Networking isn't just about meeting people. It's about following up. When someone says "let's grab coffee" after a conference, send them your Calendly link. No back-and-forth emails. They book a time, and you’re all set. 

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I have some news I want to share with you.

I was appointed as the commissioner for the National Career Development Association's Credentialing Commission. 

It's a big deal, and honestly, I'm really excited about it. 

It’s a culmination of over 20 years of work and dedication.

I took the Facilitating Career Developments course. 

Then I became an instructor. 

I also sat on the committee involved in rewriting for the student manuals - twice. 

And when they revised the credential process, I joined the pilot committee.

Every time there was an opportunity to contribute, I said yes. And along the way, I built relationships with people who are now the decision makers in our field.

Which is why today, I want to share my thoughts on networking with the hope that it can benefit other career professionals too.

Coaches join professional organizations, pay the membership fees (which aren't cheap), maybe consume some of the weekly content, and then wonder why they're not building their network or getting opportunities. 

They think networking is about showing up to a conference once a year and collecting business cards. 

But that's not how you build a network that actually opens doors.

You can't contribute expertise you don't have yet.

So start by actually taking the courses your professional organization offers. 

Get certified and learn the foundational knowledge. 

But don’t stop there.

Most career professionals get the credential and engage very little, other than maintain Continuing Education Units.

The ones who build solid networks keep progressing and become instructors. 

They volunteer to teach the next cohort and share what they learned with the people coming up behind them.

When you do this, you build your value and your credibility. But more importantly, you build stronger relationships. The people you teach remember you. 

They become part of your network and could end up referring new opportunities or clients.

It all starts with contribution. 

But it doesn’t stop there.

Every professional organization is constantly revising their materials. 

And they need people to sit on those committees to make this happen.

Coaches often ignore these opportunities because they think it's not worth their time.

But when you step up and volunteer, you get access to the people making decisions in your field. 

You work alongside experts and build relationships that don't happen at conferences or at work, because people get to experience the quality of your thinking and your work ethic.

So when a committee opportunity comes up...maybe it’s worth a second thought, 

This is where you build the kind of network that helps you advance your own career.

Real network building takes time.

That’s unlikely to happen by showing up for six months and expecting leadership positions. 

It's about being an active member for years. 

Showing up when they need volunteers. 

Participating when they ask for input. 

Contributing your expertise when opportunities arise.

I know that sounds like a long time. But think about it this way. You're going to be a coach for the long run right? 

So you can either spend that time just paying dues, or you can spend it building real credibility and a real network.

For me, this matters because my mission is for every career professional to have a foundational knowledge of career development. 

I want us all to speak the same language and work from the same baseline. 

And now, as a commissioner, I get to be part of the decisions that make that happen. 

But I only got here because I stayed active and consistent for years.

So what are you doing with your membership?

Professional organizations are investments. 

And like any investment, you only get returns if you actually put in the work.

You build your credibility through engagement. 

You build your network through contribution. 

You build your marketing brand through being active, not passive.

That's where the real opportunities are.

Heather

To learn more about me and what I do, visit my website 

Sign up for my free masterclass for career coaches here

Looking to become a credentialed career services professional?  Enrol in my FCD course