Stay connected before you need to.

I used to think networking was all about meeting new people. Going to events, sending cold emails, “putting myself out there.”

Over time, I realized that some of my best opportunities didn’t come from brand-new connections. They came from people I already knew. People I made the effort to stay in touch with.

In today’s crazy market, maintaining relationships matters more than ever.

For mid and senior level designers this is especially important. You’ve spent years building relationships with mentors, teammates, collaborators, maybe even people you’ve led. And around this point in your career it becomes so easy to go heads-down in projects or leadership responsibilities and let those connections just drift away.

You tell yourself: I’ll reach out when I need to.

But by that time it can feel awkward. It's like you’re reintroducing yourself instead of continuing a relationship.

I've learned that staying connected doesn’t mean adding “networking” to your to-do list. It’s all about the small, ongoing habits that keep the relationship alive:

Reacting to someone’s post or project update with a like and comment
Sharing a small career win or lesson learned that invites a response
Sending a short note when you see a former teammate do something cool
Asking someone’s opinion on something you’re exploring, not because you need help, but because you value their perspective

These small connections compound and build trust over time. And when you do need to ask for advice, a referral, or some perspective, it feels a bit more natural not transactional.

I’ve seen this happen in my own career

There have been times when a quick check-in message turned into a collaboration, a referral, or just a fun conversation that reminded me why I chose this field in the first place.

So if you’re reading this and thinking of someone you haven’t talked to in a while then take this as your sign.

Send that message. Make it short, genuine, and with absolutely no agenda.

Just saying hi is enough.

Just like good design: strong relationships get better with iteration.

Keep going.

– Anthony

A Simple Habit

Here's an approach I've developed to stay connected with those in my network.

Try this once a quarter:

Reach out to:

3 former coworkers
3 PMs or engineers you liked working with
3 designers you respect

No ask. No agenda.

Just a thoughtful touchpoint.

Nine messages.

That’s it.

P.S. If you're serious about leveling up your design career, here are three ways to work with me... all focused on getting you hired or promoted faster.

Portfolio Review (Video Audit) – If your portfolio isn’t converting, nothing else matters. I’ll record a direct, no-fluff 20-minute review of your case studies so you know exactly what to fix and what to remove.
$95 — “My callback rate doubled after Anthony’s audit”
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1:1 Career Strategy Session – Stuck on a project, interview, or promotion? Bring me the real problem. You’ll leave our 50-minute intensive knowing exactly what to fix, what to remove, and what to focus on next.
$175 — “The most clarity I’ve had in my career in years”
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Career Accelerator (3-Session Intensive) – For designers ready to move into Senior or Lead roles. We’ll refine your portfolio, sharpen your positioning, and map out your next promotion, step by step.
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If you’re curious how I work with designers 1:1, you can explore more here.