One of the biggest mistakes I see people make when it comes to networking is waiting until they need something to start building relationships.

In the Special Operations community, relationships are everything. You spend years building trust, working alongside people, and developing connections that often last a lifetime. Those relationships are built through shared experiences, mutual respect, and a willingness to help each other succeed. But somewhere along the way, especially when transitioning into the civilian workforce, networking can start to feel transactional. We see this regularly at the Special Operators Transition Foundation. Fellows sometimes come into the program thinking networking means reaching out to someone, sending a resume, and hoping it leads to a job opportunity. While that may occasionally work, it's not how you build a strong professional network. Networking is about building genuine relationships. It's taking the time to learn about someone's career, asking good questions, finding ways to provide value in return, and staying connected even when there isn't an immediate opportunity on the table. And this doesn't just apply to veterans transitioning out of the military. Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or someone who's been in the same industry for 20 years, the principle is the same. People are much more willing to help someone they know and trust than someone who only reaches out when they need something. One thing I regularly remind our Fellows is that the people they meet during their transition shouldn't disappear once they've landed a job. Those relationships can turn into lifelong friendships, mentorships, partnerships, and opportunities you never anticipated. Your network isn't something you should start building when you need a job or a favor. Take the meeting, make the introduction, check in occasionally, and be willing to help without expecting anything in return. The strongest networks aren't built around what people can do for you. They're built around the relationships you take the time to develop. Gareth Gorman Director of Programs SOTF Alum Retired Green Beret