In today’s job market, opportunities don’t just come from applications—they come from relationships.

Building a strong network before you need it is the key to unlocking job offers, mentorships, and long-term career growth.

1️⃣ Start with the Right Communities

The best way to expand your network is by immersing yourself in the right online and offline communities.

✅ Online Groups & Channels: Slack, Discord, Facebook, and LinkedIn groups dedicated to job searching, product management, and startups. These allow you to connect with professionals across industries and levels.

✅ Mentorship Platforms: Websites like ADPList, MentorCruise, and 10 Thousand Coffees connect you with experienced professionals who can offer guidance and introduce you to new opportunities.

✅ Professional Communities & Events: Many organizations offer exclusive networking events, mentorship, and career support. Some key communities include:

For Product Managers:

• Mind the Product

• Product School

• Product Manager HQ

• ProductTank (local meetups worldwide)

For Women in Tech:

• Elpha

• Women Who Code

• Lean In Circles

• Women in AI (WAI)

• Girls in Tech

2️⃣ Attend Industry Events & Conferences

Attending events—both virtual and in-person—gives you direct access to decision-makers and like-minded professionals.

📍 Where to Find Events:

• Meetup, Eventbrite, and LinkedIn Events: Search for industry-specific gatherings.

• Company-Sponsored Events: Look for tech panels, Q&A sessions, or hiring events hosted by companies you’re interested in.

• In-Person Conferences: If possible, consider attending events in major hubs like San Francisco, New York, or London.

   

Pro Tip: If you can’t travel, attend online events where senior leaders are speaking and engage with them on LinkedIn afterward.

3️⃣ Build Relationships with Senior Professionals

The best networking isn’t just about meeting peers—it’s about learning from those ahead of you. Connect with professionals who are already in leadership roles like Lead Product Managers, Directors, and Founders.

📍 Where They Hang Out:

• Events on “How to Get Promoted as a PM”

• Leadership panels on “Hiring and Team Building”

• Networking spaces like Level Up (for managers)

   

Action Step: After an event, message attendees:

“Hey [Name], we both attended [Event Name]. I’d love to connect and hear your insights on [Topic].”

4️⃣ Reconnect with Your Existing Network

Your best opportunities may come from people you already know but haven’t spoken to in a while.

🔥 Easy Ways to Reconnect:

✅ Congratulate someone on a new role or achievement.

✅ Engage with their LinkedIn posts by commenting with thoughtful insights.

✅ Send a quick message:

 “Hey [Name], I saw your post on [Topic]—really insightful! Would love to catch up soon.”

Pro Tip: Ask for warm introductions! If you’re eyeing a company, check if someone in your network is already connected to a hiring manager and ask for an intro.

5️⃣ Use Hackathons & Projects to Expand Your Network

Networking isn’t just about conversations—it’s about collaborating on real work.

Hackathons & Side Projects Help You:

👉🏽 Gain hands-on experience.

👉🏽 Meet future hiring managers, founders, and industry experts.

👉🏽 Work closely with potential future teammates.

📍 Where to Find Hackathons:

• Devpost

• Hackathon.io

• MLH (Major League Hacking)

• Meetup (search for industry hackathons)

   

Real Story: A friend transitioned from modeling to software engineering because she built strong relationships through hackathons—one of her teammates later hired her!

6️⃣ Leverage Alumni Networks & Career Clubs

If you’re in school (or an alum), your university’s career network can be a goldmine for connections.

✅ Ways to Tap into Alumni Networks:

• Check your university’s alumni directory for professionals at target companies.

• Attend alumni networking events (many universities offer free meetups in major cities).

• Reach out to fellow alumni on LinkedIn:

  “Hey [Name], I see we both went to [University]! I’d love to hear about your journey into [Industry].”

7️⃣ Personalize Every Outreach Message

If you want genuine responses, your outreach must feel personal.

Here’s a template you can use:

📌 Follow-Up Message After an Event:

Subject: Great connecting at [Event Name]!

Hi [Name],

It was great meeting you at [Event Name] yesterday! I really enjoyed our chat about [Topic].

I’d love to stay in touch and continue learning from you. Let’s connect here or grab a virtual coffee sometime!

Best, [Your Name]

Network Before You Need It

Networking isn’t just about getting a job—it’s about building relationships that support your long-term career growth.

As Lao Tzu said,

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Start building connections today!