The Importance of Networking: Why Who You Know Still Matters

In the age of Linkedin, online job boards, and AI-powered recruitment, one thing remains unchanged: relationships still drive opportunity.

For professionals in Hospitality and Real Estate, whether you’re climbing the ladder, transitioning to a new role, or eyeing a board seat, networking isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a strategic necessity.

But networking isn’t about collecting business cards or shallow LinkedIn connections. It’s about cultivating authentic, mutually beneficial relationships that unlock access, insight, and influence.

Below are 7 reasons why it matters, & how to make it work for you.

---

1. Most Roles Especially Senior Ones Are Never Advertised

One of the best-kept secrets in Talent Acquisition is this: many senior-level roles are filled before they ever go live.

In fact, research suggests:

▪️ Up to 80% of roles at the Executive level are secured through personal or professional networks.

▪️ Internal referrals and direct introductions speed up hiring timelines and reduce risk for companies. Employees hired via referrals are up to 3× more likely to stay more than 3 years (Expert Beacon). 

▪️ Boards and Leadership teams often prioritise trusted relationships over cold applications.

This is especially true in Hospitality & Real Estate, where reputations are built over deals, development cycles, and sector events. Being visible and connected is often the difference between being considered or completely overlooked.

---

2. Networking Unlocks Insight, Not Just Opportunity

Networking isn’t just about asking for jobs. It’s also how you gain insider information:

▪️ What companies are restructuring or hiring?

▪️ Which firms are building out a new capability or market?

▪️ Who just raised capital or started a new venture?

These insights aren’t published online, they’re shared in conversations, often long before formal announcements are made. By staying close to your network, you position yourself to move earlier, faster, and smarter than others.

---

3. It’s Not About Selling, It’s About Staying Relevant

Many people avoid networking because they feel it’s transactional or awkward. But the best networking doesn’t feel like networking at all. It’s about, keeping in touch, offering help or insight & knowledge sharing and sharing value without an agenda.

Whether you’re meeting someone for coffee, speaking at a roundtable, or commenting on someone’s LinkedIn post, you’re reinforcing your presence and credibility in your industry.

And when a new role or opportunity comes up? You’ll already be top of mind.

“People hire people they know, trust, or have been recommended. Networking keeps you in the right conversations before they even begin.”

---

4. A Strong Network Future-Proofs Your Career

Your current role or company won’t last forever. Markets shift, leadership changes, redundancies happen. The professionals who navigate these changes most successfully are those who’ve built strong, active networks over time.

Networking future-proofs your career by giving you:

▪️ Options when markets dampen

▪️ Support when you need guidance

▪️ Leverage when negotiating roles, fees, or equity

It turns your career from reactive to resilient.

---

5. Networking Fuels Learning & Innovation

Surrounding yourself with the right people doesn’t just unlock opportunities, it sharpens your thinking Conversations with peers, mentors, or other industry leaders can:

▪️ Expose you to new ways of working

▪️ Spark ideas for strategy or innovation

▪️ Help you avoid common pitfalls

In a complex sectors like Hospitality & Real Estate where trends like ESG, technology, and capital markets are constantly evolving, staying connected keeps you sharp.

---

6. It’s Easier Than You Think (& it doesn’t have to feel awkward)

If the word “networking” makes you cringe, try reframing it. You’re not there to “get something.” You’re there to build relationships and bring something to the table, whether that’s insight, support, or just good conversation.

Here are easy ways to start:

▪️ Reconnect with three old colleagues this month

▪️ Attend one industry event each quarter

▪️ Join a professional association or leadership network

▪️ Send a note to someone whose article or post you admired

▪️ Ask for warm introductions rather than cold outreach

Networking isn’t just upward. Peers, juniors, and former teammates can all be valuable allies in your career journey.

---

7. Build Before You Need It

The worst time to build a network is when you desperately need one. Instead, invest in your network while things are going well:

▪️ Follow up after meetings

▪️ Check in even when you’re not looking

▪️ Offer introductions or insights to others

That way, when a change comes planned or not, you already have momentum and support.

---

Final Thoughts

In Hospitality & Real Estate, success isn’t just about what you know. It’s about who knows you, trusts you, and wants to work with you.

Networking doesn’t have to be a chore. It’s an investment in your career capital. One conversation, one coffee, one connection at a time.

And the stronger your network? The stronger your career will be.

Want to unlock new opportunities through powerful connections?
Contact Us or Subscribe to our Newsletter to stay in the loop.