OTL Newsletter - How to Network Internally (without feeling cringe)

Observation 🧐

Most people hate networking and consider it a "necessary evil". 

But perhaps this is because most of us network the wrong way.

We think networking means:

• Grabbing coffee with a few senior leaders and hoping they remember them when a role opens up.
• Sending vague LinkedIn messages like, “Would love to pick your brain.”
• Waiting until a job is posted to start reaching out.

We tend to approach networking with a transactional mindset, which is why it doesn’t work. Here’s what’s wrong with the typical approach:

• Only reaching out when they need something – If you only connect when you’re job hunting or need a favour, it feels one-sided. Relationships built on reciprocity, not desperation, are the ones that last.
• Casting too wide of a net – Sending random connection requests or attending every networking event without a clear focus leads to shallow relationships. People remember meaningful interactions, not just another face in the crowd.
• Focusing on “What can you do for me?” – Approaching networking with a “how can this person help me?” mindset is a turnoff. The best networkers lead with value, offering insights, introductions, or support before asking for anything.
• Forgetting to nurture relationships – Networking isn’t a one-and-done activity. Many people make a connection and then disappear. Staying engaged—commenting on their posts, checking in, or sharing relevant opportunities—keeps relationships alive.
• Ignoring peers in favor of “big names” – People chase executives or well-known leaders while overlooking peers and colleagues. Yet, it’s often those in your immediate circle who will open doors for you in the future.

A better approach? Think of networking as relationship-building, not just career-building. The strongest networks are built over time with genuine curiosity, generosity, and consistency.

There is a secret to reducing awkwardness: when we approach these conversations seeking to be helpful, they instantly become less uncomfortable for us. 

We can offer value in so many ways, even if the person we’re speaking to is more senior or experienced than us.  Do not discount the value of your expertise, time or connections. 

Thought Starter  🤔

If you’re serious about getting promoted, you need a networking strategy—one that positions you as a top candidate before an opportunity even exists.

I created a Networking Guide for Internal Promotion—a step-by-step strategy to help you make the right connections, have meaningful conversations, and stand out as the obvious choice when leadership roles open up.

Here’s what’s inside:

• ✅ Targeting the Right People – Who you should be meeting (hint: it’s not just the hiring manager)
• ✅ Outreach That Gets a Response – The exact messages that work (without feeling awkward)
• ✅ Running a Great Meeting – How to position yourself as a future leader, not just another AE
• ✅ Value Exchange – How to make networking a two-way street so people want to help you
• ✅ Follow-Up that Builds Momentum – Staying top of mind without being annoying

Networking is like sales—random outreach won’t get you the deal. A proven process will.

If you’re ready to stop hoping and start taking control of your career, grab the Networking Guide for Internal Promotion today. 

Love 🥰

Communication is not easy, especially with people we don’t know very well. In this episode of the Armchair Expert podcast, Alison Wood Brooks is a behavioural research scientist who shares her research and discusses: 

• How conversations are remarkably complex and it takes time and effort to be a good conversationalist. 
• Why preparing for conversations is something we don’t often do, but should. There is a myth of naturalness. 
• How to leverage the TALK model (Topics, Asking, Levity, Kindness).