“Networking feels awkward. Do I really need to do it?”

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The Challenge We’re Solving Today

“Networking feels awkward. Do I really need to do it?”

Short answer: Yes, it still matters.
But not for the reason most people think.

It’s not about asking strangers for favors.
It’s about learning more and getting seen.

I hear this a lot:

“I’m bad at small talk.”
“I don’t want to annoy anyone.”
“Can’t I just apply and let my resume do the work?”

You can apply cold and that can work.
But networking helps you get smarter and more visible, which gives you an edge.

Why This Matters to You

It is true that some jobs get filled before they’re posted.

Even when jobs are posted, hiring teams usually check who’s already shown interest or is active in their network.

That means:

• If no one knows who you are, your resume will get lost

• If you don’t understand the role, your application will miss the mark

Networking helps you fix both.

It’s not about asking for a job. It’s about getting noticed and showing up ready.

What Doesn't Work

What many teachers do:

• Blast the same message to lots of people 

• Like posts but never speak up

• Apply cold, then wait

These actions don’t hurt you, but they don’t help much either.

Why? 

They don’t start real conversations. 

They don’t teach you anything new.

And they don’t show your interest in a clear way.

A Better Approach for You

Try this simple 5-day plan to build visibility and learn more:

1. Pick someone at a company or in a job you’re curious about

2. Send a short message (see below for help)

3. Follow up in 3–5 days with one of these:

   • A thank-you

   • A smart question

This helps you show interest, gain insight, and warm up your presence without needing to ask for a referral at all.

REMEMBER: People respond to others who are clear, curious, and show effort... NOT people who just want a favor.

Warm Reach-Out Template:

Hi {Name},
I’m exploring roles at {Team/Company}. I want to make sure the company is a good fit for me.
Two quick things:

1. What made you smile when you started working there?

2. What #1 skill would you look for if you were hiring for your team?

I know you're busy, so no pressure at all to respond. Just working on getting my ducks in a row for my next life chapter.

Cheers!
{Your Name}

Example: Teacher to Customer Success

Hi Jess,
I’m looking at Customer Success roles at Presence.
Two quick things:

1. What surprised you in your first few months?

2. If you were hiring, what is the #1 skill you would you look for?

I know you're busy, so no pressure at all to respond. Just working on getting my ducks in a row for my life's next chapter.

Cheers!

TL;DR:

• Cold applications can work but they work better when you’re informed and visible

• Tons of roles aren’t filled by referrals anymore, but people still notice who shows up

• Networking helps you learn faster and apply smarter 

P.s.

I know this works becuase it helped me land 3 of my roles. My Career Change Accelerator, Module 4, walks you through this networking plan and all the rest of my outreach tools I used to hook em' and land the role.

👉 Click here to erase the yuckies and get great responses.

Hope you'll give this a try!

See you next week.

Steph Yesil

Find me on LinkedIn, Get My Career Change Kit, 
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