Navigating Networking Opportunities in Project Management

What if the one person who could help you land your next PM job has no idea you’re even looking? Most project management opportunities don’t start with a job board. They start with a conversation. If you’re applying and not hearing back, it’s time to tap into your network. Here’s how: ✅ Make a list of former coworkers, managers, colleagues, and even classmates who work in industries or companies you’re interested in. ✅ Send a short, genuine message. Let them know you’re exploring project management roles and would appreciate any leads, advice, or connections. ✅ Be specific about what you’re looking for. Mention your strengths (e.g. IT, operations, events) so they know how to help. ✅ Follow up after a few weeks if you don’t hear back. People are busy! It’s not personal. This simple outreach strategy helped me move the needle more than 50 online applications ever did. Your network wants to support you but they can’t if they don’t know what you need. Are you thinking about making a move into project management? #ProjectManagement #CareerChange #JobSearchTips #NetworkingWorks #PMJobs #ProjectManagerLife #CareerGrowth #BreakIntoPM #NewCareerPath #HiddenJobMarket #JobSearchStrategy #LinkedInTips #thegoodpmlife

For introverts (or shy extroverts like myself) in product management, building a broad and diverse network might seem challenging. But in a recent conversation with Su Belagodu, she insipired me with some ways to make it more approachable and rewarding. ✨ A strong network leads to more opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow. It opens doors to career opportunities, new perspectives, and creative problem-solving while ensuring we stay connected in a field that can sometimes feel isolating—especially in smaller teams or companies. 🤝 Leverage Second and Third-Level Connections Focusing on second and third-level connections can make networking feel less daunting. Instead of cold outreach, ask for introductions from mutual connections. These “warm introductions” create familiarity and help break the ice. 👂 Be a Listener First Introverts excel at active listening, which is key to building meaningful connections. At networking events or online, focus on understanding others’ challenges before offering your perspective. It’s a great way to create an authentic connection. ☕ Utilize One-on-One Connections Instead of large events, focus on deeper one-on-one relationships. Casual coffee meetings or short Zoom calls allow for more intimate, focused conversations. ✍️ Use Content to Connect Sharing insights via articles or posts (like this one!) can establish your voice and spark conversations. It’s an organic way to build connections with like-minded individuals. Respond to commenters and connect with them. 💻 Join Online Communities and Slack Groups Introverts can thrive in niche online communities. Start with smaller, product management-specific groups where you can engage slowly and at your own pace. 📊 Focus on Quality, Not Quantity Instead of trying to meet everyone, focus on building a smaller, engaged network. Deeper relationships often yield better results. 🎨 Get Creative with Networking Explore networking activities that spur creative thinking and collaboration. Roundtable discussions, think tanks, or webinars are excellent ways to connect over shared interests, especially around impactful, inclusive product-building. 💡 Networking doesn’t have to feel forced. With the right strategies, it can be a rewarding and growth-inducing practice, even for introverts. I've been trying these, and not only is it working, but it's fun and rewarding. How do you build meaningful and diverse connections? I’d love to hear your thoughts! #ProductManagement #NetworkingForIntroverts #ListeningSkills #Community #BuildingMeaningfulConnections #Growth

See an open project management role you like? Here's the first thing I'd do. 1. Check out the company hiring 2. Type in the company in LinkedIn search 3. Click People, then go to Current Company and click the company again 4. Go to All filters, go to Keyword (at the bottom) 5. Under Title, type in "project manager", click Show results This narrows down project managers that currently work at that company Now, from here, I'd look to see what type of connection they are to you (1st, 2nd, 3rd). 3rds are rarely active, so skip them. 1sts you're already connected with so definitely go after them. But 2nds are the sweet spot. These people are usually engaged on LinkedIn but aren't currently connected to you. Go into their profile and check their activity, when was the last time they were active? From there, I'd reach out to them with something easy like: "Hi [Name], I came across your profile while exploring [Company], and I couldn't help but be impressed by the impact you're making as a [Desired Role]. Your work on [specific project or area of their focus] really caught my eye! How did you find your way into [Desire Role} in [Industry]? Best, [Your Name]" Once you get some traction, ask them about the open role to get some key insights and see if they can connect you to the recruiter or hiring manager to discuss further. Tip: you can do the above directly with hiring managers too. I'll tell you how tomorrow. 🤙