Everyone tells you to network with hiring managers and people at your target companies. That's not wrong — but it's also not the whole picture. The people I've seen build careers the fastest aren't just targeting decision-makers. They're finding connectors first.
A connector is someone who genuinely loves bringing people together. They have a big network, they're generous with it, and they get real satisfaction out of making an introduction that works out. You know the type — on LinkedIn, they've got 500+ connections, they post and comment constantly, and they tend to show up in leadership roles for clubs, alumni groups, or volunteer organizations. They're not hard to spot once you know what you're looking for.
To get a connector to go to bat for you, you have to be worth betting on. That means having integrity, showing up with something to offer, and — this is the big one — following through. Every single time. Because when a connector introduces you to someone, they're putting their own name on the line. If you drop the ball, you're not just letting yourself down. You're making them look bad in front of someone they care about. And they will remember.
On the flip side, when things go well, loop them in before the other person does. Tell them what happened. Thank them specifically. Say something kind. Now you're someone they trust — and the next time an opportunity crosses their desk, you're one of the first people they think of.
I've made a lot of introductions over the years, and the pattern is always the same. Some people follow up, say thank you, and keep me posted. Some disappear entirely. Some I have to find out through a third party that the opportunity didn't work out. I always remember which category someone fell into.
The world is smaller than it looks. Treat the connectors in your network well, and you're not just keeping one relationship alive — you're keeping a door open to everything behind it.
© 2026 Rachel Hong · Accelerator Consulting