How I'd start networking today (if I had no network)

Answering one of my favorite questions here: where to start when networking.

Author

Dominic Imwalle
February 20, 2025

We roll our eyes, cringe, and our blood pressure rises when we hear “networking” or “LinkedIn” as a professional.

It’s even worse if those are combined…

Let me relieve the pressure on this process👇🏼

  1. Why do I say chase “cool” people

  2. Questions to Determine “Cool”

  3. #PrescribedByDx—raw thoughts

What if networking wasn’t about strategy—but about finding the people who make you light up?

I say chase “cool” people when you’re networking.

Why?

Because we’re so hung up on what’s the next “right” move

That we never ask ourselves what type of work we enjoy.

  • When do we light on fire?

  • When have we created quality work?

  • How are we proud of where we show up?

When we can’t figure that out, we start to fantasize about the life that other people are living.

  • How did they secure that funding?

  • When did they pivot into leadership?

  • Who helped them land that new role?

Therefore, we ignore all the work that it takes to get there.

But, what if we spent time with those “cool” people?

Gave ourselves a chance to see if their work lights us on fire.

Or, if we aligned with the work product they’re creating.

People have information you need to understand where you’re going. Humble yourself, be a student, land a conversation with someone you admire, and go have fun.

Ps) You’re that “cool” person to someone else.

Questions to Determine “Cool”:

  • What do you wish you would have considered before going down this route?

  • Who was instrumental in your success in this industry?

  • What work product are you known for? Are you proud of that?

Ease into these questions and gauge the conversation as you go. If you don’t know this person well, you may get superficial answers at first. Some people will be willing to let their guard down and others will never.

Take note of what hits home as you go.

#PrescribedByDx

A quote that hit home with me this week —

"Sure, it might be ideal to spend an hour doing these things, but one minute gets you in the game. Now you're learning. Now you're improving. Now results are possible. One doesn't seem like much, but it's something real. At zero, you're still dreaming."

Before you leave…

I’m hosting raw coaching sessions 1:1 with job seekers right now. They’re showing up, asking tough questions, getting asked more difficult ones, and building their business case as a candidate to attract hiring teams.

I teach the exact framework I use to help job seekers attract hiring teams and show up to a career that they enjoy.

Friendly reminder: Just get started today ✌🏼

Dominic