Networking Doesn’t Have to Feel this Gross
Ever see someone from your college doing your dream job and immediately close the tab?
Yeah. Same.
Why this messes with your brain
You’re just scrolling. Minding your business.
Then boom—someone pops up who has the exact job you want.
And oh cool, they went to your school.
So now your brain’s like:
“Wow, small world!”
“I should reach out.”
“LOL absolutely not.”
Because in 0.4 seconds, you’ve convinced yourself:
They’re too far ahead
You’d totally come off weird
You don’t even know what to say
So you do nothing.
Again.
But here’s the truth: you’re not asking for a favor
You’re not begging for a job.
You’re not “bothering” anyone.
You’re just starting a normal, human conversation with someone who shares a piece of your past.
And in this context? That’s all networking is.
Not a strategy.
Not a pitch.
Just a quick message to someone who gets where you came from.
Try this message instead of spiraling
Let’s say you’re switching careers. You find someone from your college who’s already doing the thing you want to do.
Here’s what you send:
Hi [Name], I saw you’re also a [University] alum working in content strategy. I’m pivoting from journalism and curious how you made the leap. If you’re open to sharing, I’d really appreciate it.
No fluff.
No awkward “hope you’re well” vibes.
Just: here’s why I’m reaching out.
✅ Why this works:
You named the connection
You said what you’re exploring
You kept it short and to the point
Don’t wait for the “right moment”
ADHD will have you rewriting that message in your head 87 times before you ever send it.
So don’t trust your brain.
Trust the script.
Write it once. Reuse it forever.
Drop a few message templates into Notes or Google Docs.
Next time you find someone worth reaching out to?
Copy, tweak, send.
And no, they’re not judging your wording. They’re probably just skimming it while half-watching Netflix.
So if your brain’s still hesitating, here’s what actually moves the needle:
Shared school = built-in context
Curiosity beats polish
Scripts beat spirals
One message is all it takes to un-stuck yourself
This is where you unfreeze
You don’t have to write the perfect message.
You just have to get it out before your brain kills the vibe.
Say the thing.
Send it messy if you need to.
Get curious out loud—not just in your head.
Most people sit on this stuff for days.
You could send yours in two minutes and move on.
That’s the whole shift.
Not overthinking. Not over-polishing.
Just… moving a little faster than the spiral.
Your turn
What’s one alum you could message this week?
No pressure.
No pitch.
Just… curiosity.
That’s the whole game.
