How to Network When You’re New to a Company

Here’s a secret to help you supercharge your networking. Stop trying to hit home runs with every touch point. Instead, focus on small wins that move the conversation forward. I see so many people making big / vague asks up front: “Can you hop on a 30 minute call?” “Tell me how you accomplished [Big Thing].” These people are super busy and they’re receiving this email from you - a total stranger. The last thing they want is another item on their to do list. Instead, start with a small, simple ask that they can reply to in <30 seconds. Here’s a formula that's been really effective for me: “Hey [Name], your experience in [Industry] is really impressive. I know you're busy, but I just had to ask: If you had to start over and work your way back to [Insert Achievement], would you do A or B? A: [Insert Actionable Thing] B: [Insert Other Actionable Thing]” This formula makes is incredibly easy for them to say "I'd do A" or "I'd do B." Now the door is open! Go do thing A or thing B, get results, and report back. Let this person know you took their advice and then ask for more. This positions you as someone who values their advice and has an action bias -- someone worth investing in. That's going to lead to deeper conversations and stronger relationships!

Crazy underrated networking "hack" that helps other people, makes you feel great, and lets you build connections without the ick. Especially if you hate networking. Be a connector. I recently turned down an opportunity that wasn't right for me. But I mentioned a friend who'd be perfect for it. She got the job! Making that intro felt better than any networking event I've ever attended. Most of us think networking = asking for favors. But the best "networkers" I know are constantly giving. They're the ones who: • Mention your name for a new opportunity • Introduce you to someone in their industry • Refer you to open roles at their company • Share resources without being asked This is like career karma. Once you start connecting others, the same energy comes back to you. It's tough out there, so we have to help each other. How to start being a connector: 1️⃣ Start small You don't need a newsletter or community to be a connector. Share an industry event. Tag someone in a relevant post. Forward that job listing. Small connections compound. You don't have to be an "influencer" to be influential. 2️⃣ Let others connect you Don't be afraid to ask for intros yourself. And pay it forward. 3️⃣ Hang with other connectors Whether online or IRL, being around people who do this makes it feel natural. 4️⃣ Tell people you're open to helping End conversations with: "Is there anyone I can introduce you to?" or "What are you looking for right now - opportunities, partners, clients?" 5️⃣ Stay organized Use Dex, Notion, or a spreadsheet (if you must) to track your network. I actually just used Lovable to build a simple tool myself. Or use your brain if you're better than the rest of us. Real example from this month: • Person A: Hiring for a Chief of Staff with experience in a specific industry • Person B: Looking for a generalist role with experience in that industry • One intro email and a few weeks later: Person A got the job! That took me 5 minutes. Cost me nothing. Made both of them happy. Who's the best connector you know and what do they do better than everyone else?

“Networking is awkward.” You know what’s more awkward? Graduating in May 2025 and applying to 127 jobs with… zero callbacks. Let’s fix that with networking ideas no one’s talking about. and I mean actionable.. 1. “Reverse Research” Your Way Into a Conversation Instead of asking people what they do, show them what you know about what they’ve done. How to do it: Find someone on LinkedIn in your target company/role Read their posts, podcasts, or panels they’ve been on Then send this message: “Hi [Name], I came across your [talk/article/post] on [topic]—your point about [insight] made me think differently. I’m researching [industry], and would love to hear your take on [specific follow-up]. Would it be okay to connect?” That’s conversation built on respect. 2. Book Club for Industry Geeks Start a virtual book or podcast club for your industry. Invite professionals to speak at the end of each cycle. How to do it: Pick 3 peers + 1 book or podcast Create a simple calendar (4 weeks = 4 touchpoints) End with a “Wrap-Up” Zoom chat—invite a guest Post your takeaways on LinkedIn and tag them Because learning together? Is the strongest way to network. 3. Write A “Public Thank You” Post on LinkedIn You probably learned something cool from someone recently. Now imagine you posted it publicly, gave them a shoutout, and showed how you applied it. How to do it: Tag the person Share what they taught you Share what you did next Ask your network, “What’s something YOU learned from someone this month?” You just gave free visibility, created a loop, and 10 people will want to talk to you after. 4. Turn Informational Chats into Co-Creation Networking chats often stop at “thanks for the time.” What if it didn’t? What to do: After the call, send a note: “Hey [Name], based on our chat about [topic], I drafted a small idea to build on your advice. Would love your thoughts!” Create a graphic, short write-up, or project plan (just 1 page!) Now you’re not just a student. You’re someone they collaborated with. That’s relationship-building, not just networking. 5. The 5-5-5 Strategy Most people get stuck on who to reach out to. Here’s a weekly formula: 5 People You Admire (Founders, creatives) 5 People From Your School Network (Alums, professors, guest speakers) 5 Peers Who Are Also Job Hunting (Build a support circle, swap leads) Message all 15. Repeat weekly. That’s 156 conversations in 3 months. You don’t “find” jobs—you build the path to them. Reminder: Networking isn’t about who has the fanciest title. It’s about who remembers you when an opportunity comes up. Be the person who listened, learned, shared, and followed up. If you’re reading this and job searching— try one new method this week. Not next month. Not when it feels “less scary.” Now. You’re not late. #May2025Grads #NetworkingTips #CreativeCareerMoves #JobSearchStrategy #InternationalStudents #GradJobHunt #BeyondTheResume #HumanConnection #Topmate