# How to start networking when you don’t have a big network

By Corey Hart

Published: 2026-10-08
Updated: 2026-10-13
Canonical: https://therisingadvantage.com/blog/networking-without-a-big-network

## Useful takeaways

- Start with someone you can place.
- Make a small, clear request.
- Prepare before an introduction arrives.

Networking can start with being curious about someone’s work. You don’t need a perfect résumé or a room full of contacts to ask a useful question.

## Start with someone you can place

Think of a professor, advisor, classmate, former coworker, or person you met at an event. Choose someone whose experience connects to one question you have. The goal is a conversation you can learn from.

## Make a small, clear request

Try: “I’m exploring [field] and noticed your experience with [specific work]. Would you be open to a short conversation about how you got started? I’d especially like to understand [question].” Adapt this to your relationship. Give them room to decline.

## Prepare before an introduction arrives

Have a recognizable photo, your school or current role, and a simple description of what interests you. When someone introduces you, read the other person’s profile and write down one thing you’re curious about. Reply with a clear next step.

## Make the follow-through useful

Thank them for one specific thing you learned. If you said you would send something, send it. If their advice helped you take a step, a brief update can keep the relationship alive. An introduction creates a chance to connect, not a promise of a job or opportunity.

## Your next useful move

Choose one person and write one question you’d like to ask them.

## Put this into practice

Explore [Create Your Own Luck](https://therisingadvantage.com/#inside) in The Rising Advantage’s self-paced course. See [what’s included and current pricing](https://therisingadvantage.com/pricing). Optional ongoing support is separate.

## Related reading

- [How to Start an Email to a Professor: Subject Lines and Opening Templates](https://therisingadvantage.com/blog/start-email-to-professor)
- [Email Your Professor About an Extension, Meeting, or Recommendation](https://therisingadvantage.com/blog/professor-email-request-templates)