What is the first step in networking?

Write down the conversation you need before choosing an event or sending invitations. The US Small Business Administration, or SBA, recommends setting networking goals and choosing relevant organisations. Turn that advice into a question someone can actually answer.

Replace a broad ambition with a small request

Hypothetical example: a freelance editor wants to work with training companies. Instead of asking everyone for introductions, she decides to learn how training managers commission course materials. Her opening question becomes: “What do you need from an editor before you can assign a project?”

Try writing three lines: the person you want to meet, the topic you want to discuss, and something useful you could share. Keep the request small enough to answer without a meeting. Leave room for the other person to decline.

If you are considering a different profession, use the career choice guide to narrow your questions first. Ask someone about their actual workday, the tasks they enjoy, and the work samples they would suggest preparing.

For a funding conversation, decide whether you want feedback, an introduction, or investment. Prepare separately with the small business investor guide. Do not disguise a funding request as a casual catch-up.

Who should you contact first?

Start by listing former colleagues, classmates and people whose work you know. The SBA names alumni, former coworkers, professional organisations and online communities as places to build a support network. Choose people according to your question.

Make a small relationship map

A sample reconnection message: “Hi Sam, I enjoyed working with you on the training project. I am now focusing on editing course materials. I would be interested to hear what your team is working on, if you have time to catch up.”

If you are returning after time away, decide how much personal detail you want to share. The career break return guide can help you prepare your wider plan. You can explain your current direction without giving a full account of your absence.

For an unfamiliar community, read its discussion and promotion rules before posting. Introduce yourself around a relevant question. Avoid sending private sales messages to everyone who replies.

How should you approach a networking event?

Check the audience and programme, prepare a short introduction, and decide what you want to learn. The SBA recommends a brief business introduction and attentive listening. Use those as preparation tasks before leaving home.

Prepare an introduction you would actually say

Hypothetical example: “I run a small bakery supplying office meetings. I am here to understand how local teams arrange catering.” Follow with a question about the other person's work. Skip the full product range unless they ask.

• Open with a question about the session, topic or shared setting.
• Explain your work without specialist language.
• Ask a follow-up question about something they mentioned.
• Before leaving, agree whether and how to continue.

To end a conversation politely, try: “Thanks, your point about delivery planning was useful. Would you like me to send the checklist we discussed?” Only make that offer if you have the checklist or intend to create it.

If approaching strangers feels uncomfortable, set yourself one conversation as a practice task. You can also ask the organiser whether there is a suitable volunteer role. Avoid committing to regular attendance until you have considered the time involved.

How do you connect with new people on LinkedIn?

Choose a clear professional reason before sending an invitation. LinkedIn's connection guidance names shared work, study, an event meeting or continuing a conversation as relevant reasons.

Check your profile, then make the connection

Read your headline and recent experience as if you were a stranger. State what you do now and the work you want to discuss. Remove claims you cannot explain with a real example.

1. Open the person's profile and select Connect.
2. If Connect is not visible, look under More.
3. Once connected, return to your shared topic in your message.

These interface steps and messaging between direct connections are explained in LinkedIn Help. Treat the accepted invitation as permission to begin a relevant conversation, rather than agreement to receive a sales sequence.

Sample message after acceptance: “Hi Priya, we spoke after the workshop about briefing freelance designers. Here is the outline I mentioned. Is there a particular part of the briefing process you wanted to compare?”

When you have never met, say so. Refer to a specific piece of work or discussion you genuinely read. Ask one focused question rather than requesting an open-ended call to “pick their brain”.

What should networking event follow up look like?

Remind the person where you met, deliver what you promised, and suggest a proportionate next step. The SBA recommends following up within 48 hours. Use that as a practical reminder, not a reason to abandon a conversation if you are late.

Use a message with a clear purpose

Hi [name], we met at [event] and discussed [topic]. I am sending [promised item]. If you would like to continue the conversation, would [specific option] suit you? No problem if this is not a priority right now.

Replace every bracket with accurate information. If you promised nothing, refer to a point you discussed and ask whether they want to explore it further. Do not attach a large presentation without asking.

Hypothetical example: a photographer meets a web designer who sometimes needs product images. The next step could be exchanging sample briefs. Neither person needs to promise referrals before checking whether their work and expectations fit.

Handle silence without chasing indefinitely

My suggested rule is one polite reminder after a reasonable gap, followed by a pause. If you agreed a date, use that date. Avoid switching between email, LinkedIn and phone simply to force a response.

Ask both people before making an introduction. Explain the proposed connection and let each decide. If introductions become part of your business activity, the referral marketing guide offers a related planning topic.

How can you grow your professional network each week?

Reserve a manageable amount of time and keep a simple record. The routine below is a suggested starting exercise, not a proven quota or promise of results. Reduce it if you cannot reliably complete the follow up.

1. Choose: write one question you want to explore and list three relevant people.
2. Reach out: send two individual messages with clear reasons for contacting those people.
3. Contribute: answer a question or share a resource that directly fits a conversation.
4. Complete: deliver anything you promised before adding more outreach.
5. Review: note what you learned and decide which conversation deserves another step.

Keep notes that support the relationship

Use a notebook or spreadsheet with columns for name, meeting context, topic, promise and next action. Record only what you need to continue the conversation. Do not collect personal details simply because they are available.

At the end of the week, ask which conversations clarified a decision. Also check whether you helped someone and whether any promises remain unfinished. Use those answers to adjust your activity.

If job hunting is the immediate goal, combine these conversations with relevant applications. Use the job search channels and weekly plan to organise that work. Ask contacts for insight without making them responsible for your search.