Investing in Relationships: The Value of Networking
In today’s professional world, the saying “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” holds true, but it’s the value behind those relationships that truly matters. The importance of networking isn’t about quick wins; it’s about building meaningful relationships that can create new opportunities over time. At Chesapeake Search Partners, we’ve seen how consistently nurturing these connections can create lasting success for individuals and companies.
Kristin (Sudina) Freitag, Senior Search Consultant, shares her perspective on the value of networking, “Attending networking events has been instrumental in building lasting relationships and expanding my client base across various industries. Many of our successful placements and new job opportunities have come directly from connections made at these events. Additionally, candidate and client referrals often stem from the relationships I have cultivated through networking. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to regularly attend events to strengthen your personal and company brand.”
Patrick Fitzgerald, Assistant Director, brings insight grounded in real experience—at one event while talking with someone he knew, he was referred to another individual looking to hire multiple sales roles. “It’s all about engagement. Networking doesn’t end at the event. It’s what you do afterward that truly matters. Following up is crucial to building and nurturing those relationships. It’s about staying connected, recognizing familiar faces at multiple events, and recalling the conversations you’ve had to create a lasting impression. By showing genuine interest and staying engaged, you position yourself as memorable and reliable, keeping yourself top of mind when they might need your expertise or assistance in the future.”
Kristin and Patrick’s experiences underscore the dual benefits of networking: strengthening your personal reputation while amplifying your company’s visibility. Networking is about more than just immediate job opportunities or clients. The value of networking derives from building a community of trusted professionals, learning from others, and staying engaged for future collaborations. We understand that relationships built over time create the foundation for success. Who you know and how you nurture those connections can make all the difference in the long run.
Networking Tips
Be Consistent.
Make it a priority to attend at least one networking event per month. Consistency helps you build trust and familiarity within your network.
Follow Up.
Don’t let a great conversation end at the event. Send a follow-up email or connect on LinkedIn to keep the relationship alive.
Listen More Than You Speak.
Show genuine interest in others by asking thoughtful questions and actively listening. People who feel heard and valued are more likely to remember you.
Leverage Your Network.
Referrals often come from those who know and trust you. Don’t hesitate to ask your contacts for introductions or recommendations and be willing to offer them the same.