TIN #110 - How I Got “Lucky” Through Networking (And You Can Too)

Unlock Your Networking Luck with These Simple Steps

Hey there!

Today we’re exploring the question:

Can your network make you luckier?

Spoiler alert—I believe it can!

Let’s break down how networking can increase your “luck surface area” and why what seems like luck is often the result of solid networking.

This issue takes about 5 minutes to read…

Before We Get Started:

• My online course, “5 Steps To Grow Your Professional Network,” is FREE for all my newsletter subscribers. Learn the process I use everyday to grow my professional network.

• Each week, I post a new podcast with tips you’ll find in the weekly newsletter and bonus stories, wisdom, and motivation. The Introverted Networker podcast is like the weekly newsletter but with additional narration and thoughts from me. Be sure to listen to this week’s podcast and check out the previous episodes of the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for more networking tips and insights.

• The video version of the podcast is available on my YouTube channel.

The “Luck Surface Area” Concept

Have you heard of “luck surface area?”

The first time I heard about it was from Sahil Bloom in his Curiosity Chronicle.

"Luck surface area" is a concept that suggests the more you put yourself out there by sharing your work, ideas, and efforts, the more opportunities (or "luck") you are likely to attract.

It's based on the idea that "luck" isn't entirely random, but rather, it increases as your visibility and engagement grow.

Think of it as this formula:

Luck Surface Area = Doing X Sharing

In other words, the more you do (creating, working on projects, building relationships) and the more you share (talking about your work, networking, being active in communities), the greater your "surface area" for luck to strike.

This is especially useful for introverts in networking, as it emphasizes consistent effort and sharing over random, forced interactions.

People call it serendipity, but in reality, it’s all about making yourself visible to the right people.

When people know who you are and what you do, they’re more likely to connect you with opportunities, which might seem like luck to outsiders.

3 Ways to “Get Lucky” in Networking

Let's look at three ways you can create what feels like "luck" through networking.

Reality: it’s not luck at all—just smart, intentional action.

1. People Know Who You Are

It’s not about who you know; it’s about who knows you.

When you show up consistently—whether on LinkedIn, in virtual groups, or in-person events—people start to recognize you.

Here’s a personal example: I’ve built a LinkedIn presence where I interact with people daily.

Even if I’ve never met them in person, they know me, my values, and what I do.

Recently, I helped a friend get a job lead by tapping into this network.

I sent a message to one of my connections, who I engage with on a regular basis on LinkedIn, to ask if she knew anyone at the company where my friend was applying to work.

She responded and knew a lot of people, including the hiring manager for the job.

She offered to send my friends resume to her connections.

Was that luck?

No—it’s because I showed up consistently.

This connection knows me from my frequent engagement. I wasn’t a random stranger. I was someone she “knew,” at least virtually.

Action Tip: Make it a point to engage consistently on platforms like LinkedIn.

You don’t have to be loud or boastful.

Just show up, participate, and let people get to know you.

Bonus Tip: When you show up online, make sure you have a great headshot.

It shows people you’re a real person and helps them trust you.

Don’t have access to a professional photographer, check out Headshot Pro*

It’s an AI headshot generator that takes a few minutes to set up and will give you great headshots you can use on your profiles. Here’s some of the ones it created for me:

2. People Know What You Do

Networking isn’t just about being present; it’s about making sure people know what you’re working on.

When your network knows what you do, you become top of mind for opportunities that match your skills.

For example, I’ve been invited to speak on networking simply because I talk about it all the time.

Whether it’s on social media or in personal conversations, I share my passion for teaching others how to build connections.

So, when someone needs a speaker on the topic, guess who they think of?

Action Tip: Make it a habit to talk about what you’re working on in conversations, both online and offline.

Don’t think of it as shameless self-promotion; you’re simply sharing what excites you with the rest of the world.

3. People Think You’re Worth Helping

People are more likely to help those who’ve helped them—or who they believe will help them in the future.

This is where reciprocity comes into play.

By being generous with your time, advice, and support, you create a network of people who are eager to return the favor.

I recently reached out to some old colleagues for references for a new consulting gig.

They were happy to help because I had built up goodwill with them over the years by being a good partner and helper.

That’s networking success.

Action Tip: Before you ask for help, ask yourself how you can provide value to others?

When you help first, people are far more likely to want to help you down the line.

Is It Luck, or Is It Networking?

When you consistently show up, share what you do, and help others, opportunities will come your way.

It might feel like luck, but it’s really the result of the relationships you’ve cultivated.

So, get out there and keep connecting!

The more you invest in your network, the more “lucky” you’ll feel—but we know the truth, don’t we?

You made it happen.

Before You Go…

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