The evolving workplace demands a shift from traditional networking—centred on expanding contacts for short-term gain—toward community building, which fosters deeper, value-driven connections. The new model emphasises relational and long-term collaboration, creating environments that promote shared growth and a broader definition of success. This transformation reflects the increasing need for more meaningful ways of navigating careers in today’s dynamic world.

For those seeking sustainable growth, real value creation and overall work fulfilment, the focus is shifting away from traditional networking towards a more relational and value exchange driven way of working and collaborating.

Traditional networking vs. a community building based approach

Traditional networking often involves attending industry events, exchanging business cards, and connecting on professional platforms like LinkedIn. The focus can typically be on making as many connections as possible to achieve specific, immediate goals, such as finding job leads, landing clients, or getting referrals. Characteristics of this approach include:

• Transactional Focus: Relationships are based on immediate, tangible benefits. Networking is often seen as a means to an end, rather than an ongoing process of mutual support.
• Short-Term Orientation: Interactions may be brief, with little effort to maintain the relationship after achieving the desired outcome.
• Quantity Over Quality: Success is measured by the number of contacts made rather than the depth of relationships formed.

A community building based approach, on the other hand, redefines networking as a more relational and long-term process. It centres on creating spaces where collaboration, shared learning, and mutual support are prioritised. Characteristics of community building include:

• Relational Approach: The focus is on forming deeper, authentic relationships that encourage ongoing engagement and meaningful interaction. It’s about building networks of people who are invested in each other’s growth.
• Long-Term Commitment: The relationships formed are meant to last. Community members continuously contribute to each other’s development, leading to sustainable growth.
• Quality Over Quantity: Emphasis is placed on the strength of connections rather than the number of contacts. The goal is to create a network where every member adds value.
• Value Exchange: The community thrives on reciprocity, with members sharing knowledge, resources, and support. The value comes from what each person can offer and gain over time, rather than in a single exchange.

How this new approach has a greater impact on your long term career growth and success

Shifting from traditional networking to community building brings distinct benefits, making it a more adaptive and fulfilling approach to career development and can also result in bigger, more meaningful changes to your career. Here’s how this new model drives collaboration, career growth, and broadens definitions of success:

1. Collaborative Learning: Unlike traditional networking, which may involve surface-level information sharing, community building fosters a culture of continuous learning. Members actively engage in sharing insights, experiences, and expertise. This creates an environment where everyone learns and grows together.
2. Deeper, Trust-Based Relationships: Community building emphasises long-term, relational connections. Members are not merely contacts in a database but trusted collaborators who genuinely support one another’s professional and personal growth. This creates a support system that goes beyond immediate career needs.
3. Expanding Success Metrics: Traditional networking often measures success in fairly limited ways while the new approach seeks to expand success to also include diverse definitions of success, such as skill development, personal growth, work-life balance, and meaningful work experiences. This approach acknowledges the holistic nature of career fulfilment.
4. Encouraging Value Exchange: The transactional nature of traditional networking can limit the depth of interactions. Community building, by contrast, revolves around ongoing contributions and mutual benefits. Members regularly share resources, provide mentorship, and engage in problem-solving together. This ongoing exchange of ideas, resources, and support creates a culture that values shared growth over individual gain and value creation.
5. Career Resilience & Adaptability: A community provides support during career transitions, offering guidance, opportunities, and a wealth of collective knowledge. This approach builds resilience, as members are better equipped to navigate changes in the job market and industry disruptions.
6. Getting the job you really want: Overall, being in a community that understand you and aligns with your values can lead you to getting the job you truly want and that truly aligns with you.

Overall, as traditional career paths become less linear, success will increasingly be enhanced by the relationships you’re able to build and maintain over time.

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How you can adapt your networking approach

To embrace this new model of networking, consider the following steps:

1. Start with Shared Interests or Challenges: Identify common goals or passions that connect you with others.
2. Facilitate Engagement Opportunities: Create spaces for regular interaction, such as online forums, workshops, or collaborative projects.
3. Promote Value Exchange: Encourage members to share knowledge and resources freely.
4. Adapt to Community Needs: Stay responsive to the evolving interests of the group.
5. Measure Success Holistically: Recognise achievements beyond traditional career milestones, such as learning experiences and contributions to the community.

Moving beyond traditional networking towards community building marks a significant shift in professional development. It prioritises deep, relational connections over transactional exchanges, fostering collaboration and shared growth. In this new model, success is defined by ongoing learning, adaptability, and meaningful contributions.

Building Community at Careers&Things

At Careers&Things, this is exactly the kind of community we’re working to build and we’re excited to continue on that journey with you! Stay tuned as we continue to build out our community offering :)

Best,

Nonjabulo Zondi

Founder, Careers&Things

C&T Tech Jobs Board

🚀 Entry level roles

1. Inbound Sales Future Talent Pool. iKhokha. Entry - Mid level. Durban, South Africa.

2. Customer Service Rep. Mukuru. Entry - Mid level. Johannesburg, South Africa.

🚀 Mid - Senior level roles

1. Product Manager - Customer Operations. Mukuru. Mid - Senior level. Cape Town.

2. Performance Marketer. Bash. Mid level. Cape Town, South Africa.

3. Content Strategist. Blacfox Mid level. Johannesburg, South Africa.

4. Program Manager, Global Learning. Amazon. Cape Town, South Africa.

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Our Services

We offer a range of services to help you discover, transition into, and thrive in digital, future-fit careers that include CV review and writing, career transition coaching and providing up-skilling.

visit our website on www.careersandthings.com or email us on careersandthings@gmail.com to learn more about our services.

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About Us

Careers&Things is a tech careers and personal development platform. We specialise in supporting entry to mid-level professionals position themselves better for the job search market through training, webinars, events, and more.

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