How I Learned to Build Professional Networks From Scratch
You don’t need connections to break into an industry
In an epic wave of hating your job, 41% of people worldwide are thinking about quitting this year. And over half of Gen Z are would be job-quitters post-pandemic. We all want new meaning. So how does almost half the population hit the bricks on finding a new, more rewarding path?
Networking, of course.
But that can be easier said than done.
During a recent gripe session with friend and fellow entrepreneur, Kareem, the necessary evil of networking came up. “Everyone keeps telling me to ‘tap my network’ for my first round of fundraising, but I don’t have a network! I didn’t go to school with people with money and my family can’t help. What can I do instead?”
As an entrepreneur, networking became my second language. And the idea that you need contacts to find a job, raise capital, or land clients is outdated.
When it comes to networking, a blank slate is as good a place to start as any. I’ve been there many times . And the basic principle is always the same:
1) Find the right people
2) Get their attention
