For many young people (and adults), the word networking can feel intimidating. 

But at its heart, networking isn’t about collecting contacts. It’s about building genuine relationships rooted in clarity, confidence and mutual value. 

At Inclusive Futures CIC, we help young people build the confidence and resilience to step into rooms as their future selves. And networking is one of the most powerful life skills they can develop. 

So, what Is Networking? 

Networking is the ability to build and nurture meaningful professional relationships. 

It’s about: 
• Sharing who you are and what you care about 
• Listening to others with curiosity 
• Identifying shared interests or opportunities 
• Creating connections that may grow over time 

Done well, networking isn’t about “selling yourself.” It’s about building trust. 

The 3 Pillars of Networking: Know. Like. Trust. 

We have created the 3 pillars of networking, to make the process easy.  

1. KNOW 
Before anyone else can understand what you offer, you need clarity yourself.

Know: 
• What you want to give 
• What you’re curious about 
• What you want to say about yourself 
• What “good” looks like for you in a conversation 
• What behaviours you want to avoid (over-talking, underselling, apologising, etc.) 

When young people understand their strengths, values and aspirations, their confidence shifts dramatically. 

2. LIKE 
People connect with people, not job titles, and therefore building rapport is essential. This includes: 

• Being present 
• Active listening
• Asking thoughtful questions
• Matching and mirroring energy and body language naturally
• Looking for genuine common ground
• Allowing yourself to enjoy the conversation

Likeability isn’t about being performative. It’s about warmth and attentiveness. 
When we realise that we don’t need to impress – just connect – networking becomes far less intimidating. 
 

3. TRUST 
Trust is what turns a conversation into a relationship.

Trust grows when you: 
• Do what you say you’ll do 
• Follow up when you promise to 
• Maintain confidentiality 
• Act with integrity and honesty 
• Show authenticity rather than trying to “fit in” 
 
Reliability builds reputation. Authenticity builds long-term credibility. 
For young people navigating early career spaces, learning this early is transformative. 
 

Why Networking Matters for the Next Generation 

Networking builds: 
• Communication skills 
• Self-awareness 
• Opportunity awareness 
• Professional confidence 
• Resilience in new environments 

Most importantly, it helps young people begin to see themselves as future professionals. When they can articulate who they are and where they’re heading, something shifts. They stop waiting for permission and start stepping forward. 

If you believe that the young people you work with would benefit from coaching to build confidence, clarity and a stronger sense of their future self, we’d love to support. 

Get in touch with our director Jess to explore how Inclusive Futures CIC can work with your school, college or organisation. 

Who are we?  

At Inclusive Futures CIC, we provide support in the form of inclusive coaching and training that helps leaders create transformational, inclusive changes within their organisations. Whether you’re looking to enhance your coaching for yourself or your team, develop your leadership skills, support your team’s growth, or embed inclusive coaching practices into your organisation by building your own coaching skills, we can help.  

Email Jess – jess@inclusivefutures.co.uk   
   

Jess Woodsford is Co-founder and Director at Inclusive Futures CIC, specialising in our work for education. Learn more about Jess and connect with her on LinkedIn  here.