Networking, Personal Branding, and Why Fear-Based Career Advice is Overrated

A lot of career coaching follows a simple formula:  

1. Make professionals feel like they’re failing.  

2. Introduce complexity to make them doubt their approach.  

3. Sell them the “one true way” to fix their career.  

It works, but it’s not the path I take. I have nothing against other coaches who use this model—it’s just not my style. My approach is different because it’s based on empowerment, not fear. Career growth isn’t about reacting to scarcity; it’s about clarity, alignment, and recognizing your own value.  

Networking: It’s a Two-Way Street  

Networking in job searches isn’t just about candidates reaching out—it’s also about companies looking for the right talent. The common narrative makes it sound like job seekers are desperately knocking on doors while companies sit on a throne, selecting the worthy few. In reality, it’s an ongoing process for both sides.  

The Candidate’s Side 

Networking isn’t just about adding people on LinkedIn or collecting business cards like Pokémon. It’s about forming genuine relationships, building trust, and being part of professional circles where opportunities arise organically. Companies don’t hire strangers—they hire people who come with some level of credibility, and that comes from connections.  

The Company’s Side  

Organizations network too. They use LinkedIn, executive search firms, and industry events to scout talent. The idea that companies don’t hire from LinkedIn is a myth—it happens every day. LinkedIn isn’t just a job board; it’s a branding tool for businesses, a place for hiring managers to stay in touch with potential candidates.  

Why My Approach is Different  

A lot of career coaching preys on doubt—telling job seekers that whatever they’re doing is wrong and that they need an urgent overhaul. But I see career growth as a collaborative process between candidate and coach, not a crisis that needs to be "fixed."  

1. Inner Clarity First – Instead of scrambling for quick fixes, we start by understanding what you actually want. What kind of work energizes you? What industries and roles align with your strengths? This is personal branding at its core—not just marketing yourself, but knowing your own value.  

2. Networking as a Natural Extension – Your network is already bigger than you think. It’s not just about adding people—it’s about engaging with the communities you’re already part of and expanding from there.  

3. You’re Not a Cog in the Machine – Traditional corporate narratives treat professionals like interchangeable parts. But my approach is rooted in Yoga and Vedanta philosophy—you’re not just a worker trying to fit into a system. You’re a cosmic being with a killer skill set. Career growth isn’t about bending yourself to fit job descriptions—it’s about aligning with the right opportunities.  

The Bottom Line  

Yes, networking matters. Yes, personal branding matters. But they’re part of an organic process, not a desperate scramble. You don’t need to buy into fear-based career advice. When you approach your career with clarity and confidence, the right doors open.  

So instead of worrying about what you’re doing wrong, focus on understanding your own trajectory. The rest will follow.