How do i randomly message people in my company on slack/teams to "network"?
Fresher here. My manager is insisting on networking with seniors in the company and dropping them messages. How exactly can i do that? I wfh btw, would not do it today because obviously I don't want to ruin their Friday.
Am i crazy to think that online networking is harder than offline networking? I'm a huge introvert.
If you are mid/senior level, would you be irritated to see a message from a random new hire? If no, what sort of message would make you happy/not annoyed etc etc?
Reach out only if you have an idea of why talking to them is useful for you or if you also have something valuable to share for them as an observer or user (if you're in a product start-up)
If you're an introvert then you know it's exhausting to engage in nonsensical convo so think of why you'd want to network with a random hire.
But no, for the love of God, don't do it just for the sake of it. Doesn't help anyone.
thanks! looks like i have a lot of upskilling to do. don't really know how I'll add value to a senior currently but makes sense.
Not necessarily, just study what the function is and apply it to your company and sector. Senior folk appreciate curiosity and drive more than skill.
Look for non work related interests across the company. As you grow senior, people look for outlets to blow steam off. Utilise that. If there are common synergies, you hit it off. Try things like games, books, movies, sports, etc.
thanks mate! but honestly, i don't know how to do this. most of the company is distributed across cities, works from home/office and i find it hard to continue and steer the conversation on a non-work related front. especially on teams. it's easier I'm having lunch and probably ask a random question to someone in office but wfh is making it difficult mo
Unfortunate downside of remote work
You have a 30 day judgement free period.
Feel free to drop a note and introduce yourself, which team have you joined, what do you expect to be doing. Structure this well and go prepared. Better than riffing and fumbling an intro.
Ask folks if they have any inputs / advice for you, especially on how people are successful in your role or the org. Just like on GV, folks love to give free fund gyaan. It'll also give you a quick dipstick on the general culture.
Good luck!
thank you!
Just go for it, whether offline or online, I was also in the same situation.In the Initial 3 months I had barely interacted other than few my batch mates, but in the next 2 months I started interacting with seniors from different team as well. I'm also not extrovert but overcame my shyness and started networking with people.
Set up 30 min 1:1 with as many folks as possible in the first month. Have informal chats as well as get to know what they do.
After first month, people might not spare much time for you
You cannot.. compulsive networking is a bad idea. Instead build a skill or identify something you can trade.. network will form on its own.
Profit is the best networking tool. If you jave something they want, network will happen on its own. No one likes to network with someone who has nothing to offer.
Understand your job role from your manager first that what is that you have to achieve.
Now to achieve this objective, which all departments/senior’s help would you require and for what purpose. This should be your discussion point with those leaders.
“I have recently joined X’s team and I will be helping him on Y and Z areas. As part of the same, wanted to connect with you to understand the process of [Insert senior’s expertise are].”
I would suggest to approach them for help regarding some topic, letting them know you're fresher & get on a call. Try to have a conversation, usually if they're chatty they will lead the conversation themselves especially since you're a fresher. Much better way to get to know them organically rather than just pinging them "hi can we network"
