How to be a networ-KING: A Professional Guide to Building Meaningful Connections with DECA! (with Luka Dominguez)

Understanding Networking and its Strategic Value.

Networking transcends exchanging names or collecting contacts; it is a powerful and deliberate skill that shapes academic, professional, and personal trajectories. In our increasingly interconnected world, some of the most transformative and profound opportunities emerge through the connections you make with people. Knowing how to present yourself in an inviting way, communicate effectively, and maintain relationships will open doors that would otherwise remain perpetually closed. At its core, networking is the strategic process of building and sustaining mutually beneficial relationships. Join me today in learning the art of becoming a “networ-KING” (or queen!) and master the art of connection with confidence.

Networking stands among the most critical skills for modern professionals because of its direct impacts on your access to opportunities. No matter what you do (DECA, sales, management, healthcare, real estate, etc.), networking is the best way to propel yourself into your future. Research consistently demonstrates that many internships, jobs, leadership roles, and collaborations come from referrals rather than public listings.

Consider this perspective: everyone goes through their own distinct experiences, successes, and failures. Through effective networking, you can have the knowledge and experience of hundreds of successful people and learn from them directly. By speaking to people, asking for their advice, and applying it to your own life, you will be an amalgamation of brilliant minds. Strong relationships help people grow faster and navigate challenges with borrowed experience. Now let's dive a little deeper into the importance of networking in DECA: leveraging your network, attaining valuable resources, and developing professional confidence.

The DECA Advantage: Leveraging a World-Class Network

DECA offers one of the most robust student leadership networks in the world, creating an unparalleled environment to build relationships. Taking advantage of the resources DECA provides is crucial. Every conference, competition, Power Trip, seminar, workshop, and more are designed to give you opportunities to meet new people and introduce DECA members to future opportunities. A brief conversation with a state officer could be the spark that lights your leadership journey, a conversation with a business professional could offer you mentorship or career guidance, and even a small conversation with your peers could open the door to collaborations and more opportunities. For example, my networking at past Power Trips led me to the connection which allowed me to contribute to DECA Connect in the first place! The shared passion and common goals within the DECA community create natural conversation foundations. While many of these connections may seem modest initially, they can evolve into enduring professional relations that have the potential to span decades.

Attaining and Accessing Valuable Resources

Strong networks provide access to valuable resources that catalyze success. In DECA, these resources are often manifest as forms of strategic advice, industry insights, and real-world experiences. Your connections always have a chance to share what they have learned with you, which can be harnessed to accelerate your development. In my personal experiences, many of my connections made through networking have invited me to zoom calls, to contribute to blogs, led me to competition strategies, and more. Information in any form can contribute to your competitive edge in your industry, distinguishing you from the crowd.

Developing Professional Confidence

Initiating conversations with new people (especially those in authority) naturally creates anxiety. However, DECA provides a supportive place where students are encouraged to practice professional communication in a low-stakes environment. With each conversation, members become more confident in articulating their ideas and sharing goals. This growing confidence extends far beyond DECA events as well. Members who gain confidence and fortify their networking skills carry their expertise into interviews, presentations, leadership roles, and future careers. Trusting your voice is the foundational step toward sustainable success.

Framework of a Conversation

Effective networking follows an intentional, structured approach similar to that of a competitive event. Rather than leaving connections to chance, rely on a systematic process. This three-step approach provides clarity and guidance that will help students new at networking to navigate their interactions with confidence and purpose. Understanding how to utilize these steps ensures each conversation you engage in has direction and impact.

Stage One: The Pitch

Your introduction and first impression establish the tone for the entirety of the conversation. A general pitch (in DECA context) should start with who you are, your association or chapter, and possibly a smooth transition into a relevant topic. Your pitch can vary greatly depending on who you are talking to, however. Speaking with a professional adult warrants a clear, concise, and brief professional introduction whereas speaking with a peer may be more light-hearted and casual. In any scenario, your pitch is a reflection of how the other person will speak with you.

Stage Two: The Body (Building the Connection)

The conversational body is where your connection will be formed. This stage emphasizes asking thoughtful questions, actively listening, and sharing some relevant information or experiences. Exceptional networkers cultivate balanced dialogues that encourage mutual agreement rather than a one-sided presentation. Showing your interest and respect will help you build trust and rapport. In DECA, this could include asking a professional about their career trajectory, discussing competitive events with a peer, or asking someone how they go about networking themselves. Flexibility remains essential; adapt your conversational style to match each unique interaction.

