14.1: The Four Stages of Networking

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Learn the four stages of networking and why you need to follow the steps sequentially.
2. Learn why follow-up could be the most important component of all four stages of networking.

Networking consists of four stages, and the sequential order of the four stages is extremely important:

1. Research
2. The approach
3. The follow-up
4. The request

We all know individuals who call us only when they need something. They use only two of the four steps: they go from the approach right to the request. We know how we feel when this happens. When these people contact us, we no doubt say to ourselves, “I wonder what they want now.” To avoid this annoying behavior, you must follow the four steps sequentially. Let’s review each one in the order they should be used.

Research

Research enables you to identify key things and key people with whom you should be networking. In a job search, you should aim your research to answer the following questions:

• What details are available about the company of interest?
• What specific departments exist within the company?
• Who are the individuals who run those departments (the decision makers)?
• Does this company recruit on campus?
• Does HR lead the company’s recruiting efforts, or do the hiring managers find their own talent (for the most part)?
• What is the profitability of each department?
• What companies compete against the main company and against the specific departments (they might be different)?
• What are the top products and services produced?
• What are the goals of the company or the department?
• What recent challenges and trends are they are experiencing?

Once you identify these items, research everything about them through company websites, Google, LinkedIn, and the people in your network. The more information you gather, the more knowledgeable you will be about your job search, and the more likely you will impress those with whom you meet and network.

The Approach

Once you have identified the individuals with whom you would like to network or contact, think about how you would like to contact them. Great care should be taken with this step because first impressions matter. Things to consider include the following:

• Do you know anyone who can make a warm introduction? Cold contacts are clearly not as effective as an introduction from someone who knows both parties. If you are fortunate enough to have such a contact, approach them to make the connection. Never ask for a job. Instead, ask that they make an introduction. People you already know can make introductions:
  • Friends and family
  • Current or past employees of the company (this includes classmates who have interned at companies of interest)
  • Peers at school
  • Career services
  • Other school contacts, including professors, administrators, and so on
• If you must make a cold contact, your research can be used to impress. In a cover letter, you may write intelligently and compellingly about how you can be instrumental in the company because you can do x, y, or z. Be specific about your knowledge of the company, the departments, and the company’s competitors. Know why another company is challenging them, or why they are clearly the industry leader with no close second. Refer to Chapter 5, part II of this textbook, for complete information on how to write a compelling cover letter.

Reconnect with Old Contacts

If you have great contacts, but you haven’t kept in touch with them, you can use different ways to reconnect, but take care to not offend. The first time you reconnect, it cannot be about your job search. You cannot ask for anything that first time, except how the other person is doing. The point of reconnecting is to reestablish the relationship. The other person is the focus and by listening to them and being interested, you actually help yourself because you will learn about what’s going on in the market and what people care about, and you can act on this later.

This is why maintaining your network is so critical when you don’t need anything. It takes the time pressure off you to accomplish anything. If, however, you have waited until you are in need to work on your network, then you must discipline yourself to make those early contacts about your network and not about yourself. One good exercise is to take three to five contacts per day and just say hello. This gets you in the habit of regularly reaching out to your network, so that when you actually have a question to ask or even a favor, the request isn’t the only time you have reached out.

When using LinkedIn, remind people how you know each other. Don’t use those template connection invitations. Compose a personal message about where you met, when you last spoke, or something else that shows genuine interest. Add an updated and professional-looking picture of yourself so that old connections who may have forgotten your name can recognize you visually.

The Follow-Up

A networking paradox is that you cannot get a job without networking, but the biggest networking pet peeve is when someone asks for a job. Remember that no one wants to be contacted only in times of need. That’s what gives networking a bad reputation.

Once you have made the contact, the very next step is to follow up and maintain the networking contact. Immediately after meeting someone, following either a marketing event of some kind, a networking meeting, or an interview, you should send that person an e-mail that mentions that you were happy to see or meet them, references something you discussed (to at the very least remind them of your conversation), and asks for nothing in return.

