Have you ever been stuck on a level of Candy Crush? You try every move you can think of, but nothing works. You're frustrated, ready to give up, and convinced the level is impossible. Then you search YouTube, find a short video, and suddenly you have the steps to pass it. Just like that, you move up a level.
Networking for career growth works the same way. It has levels. And many people get stuck playing the same one for many years. Is that you today?
Why Networking Up matters for your career
You've probably been told networking is about making sales or finding clients. It's not. The real goal of networking is to start conversations. Because nothing - not opportunities, not partnerships, not growth - happens without a conversation. But there is a catch: If you only talk to the same people about the same things, you'll stay in the same place. To move forward, you need new conversations at new levels, with people who stretch your thinking, challenge your comfort zone, and open doors you didn't know existed. That's what it means to Network UP. And that's where our aim should always be, UP.
Why do we get stuck on the same networking level?
It's easy to stay in our safe circle - people we know, people we like, and people just like us. They understand our world, and that's comforting. But growth rarely happens in comfort zones. If your career, business, or confidence has plateaued, ask yourself: Are you still playing on the same level of conversation you were at a year ago? Maybe you're longing for a promotion, dreaming of starting something new, or simply wanting more purpose and progress in your career. To get there, you need to change your conversations.
"To change your trajectory, you must change the level of your conversations." – John Watson
Four steps to Network UP for career advancement
Here are four simple but powerful steps to move from where you are to where you need to be.
Step 1: Build confidence to network at higher levels
If you don't believe you belong in new rooms, you'll never walk into them.
Start by saying: "I am worthy of connecting in new spaces, on new levels. I have value to give and lessons to learn."
Say it every day. Say it until you believe it. Say it when you walk into new rooms. This mindset shift is the foundation of every new level.
Step 2: Let go of unproductive networking habits
You can't level up until you let go. That means saying no to what no longer serves your growth - the same events, same circles, or same conversations that keep you comfortable but ultimately stagnant.
Take a moment to write down:
- I need to stop seeing these people…
- I need to stop going to these places…
- I need to stop wasting time on…
You need space to focus on what will help you. When you create space by saying no, you make room for better opportunities to say yes too.
Step 3: Say yes to strategic networking opportunities
Once we say no then it's time to open the door to new levels where we can:
- Say yes to conversations that stretch you.
- Say yes to introductions that intimidate you a little.
- Say yes to people who make you think bigger.
Networking doesn't always mean abandoning your old connections, it can also mean changing the quality of those conversations.
Try saying: "We always talk about X, but I'm working on Y right now. Could we talk about that instead?"
That's how you turn familiar faces into new opportunities. And when you meet someone new - especially someone a few levels ahead - approach them with curiosity, not comparison. Ask questions. Learn. Listen. They are probably helping others already, so why not you.
Step 4: Add value before asking for career advice
This is the step that separates talkers from connectors. When you meet someone new, always add value before asking for value.
It can be as simple as showing genuine interest:
- "I saw your recent post about X - I really liked your perspective."
- "I noticed you support this cause - tell me more about what drew you to it."
Adding value makes you memorable and keeps the door to new levels open. Then, once you've built rapport, make one clear, specific ask: "I admire how you've managed your career growth - how did you know it was time to take the next step?"
Specific questions get specific answers. General questions get general advice. That's how you keep the conversation moving forward, and yourself along with it.
Start networking UP today
Networking up for career advancement isn't about chasing status - that's shallow and unsustainable. It's about expanding your world by expanding your connections. It's saying, "I'm ready for new conversations, new confidence, and new challenges."
Whether you're rebuilding your career after a break, growing a business, or stepping into leadership - your next level starts with the words you choose and the rooms you enter. So put Candy Crush aside for a few minutes. Open WhatsApp or LinkedIn. Send that message. Start that conversation. Your next level is waiting, and you're worthy of it.
Article written by John Watson, a CA(SA) turned business networking specialist with a talent for connecting people, ideas, and opportunities. His approach to networking is centred around giving first and being a very useful person to know. Learn more about John here: Learn more about John.
