Why One-Size-Fits-All Networking Never Works
What Kind of Networker Are You? (Find Your Type and Your Next Step)
Welcome to issue #170 of The Introverted Networker. Every Tuesday, I teach you to be a better networker. My favorite part of the week is hearing from my readers, so leave a comment or ask a question, if you are so inclined.
This issue takes about 4 minutes to read…
What Kind of Networker Are You?
Most people think there’s one right way to network.
But there isn’t.
Some people are rebuilding confidence after a layoff.
Others are trying to get noticed inside their company.
Some want to feel less isolated in their careers.
Where you are in your career and what you need from connection shapes how you should approach networking.
Over the years I’ve noticed five main types of networkers.
Read through them below and see which sounds most like you.
If you find one you identify with, check out the networking tip where it says Try this week.
Then take the one-question poll at the end.
Knowing your type helps you focus on what matters most for you right now.
1. The Rebuilder
Who they are: Recently laid off or worried about job security.
Need: Confidence and a simple plan to start reconnecting.
What works best: Reaching out to trusted former coworkers first.
Common mistake: Waiting until the job search feels urgent.
Goal: Rebuild trust and visibility so opportunities start finding you again.
Try this week: Pick one former coworker you liked working with. Send a short note:
“I was thinking about our time at [Company] and wanted to see how you’re doing.”
That’s it. Don’t ask for help. Just reconnect.
2. The Invisible Insider
Who they are: Mid-career professionals who do great work but stay under the radar.
Need: A way to build relationships across teams without feeling self-promotional.
What works best: Informal cross-functional check-ins.
Common mistake: Believing good work alone gets noticed.
Goal: Build internal visibility and influence through authentic connection.
Try this week: Invite someone from another department to a 15-minute coffee or virtual chat.
Ask, “What’s one project you’re excited about right now?” and listen.
Visibility grows when curiosity does.
3. The Connector-Leader
Who they are: Senior leaders or managers who want their teams to feel more connected.
Need: Practical ways to create trust and collaboration across silos.
What works best: Modeling small connection habits.
Common mistake: Trying to “fix culture” with programs instead of relationships.
Goal: Make connection part of everyday leadership.
Try this week: Start your next team meeting with a one-minute personal check-in question:
“Who’s someone in another department you get emails from, but have never talked to? I want you to reach out to that person this week and have a voice to voice conversation”
It signals that people matter as much as metrics.
4. The Isolated Expert
Who they are: Highly skilled professionals like physicians, lawyers, engineers, consultants who feel professionally lonely.
Need: Genuine peer connection and a safe place to share challenges.
What works best: Small, trusted circles or peer groups.
Common mistake: Thinking networking means self-promotion instead of support.
Goal: Build a network that strengthens both well-being and career resilience.
Try this week: Reach out to one peer in your field and suggest a short call:
“I’ve been thinking about how we all deal with [shared challenge]. Would you be open to a quick conversation about what’s working for you?”
Shared struggles build faster trust than shared résumés.
5. The Emerging Professional
Who they are: College students or early-career professionals starting to build momentum.
Need: Confidence to reach out, ask for guidance, and learn from others’ paths.
What works best: Informational chats and short projects that create proof of work.
Common mistake: Thinking they have nothing to offer yet.
Goal: Build learning relationships that open doors.
Try this week: Message one alumnus or professional you admire:
“I’m early in my career and admire your path in [area]. Could I ask you a couple quick questions about how you got started?”
Most people love to share advice. It just takes a nudge.
Your Turn
Everyone networks for a different reason: rebuilding, visibility, leadership, connection, or growth.
But the common thread is this: your career grows as your relationships grow.
Which one sounds most like you?
👉 Take the one-question poll: What kind of networker are you?
Next week I’ll share a short self-assessment to help you find your exact starting point and get more personalized steps you can put into action immediately.
Best Things I Found Online This Week:
Check out my guest podcast appearance with Curtis Jenkins where we talk all about introverts and networking.