Recruiters and hiring managers appreciate e-mails that reiterate interest or share an item that may be of interest to them, but what isn’t appreciated is requiring that they get back regarding a date or detail of some kind. Avoid if it at all possible. The best way to build a solid network is to contact people when you don’t need anything. Even if you are a job seeker and are networking to jump-start your search, you don’t want your first contact (or even your second) to be a request for help. Instead, maintain (or restart) your network by reaching out to people regularly—without asking for anything.

If you plan to add someone to your network for the long term, you should follow up with that person several times a year. Asking for help or just talking about yourself doesn’t count. Follow up in a way that focuses on them and what you can do for them, not the other way around. Focus on giving away—not selling. Here are some creative ways to reach out:

• Say thank you: Thank them for their time in meeting with you, and for the information they shared. Add something you discussed to the thank-you note to support the fact that you were listening and comprehending. Set the stage for future networking contact.
• Give a results update: If someone gave you advice, let them know what you did with it. Perhaps someone made a connection that resulted in another connection. Keep them updated and thank them again for the connection.
• Spread holiday cheer: Send holiday cards, and include some information about yourself to keep people updated. Remember to note information you receive in return (e.g., changes of address, changes of employment). Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s Day, Easter, the Fourth of July, Passover, Memorial Day, and Thanksgiving are great times to keep in touch, but you might even use the arrival of spring as a reason to reach out.
• Announce a life change: You might announce the end of the school year, entrance to an internship, entry to a graduate degree program, a promotion, or just an e-mail change. When you send out announcements, include news about other areas of your life. Always be upbeat. Job seekers can let their network know they are looking in specific industries, but shouldn’t immediately ask for help. For job seekers who have already announced they are looking, consider a follow-up contact letting people know where you are in your search.
• Offer an interesting article: Pick something about their industry and company, and it shows you are on top of news that matters to them. This works well for professional contacts, with whom you may not be on a familiar enough basis for a holiday card or personal announcement. An insightful article lets the contact know you are thinking of them and you understand what’s important in their industry.
• Introduce a new contact: When you introduce people to your network, not only do you expand the contacts of the person you introduce, but you also get an opportunity to catch up with your network. Like sending an interesting article, an interesting referral lets the contact know you are knowledgeable about their needs and willing to help.
• Simply say hello: Sometimes a person just pops into your head. Maybe they resemble someone on TV. Maybe you heard a joke they would enjoy. Follow your instinct and call or e-mail to say hello. It is always nice to know people are thinking of you.
• Offer congratulations: Did they make one of those business magazine top lists (e.g., Most Innovative, Most Admired, Best Places to Work)? If you hear good news about someone or their company, point it out.
• Make a recommendation: If you read a good book, try a good restaurant, and so forth, pass that on. (Make sure to keep it professional because your referrals are always a reflection on you.)

Use these nine methods, timed six to seven weeks apart, and you have almost a year of follow up. Now you have no excuse not to maintain your network.

Figure 7.2 and Figure 7.3 are examples of a follow-up note after a networking meeting.

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\):Example Follow-Up Note

Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Example Follow-Up Note 2

The Request

Only when you have completed the first three steps should you make a request. The quality of your network depends on following this checklist. It is tempting to jump from step 2 (the approach) to step 4 (the request), but you do so at the risk of not building a quality network on which you can rely for your professional success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Networking has four distinct stages. Effective networkers shouldn’t take shortcuts.
• Research, the first stage of networking, enables you to identify the key things and key people with whom you should be networking.
• Warm introductions are almost always more effective than cold calls.
• Reconnecting with old contacts is important, but take care when doing so.
• Follow-up is perhaps the most important part of networking because it helps the relationship to grow.

Exercises

1. Select a company of interest and begin to research key players at that company using the company website, http://www.linkedin.com, and your networking contacts.
2. Think about how to contact key decision makers at the companies in which you are most interested.
3. Follow up quickly and effectively after meeting new people. Think about how to continue the relationship, and focus on the giving aspect of the relationship.

