8 April 2026 · 5 min read
The instinct most people have about networking — ask for help from people you barely know — is exactly the version that doesn't work.
Lead with contribution: share a relevant article, an introduction or a genuinely specific compliment on their work.
Keep a light cadence. Three meaningful touchpoints a year beats a flurry of messages when you need something.
When you do ask, be precise and easy to say yes to: a 15-minute call about one clearly stated question.