At EDI-Staffbuilders International, Inc., we believe continuous learning is key to leadership. Recently, participants in our New Managers Program benefited from an insightful session on networking, expertly facilitated by our parent company, John Clements Consultants, Inc.—the Philippines’ leading local recruitment firm. A cornerstone of this session involved exploring powerful concepts from Harvard Business Publishing (HBP) literature. This article shares some key takeaways, blending HBP’s research-backed insights with our own experiences in the dynamic world of both local and international recruitment.
Networking: A Strategic Asset
For many, the word networking might conjure images of awkward small talk or a relentless exchange of business cards. However, viewed strategically, networking is one of the most powerful tools a manager, consultant, or any professional can possess. It’s not just about who you know but about building a web of mutually beneficial relationships that strengthen collaboration, innovation, and opportunity.
Our recent training underscored that effective networking goes far beyond mere socialization. Inspired by insights from Harvard Business Publishing, we explored several critical dimensions:
Intentional and Strategic Networking
It often emphasizes understanding the different “types” of networks professionals need: Operational (for getting current work done efficiently), Personal (for personal development and support), and Strategic (for future priorities and external trends). The training highlighted how new managers must consciously practice all three. A strong strategic network, for instance, helps us anticipate market shifts, identify emerging talent pools, and understand client needs beyond the immediate transaction. It requires proactively reaching out beyond our usual circles.
During my lecture in class, I always say, “As an educator, I instruct my students in calculating bifurcation points on coordinate grids, a quantitative technique for identifying major market shifts and monitoring emerging global market movements. While the resulting curves offer predictive cues, I also learned in our NMP’s Networking session that effective networking provides the essential qualitative insights needed to validate data and identify outliers, leading to a more comprehensive and accurate market understanding.”
Internal and External Networks Fuel Success
A key theme, often discussed in our lecture resources, is shifting from a “contact collecting” mindset to one focused on building genuine, high-quality relationships. It’s about authenticity. People connect with those they trust and respect. Instead of asking, “What can this person do for me?” the more effective approach, aligned with different principles, is “How can we potentially help each other?” or “What can I learn from this person?” This requires active listening and finding common ground, moving beyond purely transactional interactions.
Authenticity & Reciprocity: The Principle of Reciprocity and Adding Value
Effective networking, as emphasized, thrives on reciprocity. It’s about giving value before expecting to receive it. Think about how you can assist others in your network—perhaps by sharing relevant information, making an introduction, or offering your expertise. This “give-first” mentality builds goodwill and strengthens relationships organically. Over time, this approach naturally leads to reciprocal support and opportunities. In business development, relationships often precede results. Build trust and keep nurturing those connections even when there’s no immediate deal in sight. Authenticity makes you memorable. Be a human first, consultant second. Also, listen more than you speak—it builds trust.
Networking in Action at EDI Staffbuilders
As a leading international recruitment agency in the Philippines, networking is the lifeblood of what we do at EDI Staffbuilders in the international market.
For our Business Development teams, networking is crucial for identifying potential clients, understanding industry needs, and building lasting partnerships.
For our Recruitment Consultants, a strong network allows us to tap into passive candidate pools, gather market intelligence, and connect top talent with the right opportunities faster and more effectively.
Glen Pollarca, Senior Recruitment Consultant, EDI Staffbuilders International, Inc., shared:
“For me, the importance of networking became especially clear when you are in a go-to-market. While the primary goal was to solidify existing client relationships, the unplanned encounters proved equally valuable. In one instance, a chance meeting with a prominent Saudi entrepreneur opened our eyes to a whole new market segment. The sales team can discuss the growing demand for highly skilled professionals in areas like tech, facility management, and engineering—needs we were perfectly positioned to address as recruiters. This unexpected connection that our sales team experienced not only expanded our network but also revealed potential new avenues for placing Filipino talent, highlighting how crucial networking is for discovering hidden opportunities in the recruitment landscape.”
For our Managers, networking provides insights into leadership best practices, industry trends, and potential collaborations that benefit the entire team.
Strategic Networking: A Core Competency for Success
The principles discussed during our New Managers Program—drawing from the expertise of John Clements Consultants, Inc. through its learning arm, and the depth of Harvard Business Publishing research—reinforce that strategic, authentic networking is not just a “soft skill”; it’s a core competency for success in today’s interconnected business environment. By consciously applying principles like understanding network types, focusing on authentic connections, and embracing reciprocity, anyone can build stronger, more valuable professional relationships.
Ready to Build Stronger Connections?
Take your networking skills to the next level with insights that drive results. As the learning arm of John Clements Consultants, the John Clements Leadership Institute equips professionals with strategies rooted in real-world recruitment experience.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your leadership development journey.
