Networking Doesn't Just Mean Networking Events

Before we begin…

I’m still running the promotion for free resume/linkedin reviews for all yearly paid subs. Right now it’s only $50, and when you compare to how much career coaches and resume writers that’s an absolute steal.

Someone asked me why I’m doing this, and it’s simple:

1. The more paid subs I get, the better visibility on the rankings here, which will help increase my subscribers. So it’s a win for you, and a win for me.

2. Yes, it’s already starting to add up lol. Eventually I will have to only provide this for “founding members” and increase the price of that

Remember, paid subs will get:

• 2+ paid posts per week which will be a combo of:

  • Outlines of my accepted offers like this issue will be

  • Outlines of my career coaching calls

  • In depth lessons I’ve learned in recruiting that will break down from all angles for recruiters, job seekers, and hiring managersMost people hear the word "networking" and immediately picture conference rooms, name tags, and awkward small talk with strangers. But networking isn’t limited to those events. In fact, some of the best networking happens outside the room entirely.

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Rethinking the Traditional Networking Event

Let’s be honest. Traditional networking events have their place. They can be useful, especially if you're trying to break into a new industry or city. But they aren't the only way, or even the most effective way, to build meaningful professional connections.

Some of the most valuable connections you can make are the ones you already have. Grabbing a beer with an old coworker. Sending a "thank you" text to a former manager. Checking in on a classmate from college who just got promoted. That’s networking too. And it's often more impactful.

The people you already know, the ones you worked late with, solved hard problems with, laughed with, vented with, they’re the foundation of your professional future.

Because here’s the thing no one tells you:

As your career moves forward, so do theirs. And some of those people are going to end up in decision making roles.

When they do, who do you think they'll want to hire? Some random resume from a cold application? Or the person they already know, trust, and respect?

A Coaching Story: Cold Apps vs. Warm Connections

Let me show you how this plays out in real life.

A few months ago, I was working with a senior software engineer. Solid guy. Great background. Deep .NET/C# experience. Located in a decent metro area with a reasonable tech market. But he was struggling.

He had been applying cold. Over and over. Job board. Easy apply. Submitting his resume into the void. Not much was happening.

When we got on the call, I asked him a simple question:

"Have you reached out to anyone you used to work with?"

He paused. Said he had, but it was back in January. Now it was April.

Three months. Radio silence.