Chapter 14.1 – The Four Stages of Networking

For Community College Students Building Their Future

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Why Networking Matters More Than Ever

You’ve probably heard people say, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”
But in today’s world—where careers in AI, tech, social media, health sciences, and creative industries are exploding—networking isn’t about collecting business cards or shaking hands in a suit.

Networking is about building real relationships, online and offline, with people who can help you grow.

Whether you dream of becoming a nurse, programmer, teacher, designer, psychologist, mechanic, or AI prompt engineer… the same four stages of networking apply.

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1. Research: Become a Career Detective 🕵️‍♀️

Before reaching out to anyone, you need to know who you’re trying to connect with—and why.

This is where you gather information about:

• The company
• The role or industry
• The people doing the hiring
• What’s new or changing in the field
• What problems they’re trying to solve

Modern research tools:

• LinkedIn (top choice)
• Company websites
• TikTok & Instagram insights (yes—many companies post “day in the life” videos)
• Glassdoor (culture + salaries)
• Google News
• AI tools like ChatGPT for summaries
• Industry-specific sites, like:
  • Tech & AI: GitHub, HuggingFace, Kaggle
  • Creative fields: Behance, Dribbble
  • Healthcare: Hospital career pages
  • Education: EdJoin

Questions to research:

• What does the company do?
• What problems are they trying to solve?
• Who is in charge of the department you want to join?
• What skills or certifications are most valued?
• How is AI changing the field?
• Which competitors are challenging them?

Good research makes you sound confident, prepared, and curious—qualities employers love.

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2. The Approach: Making a Connection (Without Being Weird) 🎤

Now that you know who your potential connections are, you’re ready to reach out.

Warm introductions (best)

Someone who knows both of you connects you:

• A friend or family member
• Classmates or former coworkers
• Professors or counselors
• Career center staff
• Student clubs or organizations

You simply ask:

“Hi, I’m interested in learning more about what you do at [company]. Would you be open to introducing me?”

Cold outreach (still great if done well)

When you don’t know them yet:

• Send a short, personalized LinkedIn message
• Mention something specific from your research
• Keep your tone friendly, not formal or robotic

Example:

“Hi Alex! I saw your TikTok about working as a UX designer at Netflix. I’m a community college student exploring career paths, and your journey really inspired me. If you're open to it, I’d love to ask you two quick questions about your experience.”

Important:
⚠️ DO NOT ask for a job.
⚠️ Keep your first message short.
⚠️ Be real. Be human. Be kind.

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3. The Follow-Up: The Secret Superpower 🔄

Follow-up is THE key to long-lasting connections.

People remember you when you:

• Say thank you
• Update them on how their advice helped
• Share something useful to them
• Reach out without needing anything

Here are modern, non-cringey ways to follow up:

✔ Offer value

Send an article or TikTok relevant to their field:

“Thought of you when I saw this update about AI tools being used in education!”

✔ Congratulate them

New job? New project? LinkedIn post?
A simple “Congrats!” goes a long way.

✔ Update them

“Your advice helped me build my first portfolio—thank you again!”

✔ Seasonal check-ins

A quick holiday or “Hope your semester is going well!” message keeps the connection alive.

Pro tip:
Follow up every 6–8 weeks to stay on people’s radar—without overwhelming them.

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4. The Request: AFTER You’ve Built the Relationship 🙌

Only after you’ve done all three earlier steps should you make a request, such as:

• “Do you know anyone I could talk to about internships?”
• “Would you be open to giving feedback on my resume?”
• “Are there upcoming openings I should watch for?”

Remember:
You’ve earned this moment by building a relationship—not by showing up out of nowhere.

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Key Takeaways

• Networking is about relationships, not favors.
• Follow the four steps in order: Research → Approach → Follow-Up → Request.
• Warm introductions are gold.
• LinkedIn, AI tools, and social platforms are your modern networking toolbox.
• Consistent follow-up builds genuine career momentum.

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Exercises

1. Choose a company you're interested in and research 5 key facts about it.
2. Identify one person in that company you could approach on LinkedIn.
3. Draft a short, friendly follow-up message you could send after speaking with someone.

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