Ever felt like networking these days is pointless?
Like it’s just swapping business cards at conferences or shooting off LinkedIn connection requests into the void?
Yep, my mentee, Connor, felt that way too.
But let me walk you through how we flipped the script on networking for him - turning it from a chore into Connor’s secret weapon that eventually led to an amazing job offer!
Let’s break it down, step-by-step 👇
Finding the “why” behind the “what”
When I met Connor, he was your typical mid-level UX designer.
Skilled? Sure.
Struggling to stand out in the crowded world of tech? Most definitely.
Networking events often felt like to him like aimless exchanges, and connections rarely went beyond surface-level interactions.
This lack of direction was not for want of talent or passion but from a yet-undiscovered niche and purpose.
The real game-changer came when I convinced him to stop focusing on the “transactional” side of networking and start asking himself, “What do I really love about UX?”
Step 1: Take a moment to jot down what parts of your job make you forget to check your phone. (That's your goldmine.)
The Mentorship💡 Moment
Our conversations often circled back to what made Connor tick - and not just in UX but in life.
Over time, Connor realized his deep-seated interest in making technology accessible and inclusive.
This revelation was more than just identifying a specialization - it was about uncovering a passion that resonated on a personal level.
And it wasn’t an overnight revelation, more like a slow burn that became impossible to ignore.
Step 2 : Find a mentor or a colleague who’s willing to chat about your interests. Sometimes, saying it out loud makes all the difference.
Revamping the networking approach
Armed with clarity, Connor’s networking transformed.
He moved away from generic "let's connect" messages to reaching out with purpose. He started sharing insights into accessibility, engaging others with questions about inclusive design, and offering help where they saw gaps in knowledge or implementation.
❌ Before:
“Hi, I’m Connor, a UX designer with 5 years of experience looking to connect.”
✅ After:
“Hey, I’m Connor. I really care about accessibility in design. I noticed your project on ___, and I have some ideas on how it could be more accessible. Can I share some insights with you?”
Step 3: Tailor your outreach. Show you’ve done your homework and have something specific to offer.
Sharing the wealth
About a month later Connor gathered enough courage to start a blog where he shared tips on accessible design, breaking down complex concepts into bite-sized, actionable advice.
Step 4: Share your journey, your learnings. Start a blog, vlog, newsletter, etc.
It’s not about being an expert but about being on the path and inviting others to join you.
Becoming a 2-way street
Soon, networking became a two-way street for Connor.
With confidence in his specialization, Connor transformed his networking strategy from passive participation to active contribution.
Before we met, Connor has been reaching out to companies with a general offer of UX design services, often encountering responses like, "We already have a UX team," or simply receiving no reply.
When Connor and I reviewed the approach, he realized the need for a more targeted, value-centric pitch.
We discussed each previous rejection to understand what was missing and how to pivot the approach to emphasize Connor’s unique value proposition in accessibility.
Connor started to research potential companies more deeply, identifying those whose products had glaring accessibility issues WHILE showed a commitment to inclusivity in their mission statements.
His pitch evolved to—
"I've noticed your commitment to inclusivity and wanted to share some insights I've gathered on how enhancing accessibility can not only broaden your user base but also align closely with your company values. May I share a brief audit with actionable steps for improvement?"
For a company that produced educational software, Connor provided a concise audit highlighting areas where the product failed to meet WCAG and offered straightforward, actionable steps for improvement. This approach showcased Connor’s expertise AND provided immediate value to the company.
Step 5: In the beginning, offer your help without expecting anything in return. It could be as simple as giving feedback on a project or sharing a helpful resource.
The Community Builder
Soon, Connor went from attending meetups to hosting them!
He launched a series of monthly webinars titled "Design for All: The Basics of Accessible UX," which attracted a diverse group of designers, developers, and product managers.
There, he facilitated discussions on accessibility challenges and solutions, fostering a supportive community.
One memorable connection was between a webinar attendee who ran a nonprofit for people with disabilities and a developer specializing in assistive technologies.
Connor introduced them, recognizing the potential for collaboration.
The partnership resulted in the development of an app tailored to the needs of the nonprofit's audience.
The webinars grew into a larger community platform, where Connor even organized a virtual hackathon focused on accessibility challenges.
Participants formed teams to work on real-world projects, with Connor facilitating introductions and guiding the ideation process.
This event strengthened the network and led to innovative solutions that participants could add to their portfolios 😉
Win-win all around!
Step 6: Start or join a group related to your interest. Online or local. The key is to create a space for exchange and support!
The payoff: Networking that worked
… and one of these connections led to a job offer!
A company Connor had helped with a free accessibility audit remembered him when it was time to hire a new UX lead focused on inclusive design. So it wasn't just any job—it was an exact role that allowed Connor to advocate for and implement accessible design at a scale he could only dream of before!
Step 7: Be patient and consistent. Networking is a marathon, not a sprint. Your efforts will pay off, often when you least expect it.
Final words—
Networking could be looked at as transactional OR it could be a journey of self-discovery.
Connor’s story is a proof that effective networking is not about collecting contacts but about discovering oneself and using that self-awareness to engage meaningfully with others.
It's about building relationships based on shared values and goals, and it's about giving as much as you receive, if not more.
For those feeling lost, please remember Connor's journey.
Let his story inspire you to approach networking with a new perspective.
Focus on what you can offer and how you can help others grow alongside you.
That's where true connections are made, and opportunities are found.
P.S. If you are ready to take your networking to the next level, here are a couple of resources to start with:
Books—
"Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi. This classic on networking shares the importance of building relationships for success in both life and business.
"The Startup of You" by Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha. Explores how a startup mindset can apply to your career, focusing on leveraging your network in a value-driven way.
Podcast episodes—
Stop networking, start connecting (HBR Ideacast)
“Networking for people who hate networking” (Adam Grant)
Hope this helps and thanks for being here! See you next Saturday 😄
—Marina
Want to learn more? A few ways I can help you.
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