Networking works best when it feels like relationship-building, not résumé-dropping. If LinkedIn outreach makes you cringe (or gets ignored), it’s usually not because people are unfriendly—it’s because the message is too generic, too fast, or unclear. Here’s a simple, repeatable approach that turns cold connections into warm conversations.

1) Start with a “why you” reason (not “help me”)

People respond when they feel seen. Before you message anyone, spend 2 minutes scanning their profile for:

• A recent post or comment you can reference
• A shared company, school, certification, or city
• A project, talk, or career move you genuinely admire

Tip: One specific line beats five vague compliments.

2) Use the 3-sentence outreach formula

Keep it short enough to read on a phone.

Template:

1. Context: Why you’re reaching out
2. Connection point: What you noticed that’s specific
3. Low-friction ask: A small next step

Example:

• “Hi Maya—I'm exploring a move into data analytics from operations. I saw you made a similar switch at Acme and wrote about your first 90 days. Would you be open to a 15-minute chat next week? I’d love to ask 2–3 questions about what helped you ramp up.”

3) Make the ask easy to say “yes” to

Avoid: “Can you mentor me?” or “Can you review my resume?”

Try:

• “15 minutes” (not 30)
• “2–3 questions” (signals structure)
• Offer two time windows or ask what they prefer

Bonus: If they’re busy, invite an alternative:

• “If now isn’t a good time, is there someone else you’d recommend I learn from?”

4) Don’t waste the informational interview

When they say yes, show up prepared:

• Your 20-second intro (who you are + what you’re exploring)
• 3 targeted questions, like:
  • “What skills mattered most in your transition?”
  • “What would you do differently if you started again?”
  • “What’s a common misconception about your role/company?”

End strong:

• “Is there anyone you think I should speak with next?”

5) Follow up like a pro (this is where relationships form)

Within 24 hours:

• Send a thank-you with 1 specific takeaway
• Share any action you’ll take (“I’m going to try X”)
• Connect the dots later: one helpful update a few weeks after (progress, result, relevant article)

Networking isn’t about collecting contacts—it’s about building a small circle of people who recognize your name and trust your intent.

What’s the hardest part for you right now—writing the first message, getting responses, or turning a chat into ongoing relationships?