“networking” has a slimy connotation, so let’s refer to it as creating and maintaining mutually-beneficial relationships.
I didn’t know what “networking” was a thing until the summer of my junior year of college. I was introduced as an initial exercise in my career due-diligence and research. Almost two (2) years later, I can say that it has been an influential process. knowing what I know now, I am obligated to share.
*there is no right or wrong way to approach this process.
background
I valeted throughout college (well until COVID). I went from parking-and-pulling (valet slang) to sitting in a booth waving at passing cars (equivalent to watching $5-20 dollars float by).
among other things, life smacked me in the face – I had no idea what I wanted to do. I had no experience. I didn’t even have a resume.
one day, a regular stopped by the booth and tried to tip me (presumably out of pity). I declined and requested time.
to-date, this is the biggest pivot point in my life. turns out, the gentleman is an ex-McKinsey consultant and retired executive who now freelances – primarily young individuals transitioning/scaling their careers.
what are the chances?
process
The following is a high-level overview of my approach
step 1: identify industries
think big buckets. e.g., finance, computer science, marketing, etc.
step 2: identify industry roles
now that you have identified general industries, dig a bit deeper and identify specific roles within. see breakdown below:
- finance: financial analyst, investment banker, etc
- computer science: software developer, database administrator, etc
- marketing: copywriting, social media manager, etc
step 3: identify connections with individuals in industries/roles and connect
I recommend approaching this stage in the following order:
- first-degree connections
- second-degree connections
- third-degree and beyond connects
3.1. first-degree (level – beginner)
family and friends are great starting point. get a feel of things and become comfortable with talking to people via phone, zoom, etc. use these conversations to develop your voice, poise, and stance. these conversations are purposely with people you are familiar with so that you can prepare/practice for interactions moving forward with people more distant socially, that may not be as forgiving for a lack of preparation/direction.
3.2. second-degree (level – intermediate)
peers, friends of friends, alumni, teachers. use your newfound confidence and curiosity to step outside the box a bit. use your existing personal information/data to create relevant connections (e.g., hometown, sports, eduction, interests, proximity, etc)
note* the mutually-exclusive and collectively-exhaustive process. turns out T$ is well-versed as an former McKinsey consultant (McKinsey – “The Firm” = good at solving problems/figuring shit out). *note – I didn’t know what “consulting” was or that “McKinsey” existed.
3.3. third-degree (level – advanced)
these are people you have no affiliation with. they people are can include athletes, authors, influencers, etc. Not to worry, now that you can talk to a wall (literally), shoot your shot. You’re comfortable, savvy, and can easily add value to conversation.
thoughts
don’t reinvent the wheel. Every single thing you are dealing with, someone has already dealt with. You may as well use your resources
I nerded out throughout this process and ultimately spent ~eighteen (18) months solely focused on connecting with people. everyone has something to offer and feedback loops are vital for improvement and growth.
I used the process to visually map industry connections and themes (see below). My thought process was that if I can identify who I want to be, I can then work backwards and identify/curate/maintain the interconnecting webs/paths to create a path to that destination.
Initial Map
Developed Visual
tips/advice
- don’t waste anyone’s time (ghosting, cancelling, etc)
- prepare – be ready to engage and discuss relevant and meaningful items
- maximize referrals (friends of the program) – this makes everything 100x easier
- if someone doesn’t respond, it isn’t personal
- listen more than you speak
- best day day/time to email someone is tuesday ~9-10am (~40% response rate)
- just because someone sounds like they know what they are talking about, doesn’t mean they know what they are talking about
- “you need to talk to people – anyone really.” – T$
confessions
- I didn’t know the difference between a bank teller and an investment banker
- had no idea what an industry was
- had never heard of McKinsey
- thought consulting was therapy
related
- retrospect 2022
- lucid.io (all time favorite tools)