Stop Reaching Out Only When You Need Something: Build Relationships Now

Let’s talk about something that comes up a lot—especially when we’re trying to move up, pivot careers, or navigate sticky workplace dynamics.

Too many people wait until they need something to build a connection.

You’ve seen it. A job opens up at your company and suddenly your LinkedIn DMs start blowing up. Folks you haven’t heard from in years are reaching out, asking if you can put in a word for them. And while you may want to help, let’s be honest—it’s hard to advocate for someone you don’t know. You’re not going to put your name on the line for someone who hasn’t built any kind of relationship with you.

And guess what? The same is true for you in your workplace.

You cannot wait until promotion season or a leadership opportunity shows up to start “connecting” with people. It’s obvious when the interest is transactional. You’re not fooling anybody. Real influence, real support, and real advocacy come from relationships that are built with intention, not desperation.

So how do you do this? You don’t need to force it or suddenly become best friends with everyone. Start small. Be thoughtful. Check in on people. Congratulate them on a recent win. Ask them about their team’s work. Offer help where it makes sense. These things sound simple—and they are—but they build something powerful over time: trust.

And when trust is there, conversations hit differently. People remember how you made them feel. They’re more willing to support you, speak your name in rooms you’re not in, and pull you into opportunities you didn’t even know existed.

Here's something to reflect on: Are the people you work with only hearing from you when you need something? Or have you taken the time to build a connection rooted in respect and genuine interest?

Because if your name is going to be in someone’s mouth, make sure it’s not just showing up in the “ask.”

____________________________________________________________

Ready to dive deeper into workplace strategy and career growth?
This post is based on Tip #60 from my book Career Gymnastics—available now wherever books are sold.
Stay tuned for Blog Post #3, where we’ll talk about how to make your work visible—without feeling like you’re bragging.

#CareerGymnastics #NetworkingWithPurpose #WorkplacePolitics #AuthenticConnections