How to Network When You're Busy, Shy, or Job Hunting

You will learn how to overcome the networking freeze and use the "Two Cs"—compliments and connection, to build relationships with the people you already know (and who would really like to hear from you, if you didn't have your head buried in AI prompts and outputs).

Whenever I speak to creative leaders about networking, I hear the exact same thing: you simply don’t do it.

Instead, you spend hours, days, even weeks obsessing over your resume, CV, or LinkedIn profile. You use AI to optimize your profile, research target companies, or draft the perfect cover letter. AI is an incredibly helpful partner in that work, but hiding behind the safety of an algorithm is only half the picture.

The truth is, you are already connected. LinkedIn isn’t just a database; it is a living professional network. You have spent months, years, and entire career seasons working alongside other brilliant professionals.

Right now, you are navigating a massive, seismic transition with AI. It is changing the very nature of your work. There is a rising generation of talent who will only ever know an AI-native world, while you are the ones currently developing it, supporting companies through it, and building your own apps and businesses with it. It is an incredibly exciting time, but it desperately needs to be grounded by human interaction.

Staying connected is a habit to be cultivated, not an emergency button to press when things go wrong. You want to build your bank of relationships before you ever need to draw from it.

If the word "networking" makes you shudder, you are in good company. In her best selling book, Taking the Work Out of Networking: An Introvert’s Guide to Making Connections That Count, former Google and Twitter Editorial Director Karen Wickre reframes the entire practice for introverts.

Wickre champions the power of "loose touch" communication, the practice of keeping in touch with people on an ongoing, low-stakes basis. She points out that introverts actually possess natural networking superpowers: we are excellent observers, deep listeners, and value quiet, authentic one-on-one connections over loud, crowded rooms.

According to Wickre, the key is to cultivate an attitude of ongoing curiosity. Rather than treating networking as a transactional chore to execute during a job search, we should view it as a continuous, quiet habit of sharing interesting articles, celebrating small wins, and checking in with zero agenda.

When you do decide to reach out, how do you do it without feeling awkward? Real-estate leader Ryan Serhant offers a brilliant, simple formula to initiate contact that aligns perfectly with Wickre's human-first philosophy. He calls it The Two Cs:

As Serhant points out, "People hate being sold, but they love shopping with friends." Your number one job when reaching out isn't to ask for a job; it's simply to build a warm relationship.

I encourage you to connect with three people every day.

Three people in your professional network, or even in your personal life, who would love to hear from you. Because here is the secret: people love to hear from other people. We just sometimes forget how good it feels to receive a personal touch.

It doesn't have to be big, stressful, or complicated. Below are 7 copy-and-paste templates that utilize the "Two Cs" framework and Wickre’s loose touch" philosophy. Pick three people, copy a template, tweak it, and hit send.

"Hi [Name],

[Compliment] It’s been a while since our time at [Former Company]. I still look back so fondly on how we tackled [Project/Challenge] together, your ability to keep the team focused during that launch was a masterclass.

[Commonality] I’ve recently transitioned out of my role at [Last Company] and am taking some intentional time to survey the [Location] leadership landscape for my next chapter. Since we both know how rapidly this market is shifting, I’d love to grab 15 minutes to hear your 'boots on the ground' perspective on what you're seeing at [Their Company].

No agenda other than catching up and trading notes. Are you free for a quick call or coffee next week?"

"Hi [Name],

[Compliment] I’ve been following your updates on [Topic, e.g., AI in Design Ops]. Your recent point about [Specific Point they made] was incredibly sharp and really got me thinking.

[Commonality] I’m currently refining my own leadership narrative as I explore new Director/VP-level opportunities in [Location]. Since we both care deeply about how [Specific Skill/Topic] is evolving in the current market, I’d highly value your 'outside-in' take on how my background is landing.

Would love to buy you a coffee or jump on a brief Zoom to catch up and get your gut reaction. Hope all is well at [Their Company]!"

"Hi [Name],

[Compliment] I ran into [Common Connection] recently and it made me think of our work together on [Project]. I always deeply appreciated your collaborative approach and how you structured those complex design sprints. Hard to believe that was already [X] years ago!

[Commonality] I’m currently based in [Location] and making the rounds with a few folks in my network as I plot my next move after [Last Role]. Since we shared such a foundational chapter of our careers, I'd love to hear how your journey at [Their Company] has been and see if there are any ways I can support what you're building over there.

Any interest in a quick sync next week?"

"Hi [Name],

[Compliment] Our mutual friend [Mutual Connection] suggested I reach out to you. They had wonderful things to say about your leadership style and your work at [Their Company], especially around [Specific Area/Project].

[Commonality] I’m currently based in [Location] and exploring my next chapter in senior leadership after a rewarding run at [Last Company]. Since we both value [Mutual Connection]'s perspective and have spent our careers building in this space, I'd love to buy you a cup of coffee (or jump on a quick call) to learn more about your journey and hear your thoughts on the local market.

Would you have 15 minutes to connect next week?"

"Hi [Name],

[Compliment] I was browsing the [School/Company] alumni network and came across your profile. It's fantastic to see a fellow [Mascot/Alum] doing such impressive work leading the team at [Their Company].

[Commonality] I'm currently living in [Location] and am in the middle of a thoughtful transition after my time at [Last Company]. As I look at what's next, I’m reaching out to a few respected peers who shared that same [School/Company] foundation.

I'd love to hear how you navigated your transition into your current space and swap a few [School/Company] stories. Are you open to a brief call or coffee next week?"

"Hi [Name],

[Compliment] I hope you’re having a great week. I came across this piece on [Topic, e.g., the future of remote creative teams] and immediately thought of you. You’ve always been ahead of the curve when it comes to structuring healthy creative operations.

[Commonality] I'm currently in [Location] and taking some intentional time to speak with peer leaders as I map out my next leadership move. Since we are both navigating these shifting team dynamics, I’d love to grab 15 minutes to hear how your team at [Their Company] is adapting, and see if there is any way I can support your current initiatives.

Let me know if you might be free for a quick virtual coffee next week!"

"Hi [Name],

[Compliment] I hope you’re doing well! I was just thinking about our time at [Company] specifically when we tackled [Project/Goal] together and wanted to reach out. I always appreciated your [specific strength, e.g., calm leadership under pressure / brilliant eye for detail], and it was genuinely one of my favorite professional chapters.

[Commonality] Since we built such a great working shorthand on that team, and because I’m currently shaping my next steps in [Location], I’m polishing up my LinkedIn profile. I would love to write you a stellar recommendation highlighting your skills in [Area of Expertise].

If you're open to it, would you mind writing a brief one for me in return, focusing on our time together at [Company]?

To make it super easy, here is exactly how to do it on LinkedIn whenever you have a free five minutes:

Let me know if that works, and I'll get yours written and sent over to you right away!"

AI optimization can only take you halfway. In a landscape undergoing a seismic shift, real human-to-human relationships are what keep us grounded. Don't hide behind the screen. Commit to connecting with just three people a day whether professionally or personally. People love to hear from you; you just have to take the first step.

Until next week,

PS: Would you like to receive more leadership strategies? Here are a few ways I can help: