Networking works best when it stops feeling like networking and starts feeling like relationship-building with purpose. If you’ve ever sent a LinkedIn message and heard nothing back, or collected business cards that went nowhere, this post is for you.

The real goal: build trust in small moments

Most opportunities come from people who:

• Know what you’re good at
• Trust you’re easy to work with
• Remember you at the right time

That doesn’t require being “salesy.” It requires consistency.

A simple 3-part networking system (that doesn’t feel awkward)

1) Pick a focus (so your outreach makes sense)

Before you reach out, define your target:

• 1–2 roles (e.g., Product Manager, Data Analyst)
• 1–2 industries (e.g., health tech, fintech)
• 1–2 locations (or remote)

This makes your messages clearer and your connections more relevant.

2) Use the “Give–Ask–Thanks” message structure

When you message someone on LinkedIn, try this:

• Give: a genuine, specific reason you reached out (shared background, a post they wrote, a talk they gave)
• Ask: one small request (15 minutes, a quick question, advice on a team/company)
• Thanks: make it easy to say yes—and gracious to say no

Example (copy/paste and personalize):

Hi Maya — I enjoyed your post on breaking into analytics without a traditional background. I’m pivoting from operations into data and noticed you made a similar move. Would you be open to a 15-minute chat about what helped you most in the first 90 days? Either way, thanks for sharing your perspective.

3) Follow up like a professional (not a spammer)

A great follow-up is short and adds value:

• Wait 5–7 days
• Reply in the same thread
• Add something useful: an article, a quick update, or a clearer question

Follow-up idea:

Quick bump — totally understand if now isn’t a good time. I also found your team’s recent project launch really interesting (link). If you’re open to it, I’d still love 10–15 minutes to ask two quick questions.

Make it sustainable: relationship “maintenance” in 10 minutes/week

Try a weekly routine:

• Comment thoughtfully on 2 posts (not “Great post!”—add a perspective)
• Send 1 check-in to someone you’ve spoken with
• Share 1 useful resource with your network (job guide, tool, event)

Over a month, you’ll be top-of-mind without burning out.

Quick mindset shift

Instead of “I need a job,” approach with:

• Curiosity (learn the landscape)
• Service (share something helpful)
• Clarity (make your ask small and specific)

What’s the hardest part of networking for you right now—starting the first message, following up, or keeping relationships warm over time?