The 9 Networking Secrets Every 20-Something Should Know

Fact number one: You know you need to “network” to get ahead, the same way you know you need to “think outside the box.” Fact number two: Without examples, these corporate jargon phrases don’t mean anything. That’s why we asked professionals to be honest about the nitty-gritty of how they networked. And what we found out is something we always suspected: Networking is nothing more than developing and cultivating a relationship with a person you genuinely like and admire. Ahead, we've rounded up nine examples of networking done right — try one of these strategies with your own circle and see what happens.