--- title: Networking Tips: 4 People Everyone Needs in Their Network description: Sure, a mentor is helpful, but they’re not the only one who can help your career canonical: https://time.com/4264903/people-network-need/ author: Lily Herman article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2016-03-21T13:00:05.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-08-04T07:44:56.193Z og:title: 4 Types of People Everyone Needs in Their Network og:description: Think beyond the mentor og:url: https://time.com/4264903/people-network-need/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt3118f0dcc02cf813/69888bb30a4a22b3499c8e2e/mentor-network.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 3968 og:image:height: 2232 og:image:alt: 78318067 og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: 4 Types of People Everyone Needs in Their Network twitter:description: Think beyond the mentor twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt3118f0dcc02cf813/69888bb30a4a22b3499c8e2e/mentor-network.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # 4 Types of People Everyone Needs in Their Network > Sponsored content. 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There is no cost and no subscription requirement. ### Sources * TIME Newsletters: [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=b2d5cc78-7204-4ee1-bca5-83350830a9f0&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1) ## Video: Some of The World's Most Powerful Women Share Their Personal Mottos [Watch (HLS stream): Some of The World's Most Powerful Women Share Their Personal Mottos](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/7O81EmSO.m3u8) (0:50)  _Published 2016-02-02_ by [Lily Herman](https://time.com/author/lily-herman/) ## Lily Herman Mar 21, 2016 1:00 PM UTC  Paper cutout chain Paper cutout chain Getty Images by [Lily Herman](https://time.com/author/lily-herman/) ## Lily Herman Mar 21, 2016 1:00 PM UTC Building and maintaining a network is daunting. Who’s really adding value to your career, and who’s simply another LinkedIn connection you don’t really talk to? “The most empowered and rewarding career is an intentional one,” says Millennial career coach [Ashley Stahl](http://www.ashleystahl.com/). “Your network _is_ your career potential in so many ways, and it’s crucial to be intentional in its creation.” Intentional networking doesn’t just benefit you, either. “Networking with a purpose not only helps you feel more organized and focused, it also helps the people you are networking with,” says career expert and personal branding strategist [Hannah Morgan](http://careersherpa.net/). “They know why you are reaching out and how they can help you.” (And they know they can count on you to return the favor.) Which types of people should you make sure you intentionally have in your network? Stahl and Morgan have four suggestions. **1\. The nerve center**Most people hate networking, Morgan says, and this is where having someone who’s connected and in-the-know comes in handy. Someone who acts as the nerve center doesn’t simply know everyone—this person also knows everything about everyone. But don’t think that you can connect with this person on LinkedIn and she’ll automatically know what to do to help you. It takes time and energy to build the relationship and ensure this person knows what your goals are. “You need to make sure this person clearly understands your message, and then they will take care of the rest,” says Morgan. After all, how can people help you if they don’t know what you need? **2\. The mentor**[Mentors](http://motto.time.com/4217558/multiple-mentors/) come in all shapes and sizes, and they can offer more emotional or information-based support (or both), says Stahl. The basic role of a mentor is to provide reassurance and wisdom in your career. Sometimes mentors might give you general guidance for handling tricky career situations, and others might be better for specific industry-related advice. The one thing all mentors have in common? Selflessness. “A great mentor is there to believe in you,” says Stahl. “If you’re lucky, you’ll find a mentor in your career who will help you with your confidence during times of career distress.” _Watch some of the world’s most powerful women share the best advice they’ve ever gotten:_ **3\. The sponsor**How does a sponsor differ from a mentor? They don’t just give you advice—“they show up when they really believe in your performance and results in your workplace,” says Stahl. Sponsors are typically people you work with (or who at least work in the same industry) and are a few rungs higher on the career ladder. They put a great deal of value in how well you do your job, and they will fight for you to move up, as well as give you the information you need to succeed in the office. Getting a sponsor, though, requires some real grit and hard work on your part; you can’t just show up at a networking event and find one. “It’s a relationship you can only access if you provide results at work and someone is inspired to believe in you to an extent where they are willing to help you reach new heights,” says Stahl. Having a sponsor in your arsenal can make all the difference when it comes to navigating office politics, promotions and simply excelling at work. **_Read more:_** [_Joy Mangano on How to Forge Your Own Path to Success_](http://motto.time.com/4263547/joy-mangano-success/) **4\.** **The sounding board**This person isn’t necessarily there to make connections or tell you how to do your job. Rather, they’re a natural listener who is interested in helping you think through your problems methodically and logically, which can be a huge asset to helping you tackle any number of career situations. The most important thing about finding a sounding board? Avoiding people who are “yes men” (or women) and will simply tell you what you want to hear. A sounding board isn’t meant to agree with you. They’re there to help you “evaluate your options and perhaps uncover new workarounds,” says Morgan. Look for someone who’s honest and constructive and who brings a fresh perspective—not someone who affirms everything that comes out of your mouth. [_Lily Herman_](http://www.lilyherman.com) _is a writer, editor and entrepreneur._ ## Transcript [ MUSIC ] I am Carolyn Everson. I work at Facebook and I run Global Marketing Solutions. And my motto is, life is short, create memories. I have a fortune cookie fortune. Which I've carried around for decades. Trust your instincts, they are valid. My motto is, you never know if you don't try. At the end of each week, make sure you've had an impact on someone's life. My motto is, bring someone along for the ride With you and make sure it's a great journey for both of you. >. There's only now. It's not how much you have, it's how much you have to give. My personal motto is live in the moment because you don't know if there is going to be a tomorrow. 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