A Beginner’s Guide to Networking

author Kristi DePaul recommends avoiding vague questions like, "Can I pick your brain?" Instead, get right to the point — quickly share who you are, how you found this person, and what you're looking for.

Try saying something along the lines of:

[Name],

Your professional journey really stood out to me. I'm very interested in building my career as a [role]. Since you have a great deal of experience in that position, I was wondering if you might have some time to offer me a bit of advice around how to pursue it. I'm curious how you got to where you are today. I would really appreciate a brief call at your convenience.

Let me know if you're open to chatting?

If networking feels too transactional for you, consider using it to offer your knowledge, skills, advice, or expertise to other people — even when you don't need or want something in return. This can help you connect with people on a deeper level, according to Professor Deborah Grayson Riegel. In her article, "Are You Taking Full Advantage of Your Network?", Riegal talks about how to develop your "help fluency," or the range of ways you can be helpful to others.

If you hate small talk, here's some good news: Research shows that most people prefer intimate conversations, even if they're meeting you for the first time. In fact, deep conversations are correlated with higher levels of happiness and make people feel more connected with each other.

The best way to maintain a network is to reconnect with your dormant ties, according to Marissa King, professor of organizational behavior at the Yale School of Management. Dormant ties are people you already know, but that you haven't seen or reached out to in a few years.

While networking may feel challenging at first, know that it's a skill you can learn (and hone) over time. All you need is a little practice. Use networking as an opportunity to learn about yourself, help others, and build deeper, more genuine connections with people who can expand your worldview. Now, go get started.

experts say that your career growth will be faster if you invest in relationships across different levels within (and beyond) your organization. Author Jenny Wood, in her article, "Why Managing Up to Your Boss Is Not Enough," writes, "When people of influence know you, they can advocate for you, offer you high-profile projects, and support your career goals."

Remember that networking can be about helping others.

Begin by seeking out "lateral connections" within your organization, or people who are at your same job level. They could be peers on your team, or people in other departments who are working on projects that you're curious about.

In the digital age, networking has become a new way for people to build connections around the world, exchange knowledge, and get to know others on a deeper level.