Hi there, it’s Jill!

At Anchor Growth, we talk about networking a lot: from standard best practices to how to approach executives with confidence (and if you’d like the Executive Networking Checklist & Workbook, you can grab it by referring a friend at the end of this post).

But here’s the thing: we often focus on how to network, and less on whom we should be networking with. Building your network isn’t just about quantity, it’s about balance: The people in your circle should bring you different perspectives, open new doors, and support you through different stages of your career.

So today, let’s talk about four key groups you want to have in your network:

Let’s dive in.

These are your peers: classmates, friends, or colleagues who share a similar level of experience. It’s natural to feel most comfortable with this group. You likely share hobbies, struggles, and stories that make it easy to bond and feel like you belong.

Peers are invaluable for emotional support and swapping “in the trenches” insights. They might say, “Here’s how I handled that client situation,” or “This is how our team approached a similar project.”

That said, peers often mirror our own experiences, so their advice may not always stretch our thinking or prepare us for the next leap. Still, they typically make up 60–80% of our networks (and often even more right after graduation) — and that’s perfectly okay.

This group is gold for career growth. These are the people who have just walked the path you’re about to take. They may be a level above you at work or peers who’ve recently landed the role, or project you aspire to.

Think back to school: those who were one or two grades ahead always seemed to know what’s coming next. They had advice on which classes to take, which professors to watch out for, or which internships mattered most.

In the workplace, it’s the same — they have a “preview” of the road ahead, and learning from their journey can help you avoid mistakes and better prepare for opportunities.

These are your industry veterans, often senior leaders or executives with decades of experience. They’ve seen trends come and go, led teams through challenges, and built a perspective that only time can bring.

It’s easy to feel intimidated reaching out to this group, but here’s a reframe: many of them want to support promising talent. They remember what it was like being in your shoes, and they’re often looking for the next generation to mentor or champion.

When you do connect with senior leaders, be thoughtful. Have a clear reason for reaching out, show respect for their time, and come prepared with focused questions. Their insights can accelerate your growth far faster than trial-and-error alone.

Finally, don’t underestimate those who may not be close to your field but are deeply invested in you. This could be a professor who believed in your potential, a mentor you met at an event, or even a friend working in a completely different sector.

Because they come from a different world, they bring fresh perspectives you wouldn’t get otherwise. Sometimes they’ll offer life advice rather than technical career tips, and that can be just as valuable.

They can remind you to think big-picture, encourage you when you’re doubting yourself, and help you see possibilities beyond your current lane!

Networking isn’t about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections. It’s about cultivating a diverse circle of relationships that help you grow in different ways.

When you build with balance, your network becomes a web of support, wisdom, and opportunities that grows with you over time.

So here’s a little exercise: take five minutes this week to sketch out your current network. Which group feels strongest for you? Which one feels a little light? That’s your signal for where to focus next.

Cheers to your journey!

— Jill

Founder of Anchor Growth Newsletter

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