Why You Should Start Networking With People You Already Know

Already know them? Great. That’s where you should start

Photo by Prakriti Khajuria on Unsplash

When most people think about networking, they picture shaking hands with strangers at awkward events.

But here’s a truth bomb that surprises a lot of my coaching clients:

The best place to start networking? With people you already know.

And, yes, that still counts as networking.

In fact, it’s not just “real” networking.

It’s the smartest, most effective way to begin.

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Not Sure Where to Start? Go Back to Your Circle

I hear it all the time:

“I’d network more, but I don’t know where to start.”

The answer is simple:

Start with people already in your world.

I call these your proximity connections.

These are the coworkers you haven’t spoken to in a while.
The former classmates you used to collaborate with.
The friend-of-a-friend you used to bump into at events.
Even your neighbor you talk shop with on the sidewalk.

You already shared space at some point in your lives either professionally, socially, or geographically.

That’s proximity.

And it builds connection faster than trying to cold-open with a stranger.

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Why It Works: Trust Is Already There

There are generally three ways we get to know people:

1. Random encounters — strangers you meet by chance

2. Introductions — friends-of-friends

3. Proximity — people you see consistently in shared spaces

Proximity connections are gold because they come with built-in trust.

You’ve already shared time, experiences, or goals.

That foundation makes it easier to reconnect, and easier for them to connect you with someone else.

This is where the real magic happens.

You’re not starting from zero.

When one of your proximity connections introduces you to someone else, that trust carries forward.

The new connection is more likely to respond, listen, and engage because the introduction comes from someone they already trust.

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The Trust Chain: A Networking Shortcut

Here’s the simple model I teach:
Conversations → Trust → Relationships

You don’t build a great network by collecting contacts.

You build it by creating trust through real conversations.

That’s why starting with people who already know you (even a little) is a momentum-builder.

You already have names in your phone, inbox, or LinkedIn who:

• Respect you

• Know your work

• Would take a quick call if you reached out

So why not start there?

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What to Do This Week

Here’s a challenge:

Pick one person you already know.

Someone you haven’t talked to in a while but respect.

Send them a short note:

“Hey, it’s been a while since we talked. I was thinking about you and would love to catch up.”

That’s it.

No pitch.

No pressure.

Just a reconnection.

Then have the conversation.

Listen.

Ask questions.

See what happens.

You’re not “bothering” them.

You’re planting a seed.

And that’s what real networking is.

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Final Thought

Don’t wait until you feel ready or “have a reason” to reach out.

Your network isn’t a cold list.

It’s a web of real relationships.

And the best time to nurture those connections?

Right now.

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