You can be talented, hardworking, and good at what you do—but if nobody knows what you can do, opportunities may pass you by.

This is where professional relationships matter.

Networking is not about knowing important people or trying to impress everyone. It is about building genuine relationships with people, learning from others, sharing what you know, and making yourself visible in your field.

Sometimes, your next opportunity may come through someone who remembers your work.

Someone you volunteered with.

Someone you worked with.

Someone you helped.

Someone you met at an event.

Someone who saw your skills and remembered you when an opportunity came up.

Don't Hide Your Skills

Many people are waiting for someone to discover them.

But you also have a responsibility to show what you can do.

Share your work when appropriate.

Build a portfolio.

Participate in professional conversations.

Attend useful events.

Connect with people in your industry.

Volunteer for projects that allow you to gain experience.

You don't have to announce yourself loudly. Just let your work speak where it needs to be heard.

Build Relationships, Not Contacts

Networking should not be about collecting hundreds of phone numbers or social-media connections.

A good professional relationship is built on trust.

Be helpful.

Keep your word.

Respect people's time.

Celebrate other people's progress.

Stay in touch.

And don't only contact people when you need something.

The person you meet today may not have an opportunity for you tomorrow—but genuine relationships can grow over time.

Your Reputation Travels

The way you work matters.

People remember whether you are reliable.

They remember how you treat others.

They remember whether you deliver.

They remember whether you can be trusted.

Your CV tells people what you have done.

Your reputation tells people what they can expect from you.

So as you build your career, don't focus only on qualifications.

Build relationships.

Build credibility.

Build a reputation for good work.

And remember:

Opportunities are sometimes found through skills, but they are often opened through relationships.

Make sure the right people know the value you bring.

WODI: Building an inclusive community for Women and Families!