Stage Three: “Sealing the Deal”

When you “seal the deal,” you are ensuring that your relationship continues beyond the initial conversation. This step involves expressing sincere appreciation, summarizing key discussion points, and proposing the next step. Connecting via social media such as Instagram or LinkedIn is a great way to maintain communication pathways. Afterwards, you can send a follow-up message within 24-48 hours of meeting to reinforce the connection and show your seriousness. These small gestures can significantly increase the likelihood of long-term professional ties.

How Can You Become a “networ-KING”?

Now finally, it is time to learn my personal 7 habits of networking. Developing and consistently applying these habits will elevate your professional presence and distinguish you in the conversation every time. These traits help new (and returning) DECA members project confidence, preparation, and authentic passion. When practiced collectively, they transform your aspirations into tangible outcomes. Before you go into your next conference, internalize the acronym - N.E.T.W.O.R.K (neat, engage, timely, who, optimistic, remain confident, keep in contact).

N- Neat / Professional

A polished professional appearance creates a very strong first impression. DECA emphasizes business attire intentionally; it reflects preparation and respect. Looking neat is not the only dimension to proper networking, however. You must also sound neat. Applying the 3 steps of a conversation is important to remember when you engage in a conversation because when your visual presentation is tantamount to your verbal communication, you have a higher chance of being remembered as credible.

E- Engage

Engagement is the foundation of meaningful networking. Take the initiative and start the conversation. Although it can be intense (and may not always yield positive results), it demonstrates leadership qualities others are sure to notice. Equally as important is giving the other person plenty of time to talk; listen actively, show positive body language, and ask open-ended questions.

T- Timely

Your time is valuable, and so is theirs: it is a finite resource for everyone. You never know if your conversation partner has somewhere important to be, so be respectful of their time. Timeliness reflects professionalism and care. Unless you are engaged in an unusually substantive discussion, aim to keep your networking to below 5 minutes per person. Exceeding 5 minutes per person risks you sounding repetitive and hindering the conversation by pushing the other person to lose interest.

W- Who

Understanding who you are speaking with (contextual awareness) can dramatically affect the interaction quality of your conversation. Adapting your approach based on the audience demonstrates emotional intelligence and awareness, but it also is crucial for keeping the conversation relevant. Communicating with judges, business professionals, peers, state officers, and advisors all require a differently tailored tone and focal point. This flexibility will showcase your versatility and social acuity.

O- Optimistic

Optimism makes you approachable, likable, and memorable. A positive attitude generates reciprocal positive energy which quickly builds rapport. DECA is a fast-paced competitive environment, so optimism helps conversations flow naturally. Additionally, you may not agree with every perspective from the other person, displaying negative reactions to their thoughts / ideas can tarnish their opinion of you. These negative responses may cause irretrievable damage to your relationship. Maintain positivity even when perspectives diverge and aim your focus on understanding rather than critiquing.

R- Remain Confident

Confidence is the defining trait that distinguishes average networkers from extraordinary ones. Keeping your confidence in certain situations can be difficult, but you can always project a confident vibe even if you are not fully “feeling it”. Eye contact, good posture, and clear communication are often signs people perceive as confident. Confidence grows through patience and practice (even in the presence of doubt). Each interaction you have with someone strengthens your belief in yourself and your abilities.

K- Keep in Contact

The final step in the N.E.T.W.O.R.K. acronym is "keep in contact.” Networking is never concluded after the first meeting. Relationship maintenance should essentially be the goal of virtually every conversation when networking. Exchanging social media information, sending follow-up messages, and having consistent communication / effort is the best way you can show your commitment. You never know what these connections may foster.

Putting it All Together

Networking is a transformative skill that empowers DECA members to grow as leaders, competitors, and professionals. It provides you with access to unlimited relationships, resources, and experiences that can help shape future success. Although I have shared my personal tips and experiences with you, it’s best if you use this as a guideline to develop your own way of networking. Every conversation unfolds uniquely and discovering what resonates best in your environment requires context and experimentation.

By mastering the steps of networking, implementing / developing your own, and embodying the qualities of a true networ-KING, anyone can develop confidence that will last a lifetime. The key to mastery of anything is consistency. Applying these concepts to the real world is the best way to hone your networking skills to their fullest potential.

Connections forged in DECA can persist years into the future, influencing your leadership and educational journey, professional career, and personal life in profound ways. Networking transcends skill development. It is your very own pathway to opportunity, impact, and meaningful human connection. Your investment in relationship building today has the potential to establish the foundation for your success tomorrow.

Begin your journey to becoming a networ-KING today. The relationships you build now will shape the future you create.