Networking for People Who Hate Networking
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In This Issue
Why most people get networking wrong
How introverts can build relationships online
The 3 part networking funnel that works
What to say (and what not to say) in DMs
TL;DR
Let’s Get Real About Networking
When most people hear “networking,” they think of awkward events.
Happy hours Forced smiles. A pile of business cards that no one actually looks at again.
Yes, that stuff counts and can work.
But for introverts, this whole approach is draining.
The truth is, the only way to network isn’t just to go to panels or alumni meetups to build a powerful network. And you don’t need to “pick someone’s brain” to get their attention.
You can do solid networking today happens online.
But here’s where people mess it up:
They jump straight into the DMs and ask for something without offering anything in return.
That’s not networking. That’s begging.
Here’s how to do it better.
Step 1: Make Your Profile Worth Looking At
Whether you’re on LinkedIn or X, your profile is your storefront. Before you even start connecting with people, you need to look like someone worth replying to.
On LinkedIn:
Use a clean, clear headshot
Optimize your headline (not just your title but also your value)
Rewrite your About section to highlight your wins, not just your tasks
Fill in your work experience with 2–3 bullet points of impact per role
On X:
Use a crisp profile photo
Create a short, benefit-driven bio (what you do and who you help)
Pin a post that shows your insight, humor, or credibility
Why does this matter?
Because the minute you reply to someone’s comment, they’re clicking your profile. If you don’t look interesting or credible, you just lost the shot.
Step 2: Post Once, Comment 10x
Creating content is optional, but it speeds things up fast.
You don’t need to be a full time content creator. But showing up helps.
Here’s what to post:
Work scenarios (what you’ve learned or solved recently)
Industry commentary (articles you’ve read + your POV)
Lessons from your job, side project, or learning journey
Wins and losses (what went right, what went wrong, what you’d do differently)
If you’re worried about your employer seeing it, go anonymous. Plenty of people do this successfully with burners on X like yours truley.
But content is just part of the funnel. The real leverage is in the replies.
Step 3: Build a Strategic Reply List
Let’s say you want to work at Tesla. Go to their LinkedIn page. Click “People.” You’ll see a list of employees. Filter by your department like engineering, design, ops, etc.
Start with 5–10 names of people who post semi regularly. These are your warm up targets.
Do the same thing on X. But here, create a private list so you can check in without getting blasted by notifications.
Each day, scroll through your list 2–3 times. Reply to posts where you have something useful, thoughtful, or funny to add. Not “Nice!” or “Cool.” Actual insight. Real conversation.
You want to be seen. But not annoying.
If your replies are thoughtful, a few things happen:
People start recognizing your name
They start liking your replies
They might even respond publicly or DM you
Now you’re building awareness. You’re no longer cold.
Step 4: Slide Into DMs (The Right Way)
Once you’ve had a few public interactions, now’s the time to reach out.
But here’s the rule:
Don’t ask for something on the first message.
Instead:
Reference a post or convo you replied to
Share an article or idea they’d appreciate
Start a casual conversation with zero ask
It feels like a natural continuation of a relationship.
Why This Works
You don’t need a huge personality. You don’t need to be loud.
You need a system:
A solid profile
A small amount of content or consistent replies
A list of people you’d genuinely like to talk to
A plan to build awareness before you reach out
This works on any platform. For any industry. And it compounds over time. Do it right, and you won’t just get opportunities, you’ll get inbound DMs from people you respect.
TL;DR
Networking doesn’t have to be awkward or exhausting.
Stop thinking of it as “going to events” or “asking people to chat.” Start thinking of it as building visibility, trust, and familiarity before you ever send a DM.
Here’s the playbook:
Fix your LinkedIn and X profiles
Post once a week (optional), comment daily (non-negotiable)
Build a list of high-signal people
Show up consistently in their comments
Reach out with value, not asks
That’s it. No more cringe. No more wasted time. Just better relationships, one post at a time.
Helpful! Thx!