What a “Network” really is?

Hey again,

Welcome to the second edition of my newsletter. Before the how, lets talk about the WHAT: What even is a network?

What do you think when you hear the word?

For many people, it conjures up corporate dinners, exchanging business cards, or uncomfortable small talk at some conference you don’t even want to be at. But to me, your real network isn’t built there.

It’s not about status. It’s not about being flashy. It’s not about LinkedIn connections for the sake of it.

At its core, your network is a web of people, people who expose you to new ideas, offer different perspectives, challenge you to grow, and stand by you when you need to steady yourself.         

A true network can advance your career, unlock opportunities, validate your thinking, and even help you implement bold ideas. It serves as your personal board of directors, your sounding board, your mirror, and sometimes your anchor.

And that applies to everyone: New leaders. Students. Job-seekers. Entrepreneurs. Senior professionals.Everyone. You too.

And here’s something no one tells you enough:

The most meaningful help often comes from outside your “obvious” circle.

Your friends, family, close colleagues, they’re amazing. But sometimes, the advice you need, the perspective you’re looking for, or the door that opens for you, comes from someone who starts as a faint acquaintance, a mentor, a professor, a colleague you once had a great conversation with. That’s your network too.

Let’s talk about the six kinds of support a healthy network can bring:

1. Access to information
2. Political support and influence
3. Personal development and coaching
4. Emotional energy and encouragement
5. A sense of purpose and self-worth
6. Work-life balance and perspective

You may not have people in all six categories right away. And you may not consciously sort your relationships this way. But, trust me, you’re already doing it in your head.

And please, please don’t assume someone must be senior or high-profile to matter in your network.

Some of the deepest connections I’ve formed have been based on shared trust, not titles.

Like the professor at Audencia who’s now a close friend and my coach. Or the people I used to report to, who now call me to share things they wouldn’t share with anyone else. Or the government officer who’ll always reach out with a question, not because I have the answers, but because they trust I’ll hold space. It all started in the very same way how any relationship would have. What matters is the depth it has now.

Some of these relationships have become deeply personal. Some have created unexpected opportunities.

Sometimes, it’s both. That’s the beauty of it.

Because real networking is not about a give-and-take scorecard.        

It’s about building relationships because they feel real. And sometimes, yes, those connections blossom into partnerships, referrals, collaborations, but only because the foundation was already there.

So don’t box people into “friends” and “useful connections.” It’s all human relationships.

Here’s the truth:

Networking is friendship, with purpose. Sometimes professional. Sometimes emotional. Sometimes spiritual. Often a mix of all three.

And just like any real relationship, it takes effort. You can’t expect someone to show up for you when you’ve never shown up for them. A simple check-in, remembering what matters to them, sharing something that reminded you of them, it all counts. That’s the “work” of networking. And it’s worth it.

It’s not a chore.

It’s not cringe.

It’s connection.

And isn’t that what makes life richer?

So maybe, just maybe, the next time you hear the word “networking,” you’ll feel a little warmer toward it.

Maybe you’ll smile and think, "Yeah, I do have a network. And I’m going to keep showing up for it."

Let me know if this was helpful :)

Till next time,

Archita.