In 2019, a schoolmate introduced me to Pedro Resende.
He was building a career development platform for researchers and asked if I’d run training workshops for them.
I almost said no.
I had massive imposter syndrome. I didn’t feel like an “expert.” I wasn’t ready — or so I told myself.
But finally, after challenging myself, I took the leap of hope and said yes.
That single yes turned into a six-year journey. Over 50 workshops. The confidence to become an entrepreneur. A career path I never could have planned.
None of it was on LinkedIn. None of it was in a job ad.
It existed entirely in the hidden curriculum — the conversations, the introductions, the rooms you say yes to entering.
Connection is cheap. Trust is not.
We talk a lot about networking as a strategy. A numbers game. A digital collection of contacts. But in a world where AI can write a “personalized” outreach in three seconds, a mere digital connection is worth almost nothing.
What has skyrocketed in value? Human trust. And the courage to act when an unexpected door opens.
Here’s what I’ve learned — from my own story, and from coaching hundreds of professionals through theirs.
What actually works.
- Lead with curiosity, not a request. Most people walk into a networking conversation thinking about themselves — their pitch, their ask, their story. Flip it. Spend 80% of the time on them. Ask questions. Listen deeply. Every person you meet carries intelligence you can’t Google — about an industry, a role, a company culture, a career path. Treat the conversation as a masterclass, not a sales call.
- Bring a story, not just a resume. Have a few small anecdotes ready — your big lesson, your unexpected win, the moment everything shifted, the reason for your passion. Stories create memory and emotional connection.
- Think ping-pong, not broadcast. Real relationships need the ball to go back and forth. A comment on their post. A “this made me think of you” DM. A short note when they hit a milestone. Tiny touches, over years, build the relationships that can eventually open the door to new opportunities.
- Say yes before you’re ready. The invitation you haven’t been expecting is often the one that matters most. You don’t need to feel like an expert. You just need to bet on yourself. You got this.
The one thing AI can’t do for you.
70% of the jobs you’re looking for don’t exist on your screen.
They live in the rooms you haven’t entered yet — and the conversations you haven’t started.
AI will handle more and more routine tasks. But it can’t build relationships on your behalf. It can’t say yes for you. It can’t turn an introduction into a six-year relationship.
That part is still entirely human.
One message. That’s all.
Think of someone who comes to mind right now — maybe someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, or someone you recently met. Send them a message. Not a pitch. Just: “I was thinking of you. How have you been?”
🎁 FREE GIFT: The Curiosity First Conversation Guide (Valuable Insights for Professionals)
To help you move from a digital “click” to a real human connection, I’ve created a workbook to help you become a V.I.P. in your own network.
This guide contains the exact ‘Better Questions’ I teach my researcher clients at CeMM and IMM. It helps you bypass small talk and build a “Strategic Cast” of supporters for your next career move.
Want to grab your copy?
👇 Comment “VIP” below and I will send the guide directly to your inbox!
And if you have a connection that changed your career trajectory — I’d love to hear it in the comments. 👇
#MagdaKufrej #WorkAlly #Networking #FutureOfWork #CareerPivot #HiddenJobMarket #CareerCoach
