Most senior professionals avoid networking because they associate it with the "let me pick your brain" coffee chat that goes nowhere. The version that actually works is different.
Three networking moves that don't feel gross:
1. Reconnect, don't reach out. Make a list of 20 people you've worked with in the past who you genuinely respected. Send each of them a 3-sentence message, not asking for anything. "Was thinking of you the other day after [specific reason]. Hope you're doing well at [their company/situation]." 50–70% will reply. A real conversation often follows.
2. Pay attention publicly first. Comment substantively on 2–3 posts per week from people in your target space. Quality comments, not "great post!", get noticed. After 4–6 weeks of visible engagement, a DM from you doesn't come from nowhere.
3. Offer before asking. When you do reach out about a role or recommendation, lead with what you can offer. "I noticed your team is exploring [topic]. I have direct experience with [related thing] from [past role], happy to share what I learned, no expectations." This reframes the interaction from "I need" to "we exchange."
The version that doesn't work: cold "let me pick your brain" coffee chats with no specific question, mass LinkedIn DMs to 50 connections, "humble brag" career updates that are actually job-search broadcasts.
Networking isn't a technique. It's a 6-month consistency practice.
— Dr. Hosney Adel