Networking is such a loaded word for so many people.

When I mention it in the coaching room I so often see the subtle signs that someone is very uncomfortable with the idea of reaching out to people for a conversation. The grimace, the slight sideways shift of the eyes, or even an actual 'yuk' escapes the lips.

I get it. From our side of the fence, reaching out to someone can feel a bit desperate or needy or it might feel like we’re inconveniencing someone or putting them in a position where it’s awkward for them.

But reframing this as simply reaching out for a conversation with mutual benefit can help us get over ourselves and find the courage to connect. If you have a reason for the request, that can also help. Perhaps you’re curious about changes in your sector and want to talk about what’s happening in other organisations, or maybe you want to ask more about the LI post someone wrote about how they’re using AI. That gives you a decent frame around which to structure or at least start the conversation.

In my experience, people are generally helpful and the worst case scenario is that you reach out, they’re too busy so they don’t get back to you for a while or ever. It’s ok, there are others for whom the timing will be right to give you a half hour chat.

Waiting until you’re in full-blown job search mode, whilst not too late, is missing an opportunity to pre-create warmth in your network. What can make it easier to reach out without seeing yourself as an annoying wasp at a summer picnic is to put yourself in the shoes of the other. You reaching out can:

🟠 help them build their network

🟠 give them some insight into what’s going on in your sector or market

🟠 allow them to note future potential collaborators/hires

🟠 provide them with something they need from you

🟠 make them feel good for helping someone with a request

And then there’s the multitude of unknowns that can come from a simple conversation.

I recently reached out to a fellow coach I worked with 10 years ago, Barry White. I’m doing a virtual book tour so I had a good reason to connect. And Barry White was very happy to have a conversation with me, which turned out to be so productive that we’re starting a regular meet up that we’ve both invited some other coaches to. Turns out Barry, like me, was feeling the need for community to talk about one of our coaching niches, working professionals in UK postgraduate education.

Worth thinking about who might genuinely welcome hearing from you, and what you might both get from the conversation that you can’t predict until you start talking.

See you soon,

Sarah

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I'm working with corporate clients on career and talent development in 2026. If you're in a role where you support the development of others, you’re always welcome to reach out for a conversation - be that for group coaching on the Core Career Dials, training your managers on how to have excellent career development conversations, or something more bespoke.