Most people start networking when they need a job.
We all have been guilty of this
That’s already too late.
“One of the biggest career lessons I’ve learned in tech sales is that the best opportunities usually come from relationships you nurtured long before you needed anything.”
The top-tier tech companies rarely hire only based on your resume.
They hire based on trust. Reputation. Referrals. Timing. And the way people feel after interacting with you. When I got into LinkedIn I was networking with a lot of people there I reached out to random people that I had similar interests with years before I actually landed there.
A lot of people ask me how I ended up working alongside some of the most talented people in our industry. That didn’t happen by luck, it was intentional, a lot of networking, and of course being a good human being doesn’t hurt your chances.
The answer wasn’t one magical interview.
It was years of intentional relationship building.
Here are 10 lessons that helped me land opportunities at top-tier tech companies and continue opening doors throughout my career: Shout out to all of the amazing humans at TriNet, LinkedIn, Fortune, CoachHub – The digital coaching platform and Udemy who made all of this possible.
1. Start Networking Before You Need Something
Do not wait until you are unemployed, burnt out, or desperate. I always get reached out when someone is about to get fired or when they need something. Most of the relationships get built when during in between stages.
“Build relationships while things are going well.”
Your confidence is higher too compared to when you are in a survival state- it’s probably not the best indicator of your highest potential.
The strongest networks are built from genuine curiosity and consistency, not urgency.
People can feel the difference. Be curious about when you reach out to people what they enjoy and what are some of things that can be improved working there.
2. Stay in Touch Without an Agenda
One of the easiest mistakes people make is only reaching out when they need a referral or favor.
The people who stand out are the ones who check in simply to encourage, congratulate, support, or reconnect. Sending something a happy birthday voicemail/voicenote or just a warm encouragement such as “I appreciate your content lately, it’s making me think deeply about my relationships and how I would like to be more intentional about staying in touch with certain people.”
3. Add Value Before Asking for Value
You do not need to be rich, famous, or experienced to help people.
You can: • Share opportunities • Introduce great people • Recommend podcasts/books • Send useful articles • Celebrate someone publicly • Make thoughtful connections
The people who consistently add value stay top of mind. At this point you’d have thousands of conversations with people- keep in mind what they are thinking about or what they are looking to do in the future. If someone wants to start a podcast or you think of things that remind them of your network. For instance, it’s my third year being a Patron for SEO (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity) which has been an amazing opportunity to meet some of the most incredible human beings ever! I introduced Xer Cha, Edwin Aristor, MBA, and Radia Carr to Samantha Roa who runs this mentorship opportunity. It’s a win win for everyone.
4. Become a Connector
Some of the most influential people I know are not the loudest.
They are the best connectors.
If you know two people who could genuinely help each other, introduce them.
Do this enough over time and your network compounds.
Your reputation becomes: “Davidson always brings good people together.” My friend Radia is amazing at connecting good people together. She’s always finding ways to bring people that share similar interests as a way of building community. Good karma will always come back to help you in the end. The key is not think of life transactionally.
5. Build a Reputation Before You Need One
Top companies care about how you show up consistently.
Your LinkedIn posts. Your attitude. Your professionalism. Your energy. Your follow-through.
People are always quietly evaluating: “Would I want this person on my team?”
Your reputation is built in the small moments. At LinkedIn for instance, people know who will get the job a year in advance. The most intentional people are talking to their future teammates they are understanding whats going on, whats top of mind on the hiring manager’s minds. It seems like a lot of work because it often is. The most competitive companies will have hundreds of applicants for one opening often times.
6. Create Content That Reflects Your Thinking
One of the biggest unlocks in my career was realizing content is modern networking.
Your posts allow people to understand: • How you think • What you value • What you stand for • How you communicate
You no longer need to meet everyone in person for opportunities to find you. The beauty about today’s age if you are adding value you no longer have limits whereas 100 years ago you have to know people to get into publishing. There were a lot less ways to get your knowledge out there nowadays anyone can self publish.
7. Relationships Matter More Than Transactional Networking
People remember how you made them feel.
Especially in high-pressure industries like SaaS sales.
Some of the strongest relationships in my life came from genuine conversations about life, faith, burnout, mindset, family, and purpose – not just pipeline and quota.
Human connection matters. Just be a human at the end of the day- we all get it. We all have families, drama, lives, and moments that we are aren’t proud of at the end of the day. I remember Alex Metz would always say make time to mentor others. I would always tell him that will never go away. Now I understand what he meant because as you get busier and everyone wants your intention I’d be so busy that it’s taken me weeks to get back to some people. But at the end of the day you have to manage your energy as well.
8. Be Consistent, Not Performative
You do not need to post every day. You do not need to “hack the algorithm.”
You need consistency.
A thoughtful post once or twice a week for years can completely change your career trajectory.
Most people quit too early because results are not immediate. I never thought that I would have this many subscribers to my newsletter- Thank you for trusting in me and listening does make a difference. You will wake up one day and pinch yourself asking I can’t believe this is my reality and how can I continue to serve the world and leave a legacy?
9. Play the Long Game
Some opportunities take years.
I have had conversations that turned into opportunities 2–5 years later.
The person who ignored you today may become a hiring manager tomorrow.
Never burn bridges. Never lead with ego. Never underestimate timing. I had a hiring manager hire me when one of the leadership team went to a different company. It didn’t work out the first time but he reached back out to me when the timing was better which worked out perfectly because my skill sets improved during those 8 months.
10. Become the Type of Person Companies Want to Bet On
At the highest levels, companies are not just hiring skill sets.
They are betting on character. Resilience. Coachability. Emotional intelligence. Leadership. Presence.
The question becomes: “Can this person elevate the people around them?”
That matters more than most people realize.
One of the greatest gifts of networking has not been career advancement.
It has been the relationships, friendships, mentors, and perspective gained along the way.
Your network is not just about getting a job.
It is about becoming someone people trust, remember, and genuinely want to see win.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
If this article resonated with you, I’d love to hear your perspective.
What’s one networking lesson you learned the hard way throughout your career?
And for those earlier in their journey: What’s one area of networking or relationship building you struggle with the most today?
I read every comment and genuinely appreciate this community more than you know.
If you enjoy reflections around tech sales, emotional intelligence, career growth, faith, leadership, and authentic networking, feel free to subscribe to the newsletter.
My hope is that these lessons not only help you grow professionally, but also help you build deeper, more meaningful relationships along the way.