Let’s start with a belief that quietly holds a lot of people back:
“I’ll start networking when I’m ready to apply.”
On the surface, it makes sense. You’re not job hunting yet, so why bother?
But here’s the problem — by the time you need a network, it’s already too late to build one.
You’re trying to harvest in a season when you haven’t planted anything.
And that’s why networking feels hard. Awkward. One-sided. Like you’re just bothering people.
So here’s the mindset shift:
Networking isn’t about getting something. It’s about building something.
Specifically—your reputation, your relationships, and your professional foundation.
That’s what leads to referrals. That’s how roles come your way before they even get posted.
Let me walk you through what most people get wrong about networking — the common misconceptions that quietly hold you back — and the mindset shifts that will actually help you build real, long-term relationships in Product.
❌ Misconception #1: “Networking is only for job hunting”
This is the one that catches almost everyone.
You think you’ll “start networking” once you're actively applying. Or once you’ve finished that course. Or once you’ve polished your resume.
But by then? It’s too late. You’re networking from a place of urgency — and people can feel that.
It reads as transactional. It feels rushed. And it gets ignored.
Think about it like this instead.
The best time to network is before you need anything.
That’s when you can show up curious instead of desperate. That’s when you have the space to build trust — not just make requests.
Real networking gives you so much more than just job leads:
- Mentorship
- Clarity on your PM path
- Feedback on what you’re building
- Emotional support through the highs and lows
- A front-row seat to how actual product teams operate
That’s not job hunting.
That’s career building — and it starts way before the application.
❌ Misconception #2: “You have to be extroverted to be good at networking”
Let’s kill this one completely.
Networking isn't about being loud. You don’t need to work the room at events or go viral on LinkedIn.
In fact, the best networkers?
They’re quiet. Consistent. Intentional.
What actually works? This.
You don’t need to network with everyone. Just connect deeply with a few.
Some of the most impactful networking happens through:
- A DM that shows appreciation
- A thoughtful comment on someone’s post
- A short coffee chat that leads to a real connection
- A follow-up message months later just to say, “Hey, this helped me.”
You’re not collecting contacts.
You’re planting relationships. One genuine interaction at a time.
❌ MISCONCEPTION #3: “Networking is just asking for favours”
This is why so many cold messages fail.
“Hey, can you refer me for a job?”
“Hi, I’d love 15 minutes of your time to ask about Product…”
These messages don’t feel personal. They feel transactional.
And they usually go unanswered.
Here’s what actually works:
✅ Give before you ask.
That might look like:
- Sharing a resource that relates to their work
- Asking a well-researched question about something they posted
- Thanking them for content that helped you think differently
- Amplifying their work publicly—not just privately
The best asks come after a relationship is built.
So let’s say you’ve let go of the old playbook—no more desperate DMs or spray-and-pray messages.
Now you’re wondering:
If networking isn’t cold outreach or self-promotion… what is it?
Simple:
Real networking is about building trust at scale.
Not charm. Not contact collecting. Not asking for favours.
It’s about becoming someone people want to help—because they already know what you bring to the table.
That starts with mindset.
Here are three shifts that make networking feel less awkward—and actually work when you’re breaking into Product.
✅ MINDSET 1: GIVE, GIVE, GET
Lead with generosity.
Be the person who shows up with value — not requests.
Examples:
- “Your recent post helped me think differently about feature prioritisation — thank you.”
- “I’m working on a side project and your blog gave me a new idea for how to run experiments.”
- “I saw you’re hiring — I know someone sharp I’d love to connect you with.”
When you offer something first, you build trust. And people remember those who helped — especially when they weren’t asked to.
✅ MINDSET 2: PLANT SEEDS, NOT TRANSACTIONS
Every message, every interaction, every conversation—it’s a seed.
Don’t expect instant results. That’s not how it works.
Real relationships grow slowly.
The PM who ignores your first message might come back to you in six months with a job lead.
The hiring manager who follows you quietly might DM you when a role opens up.
But only if you’re already in the room.
✅ MINDSET 3: BE A PRODUCER, NOT JUST A CONSUMER
If you’re trying to network your way into Product— but you haven’t created anything yet—it’s hard for people to help you.
They don’t know what you bring to the table.
Here’s what helps:
- A side project
- A product teardown
- A Notion doc with feature ideas
- A blog post about your take on product-market fit
- A Loom video walkthrough of how you’d improve an onboarding experience
Build something—and share it.
It makes you 10x more referable.
It gives people a reason to remember you.
And it makes the conversation about something real — not just “I want to work in product.”
Your Networking Process: What To Do This Week
Let’s make this practical. Here’s a simple process to follow right now:
1. Pick 3 PMs in the industry
Start small. Follow their content. Read their posts. Get curious.
2. Engage with their work
Leave a thoughtful comment. Amplify something they wrote. Send a short message saying what you learned.
3. DM one person — no ask
Say thanks. Share an insight. Ask a question. Do not ask for a job or referral.
4. Build something small
Write a blog. Create a Notion doc. Start a teardown. Doesn’t need to be perfect — just start.
5. Repeat weekly
Networking is not a campaign. It’s a habit. Set a 30-minute block every week and commit to it.
Final Word: Build Now So You’re Ready Later
Don’t wait until you need a job to start networking.
Start now. Build your relationships before you need them.
Give value. Ask questions. Be a builder.
Because when the role comes up, when someone says, “Hey, do you know anyone good?” — you don’t want to be sending cold DMs.
You want to be the name that already came up.
Let’s keep building. Let’s do it together.
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