Map your network

When you're getting started with using your network, the first step is to get an overview. You'll be surprised by how many people you actually know – both close by and further out in your network.

Divide your network into 3 groups

An effective way to map your network is to divide your contacts into three groups: A, B, and C.

A-network: The closest

These are the people you know really well, and who know you just as well:

• Immediate family
• Close friends
• People you've studied or worked closely with

B-network: Those you know somewhat

People you have some contact with, but don't see that often:

• Neighbors
• People from sports or hobbies
• Acquaintances from your building
• Friends' parents or colleagues

C-network: Distant connections

People you may have only met once – but still have something in common with:

• People you've met at a party or conference
• Someone you have a weak connection to through others
• Former colleagues you haven't spoken to in a while

Important point: It's often the C-network that surprises the most. People you barely remember can turn out to have the contact you need.

Make your lists

Take a piece of paper or open a spreadsheet. Make three columns: A, B, and C.

Write down all the names you can think of. It's not about who you'll contact right now – but about getting an overview.

Once you start, you'll probably discover that you know many more than you thought.

Areas to start from

To make it easier, go through these areas and note everyone who comes up:

• Family and friends: Who do you know well?
• School and education: Old classmates, teachers
• Study mates: People from higher education
• Workplaces: Former colleagues and bosses
• Volunteer work: People from associations, organizations
• Hobbies and sports: Teammates, coaches
• Travel: People you've met on trips
• LinkedIn and social media: Your online connections
• Institutions: Parents from kids' school, neighbors
• Networking groups: Events you've attended

Use your network strategically

When you've written the lists, you can start thinking strategically:

• Who has a strong network themselves?
• Who works in an industry you're interested in?
• Who has contact with decision-makers?

Maybe someone moves from C to B – or you get inspired to contact someone you hadn't considered at all.

Save your lists

Your network isn't only relevant now. Save your lists somewhere you can easily find them again – they can be valuable throughout your working life.

Use a spreadsheet, a notebook, or your LinkedIn network as a starting point.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Underestimating your network: You know more people than you think
• Forgetting distant contacts: The C-network can surprise
• Not writing it down: Without a list, you'll forget people
• Skipping this step: Mapping is the foundation for activation

Practical tips

• Set aside 30 minutes to make your lists
• Use LinkedIn to remember people you've forgotten
• Divide into A, B, and C – it gives an overview
• Write everyone down – you'll sort later
• Save the lists for future use

Try it yourself

1. Take a piece of paper or open a spreadsheet
2. Make three columns: A, B, and C
3. Go through the areas above
4. Write all names that come up
5. Count – how many did you get?

Frequently asked questions

Next step

Now you have an overview of your network. The next step is to make it active – so people know you're looking for a job. In the next guide, you'll learn to activate your network effectively.