Networking Channels
| Channel | Best For |
|---|
| LinkedIn | Outreach, content sharing, job discovery |
| Conferences/Meetups | Deep connections, serendipity |
| Alumni Networks | Warm introductions, mentorship |
| Slack/Discord Communities | Peer learning, referrals |
Outreach Templates
| Scenario | Message |
|---|
| Cold outreach | "Hi [Name] — I've been following your work on [topic]. Your post about [specific] really resonated. I'd love to connect." |
| Informational interview | "Hi [Name] — I'm exploring [role/industry] and admire your path. Would you be open to a 15-min chat? Happy to work around your schedule." |
| Post-event follow-up | "Great meeting you at [event]. Your point about [topic] stuck with me — would love to stay connected." |
Networking Rules
| Rule | Why |
|---|
| Give before you ask | Share an article, make an intro, offer help FIRST |
| Don't ask "will you be my mentor?" | Ask for 20 min on one specific topic — let mentorship grow organically |
| Follow up | Most connections die because no one follows up. Send a note within 48 hours. |
Pro Tip: Networking is a gardening metaphor, not a hunting metaphor. You don't 'hunt' for contacts — you plant seeds, water relationships, and harvest opportunities months or years later. The best networkers are the most generous, not the most aggressive.