating with others through messaging and commenting. Over time, you may find yourself participating in video calls with your contacts. Adopt a marketer’s mindset and view your existing connections as potential leads. The more engaged they are, the more likely they are to engage in conversation with you. Some people in your network are more engaged than others, so focus on those who are closer to making a decision, as they are more likely to respond to your outreach. Reconnect with old friends, past classmates, former colleagues, and acquaintances you may have lost touch with. Keep yourself informed about their career paths and other professional endeavors. If you're seeking a job or considering entering the job market, converse with your current connections to explore potential job opportunities. A significant 92% of business leaders rely on word-of-mouth or employee referrals for recruitment, and 43% of them say that referred candidates are almost always hired. #networking #remotework #connections #productivity #workingremotely #remotetribe #communication

Two conversations today reminded me why most professionals struggle in their job search. I spoke to two professionals today — both were unfortunately affected by recent restructuring within their organizations. It reminded me of my past conversations with other professionals and their approach to job searching. Most candidates I speak to tend to rely on: > Applying to job advertisements > Asking their first-degree connections for leads That’s not wrong… but it’s also not strategic. It’s reactive networking... waiting for an opportunity to appear, instead of creating one. Here’s what I am advising instead — a more targeted, proactive approach: 1️⃣ Reflect deeply on your career journey // identify your core strengths, double down on preferred role rather than being open to all opportunities. 2️⃣ Other than your former's company's competitors, identify adjacent industries or ecosystems where your skills transfer naturally — similar customer base, technical expertise, or market knowledge. 3️⃣Reach out and create a genuine connection first. Understand their business, potential gaps and identify if there's any potential fit before asking for opportunities in those companies. A common theme I see: most professionals haven’t thought of job search this way. They “spray and pray,” hoping the right role finds them. But here’s my one takeaway for anyone reading this 👇 Make networking a habit, not a crisis response. When we’re caught up in our day-to-day, we often don’t prioritize networking until something happens. Whether it’s with peers, industry contacts, or recruiters Consistent, meaningful conversations build opportunities long before you need them. 👉 How often do you engage in intentional networking even when you’re not job hunting? Hudson Singapore | Yanru Guo | Francisco (Paco) Cervantes | Celine Woon | Genevieve Teo | Nan Sangprabpai | Heny L. | Esther Chin | Brenda H. | Mark Gabriel Ong | Naomi Lewis | Richard C.  #recruitment #networking

"I'm networking, but nothing ever comes of it." Harsh truth: You're asking the wrong questions. When I started working with Claire, she said she'd had more than 30 coffee chats and Zoom meetings that went "nowhere." When I asked"What questions did you ask?" her answer told me all I needed to know. "You know, the general stuff like:" ❌ "Do you know about any openings?" ❌ "Would you take a look at my resume?" ❌ "What advice do you have for me..." She was setting herself up for failure, and candidly, wasting the other person's time. If you recognize yourself in this, it's not your fault. We're not taught how to network, and it's not intuitive. The secret? Treat networking like research:  ↳ Go in knowing what you want learn from each person  ↳ Tailor your questions to the individual This shows people you take their time seriously and makes a great impression. I put networking questions into 4 categories: ✅ Questions about the role ✅ Questions about the employer ✅ Questions about the industry ✅ Questions to wrap strong Here are some good ones to get you started: Questions About the Role 1. What do you like best about your job? 2. What personal traits are needed in this role? 3. What top 3 skills are needed for this job? 4. What are the biggest challenges you're facing? 5. What are the biggest opportunities for growth? 6. How is your performance measured? 7. What is the next role you could be promoted to? 8. What background/training is needed for this job? 9. What is the interview process for this role? 10. What is the salary range for this job? Questions About the Employer 11. What do you like best about working here? 12. How would you describe the culture and leadership? 13. What would you change if you could? 14. How are decisions made in the organization? 15. What's the training and professional development like? 16. How much room for growth do you see here? 17. How does the salary/benefits compare to competitors? Questions About the Industry 18. Who are your biggest competitors? 19. What are the biggest challenges in the industry? 20. Would you say the industry is growing? Or not? 21. What opportunities do you see in the next 3 years? 22. Where are they doing exciting work? 23. Are there professional associations I should join? Questions to Wrap Strong 24. Who else do you suggest I speak to? 25. Can I be in touch if I see an opening here? 26. Is there anything else you want to share or think I should know? Notice what is not said: ❌ Keep your eyes open for me... ❌Let me know if you hear about anything... That will happen naturally if you make a good impression and when you STAY IN TOUCH. What's been key to you having a productive networking conversation? Share in the comments👇 🎉You've got this and I've got you!🎉 ♻️ Share to help job hunters find work! 🔔 Follow Sarah Baker Andrus for career strategies 📌 Want my full networking guide? Subscribe to my newsletter: https://lnkd.in/e2KtRRGH

I really appreciated this post from Sarah Baker Andrus — such great insight for anyone trying to make networking feel more genuine. In regulatory affairs, where roles can be so specialized, finding ways to connect meaningfully can make all the difference. I’d love to grow my network in this space, but I sometimes find it hard to start the conversation in a natural way. For those working in regulatory, compliance, or product stewardship — how do you usually break the ice or start that first professional exchange? #RegulatoryAffairs #Networking #CareerGrowth #Compliance #ProfessionalConnections #JobSearch

Earlier this summer, one of our leaders told me about an intern who had reached out for a networking chat. The student came prepared with questions—lots of them—but the conversation felt more like an interview than a connection. It made me realize something: I talk a lot about the importance of networking, but maybe I should be talking more about the importance of meaningful networking. Effective networking isn’t just about having a list of smart questions—it’s about being present, showing curiosity, and building a real connection. The article below gives some great questions to help in networking conversations. It also hits on an important point - it’s not often that someone shows you how to effectively network.