Networking Doesn’t Have to Feel Like Asking for a Favor

A client once told me, "I hate networking because it feels like I’m bothering people."

Sound familiar?

For many job seekers, networking feels uncomfortable because it’s framed as asking—for advice, for a job lead, for help. But here’s a reframe that changes everything:

➡️ What if networking wasn’t about asking? What if it was about offering?

Once my client started thinking of networking as a way to build relationships, not extract value, the conversations felt more natural. And, ironically, more job opportunities started showing up.

Shift from Asking to Offering

Instead of reaching out with, "Do you know of any openings?" (which can feel transactional), try these conversation starters:

✔️ “I’d love to hear about your career journey—what led you to where you are today?”
✔️ “What’s the most exciting project you’re working on right now?”
✔️ “If you were in my position, what would you focus on next?”

These questions make netw...