Start Networking With Your Friends, Family

Networking can feel overwhelming, especially when you imagine reaching out to strangers. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The most powerful connections you can build are often with the people you already know. Whether it’s family, friends, or acquaintances, these relationships are the foundation for a strong professional network.

Start with Your Inner Circle

Family and friends may seem like unlikely professional contacts, but they’re actually an excellent starting point. You’re already comfortable with them, and they’re more inclined to help because they know you well. The key is to be intentional about how you approach the conversation.

It’s not about asking your cousin for a job directly but letting them know what you’re looking for in your career. Mention your career goals, and be specific about the kinds of roles or industries you’re targeting. Even if they can’t help, they might know someone who can.

Susan McPherson , author of The Lost Art of Connecting , stresses the importance of focusing on helping others rather than making demands. “Networking should be less about ‘what can I get?’ and more about ‘what can I give?’” You can offer value to your family and friends in small but meaningful ways, like sharing helpful articles or introducing them to people who might be useful to their careers.

Reconnect with Old Acquaintances

Beyond immediate family and friends, consider reaching out to acquaintances from your broader social circle. These are people you’ve met through mutual friends, hobbies, or community activities.

For example, maybe you’ve volunteered with someone at a charity event or shared a few conversations at a family gathering. Now is the time to reconnect with them and build a professional relationship. The familiarity from your previous connection can make this outreach less awkward and more natural.

The trick here is to be genuine. Start by catching up, showing interest in what they’ve been up to, and then easing into a conversation about your career goals. This process helps you establish a meaningful relationship before you dive into professional requests.

Leverage Social Media

LinkedIn can make it easier to reconnect with people from your inner circle. It’s an effective way to maintain relationships without being too intrusive.

Use InMail to reach out to a family member or friend, congratulating them on a recent accomplishment or commenting on their latest post. This creates an opportunity to transition into a conversation about your own career aspirations. Plus, it gives them an easy way to think about people in their network who might be able to help you.

At the end of the day, networking is about being proactive with people who already want to see you succeed. So don’t hesitate to reach out and nurture those relationships.

(This article was compiled by Andrew Seaman , using previous reporting from his weekly Get Hired newsletter .)