The Power of Networking When Reinventing Yourself

My Bay Area Story: From Broadcasts to Belonging

When I returned to Northern California (Santa Clara), I carried a lot of gratitude and a simple need: community. In a previous season I’d been deeply involved at Elevation Church, volunteering and building strong relationships. But after moving to the Bay Area, I slipped into watching the Elevation broadcast at home on Sundays. After a few weeks, I felt that nudge: it’s time to experience church locally and meet believers in my community.

So I literally Googled: “looking for a church where Christ is alive.”
I kid you not—Vive Church came up. I visited, and I’m glad I did. It became one of the best spiritual decisions I’ve made in this season. I found friends, mentors, and a faith family that helped me root again. That’s the power of showing up where your future gathers.

If you’re in a new season, reinvention can feel lonely:

• 🛑 You’re unsure where new opportunities live.

• 🛑 You hesitate to put yourself out there.

• 🛑 You’re not sure how to build real, long-term relationships—not just collect contacts.

Truth: Success is rarely solo. Networking isn’t who you already know—it’s who God aligns you with next.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

Starting Over Means Starting New Relationships

Reinvention isn’t only a new résumé—it’s a new circle:

• Make new friends with intention.

• Develop friendships at work by being dependable and encouraging.

• Get involved locally so you’re known for service, not just what you sell.

Why Networking Accelerates Reinvention

• Opportunity finds you faster. New rooms = new doors.

• Mentors shorten the learning curve. Borrow wisdom; skip avoidable mistakes.

• Accountability fuels consistency. The right circle keeps your focus sharp.

A Biblical Picture: Esther & Mordecai

Esther’s courage plus Mordecai’s counsel positioned her for impact. Strategic relationships often unlock purpose.

“Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)

5 Ways to Build a Strong Network in a New Season

1️⃣ Start with who you already know. List 10 people who’d be glad to help—then ask for one intro each.
2️⃣ Go where your future gathers. Join a niche mastermind, local meetups, church groups, or online communities in your new field.
3️⃣ Lead with value. Share a resource, make an intro, or offer a quick win before you ask for anything.
4️⃣ Ask God for alignment.

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly.” (Psalm 37:23)
5️⃣ Keep your courage up with Scripture.
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22)

Make Networking Part of Your Reinvention (My simple system)

• Weekly: Attend 1 event (virtual or local) and start 2 genuine conversations.

• 48-Hour Rule: Follow up within two days with a thank-you + one helpful link.

• Monthly: Host a small Zoom coffee (20 minutes) with 3 people and introduce them to one another.

• Always: Pray before you pitch. Ask for wisdom, favor, and clarity.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)

Your Turn: What’s one step you’ll take today to expand your network? Send one message. Book one coffee. God can multiply your move.

P.S. Want more insights on using networking to accelerate your reinvention? Subscribe to Rekindle Weekly for faith-driven strategies on building connections and creating new opportunities.

About the Author

Winston Cole isn’t a 20-year-old guru promising overnight wins. He’s a 50+ educator-engineer who taught by day, studied funnels by night, and rebuilt after losing it all. Immigrated from Sierra Leone 35 years ago with a travel bag and a few dollars, married 37 years, faith-first and family-focused—Winston helps midlife professionals and educators reinvent with integrity, community, and practical systems. If he found freedom in midlife, you can too.