How to Start a Networking Conversation (Without Feeling Fake)
Hint: It's something Ted Lasso would tell you to do!
My Medium friends can read this story over there as well.
Photo by Gary Butterfield on Unsplash
One of the most common questions I get is:
"How do I start a networking conversation without feeling fake?"
Whether you're reaching out on LinkedIn or talking to someone at a conference, it’s easy to feel awkward.
Like you’re forcing a connection or putting on a front.
Here’s my fix:
Lead with curiosity.
Don’t try to craft the perfect pitch.
Don’t overthink it.
Just be curious about the other person.
Say you’re reaching out to someone who works at a company you admire.
You might message them with something like:
“Hey, I saw you're at [Company Name]. I’d love to hear what your experience has been like — what’s been the best part of working there so far?”
You’re not selling.
You’re not asking for a job.
You’re just starting a conversation.
One real human to another.
Same goes if they’ve been in a role you’re interested in. Try:
“I noticed you were in [Role] at [Company]. Curious: What did you love about the role? Anything you’d do differently?”
Still too hard to hit send?
Here’s a pro move I picked up from Austin Belcak (worth checking out if you haven’t):
Give them a super easy way to respond.
Instead of an open-ended question, try this:
“I’m curious about your role at [Company]. I recently read X about it. Do you think:
A) That’s accurate
B) There’s more to it?”
All they have to do is reply “A” or “B.”
And once they do?
Now you’ve got momentum.
People are far more likely to keep a conversation going once they've responded once.
The key is making it easy for them to engage, and making it feel natural for you.
Ask real questions.
Be curious.
That’s how to network without feeling fake.
I’m Greg.
My mission is to change the way people feel about networking.
I share my best networking tips and tricks every week in my newsletter, The Introverted Networker.
Want more simple, effective ways to grow your network without awkward events or small talk?
Hit the Subscribe now button: