The goal of networking isn’t to impress,

it’s to explore alignment.

Hello friends!

You’ve heard it before; networking is the key to opening up new opportunities.

But building these connections can often feel vague, overwhelming, and a little awkward.

You want to learn more about a role.
You want to connect with someone inside a company.
You want to ask about whether you'd be a good fit, but you're afraid the question itself will disqualify you.

Sound familiar?

A client of mine recently brought up this exact concern:

“How do I get clarity on whether I’m a fit for the role, without excluding myself by asking the wrong question?”

Here’s what I told him (and what I want you to remember too):

🧭 The goal of these conversations isn’t to impress, it’s to explore alignment.

You're not there to convince them you're perfect.
You're there to explore what they need, and whether it lines up with the work you want to do more of.

You’re not being evaluated, you’re gathering insight.
This is your decision, too.

And the way to approach these conversations isn’t through performance, it’s through curiosity and authenticity.

💬 Ask:

• “Given that I have a background in [X], I’m curious, how do you see that kind of experience translating into this role?”

• “Are there any parts of the job where you think someone with [my experience/skill set] might especially thrive or need to ramp up?”

• “What’s something you wish more candidates understood about working at [Company]?”

• “What advice would you have for someone looking to move into this space from [X background]?”

• “Is there anyone else you think I should talk to, or a group you’d recommend I explore?”

• “Would it be okay if I kept in touch and followed up in a few weeks with updates?”

• “Is there anything I can do to support you or be helpful in return?”

Reflect on the answers you get.

Does this work potentially align with the skills you most enjoy using?
Does that excite your brain and light you up?

If yes, amazing.
If no, also amazing. You saved yourself time and made a meaningful connection.

💡 Bonus Reminder: Mindset is everything

You can’t have a relaxed, open conversation when your nervous system is in performance mode.
You can create one when you choose to think things like:

• “I bring real value to the table.”

• “This person wants to help me.”

• “I’m curious about them, not trying to prove myself.”

• “This is just one of many seeds I’m planting.”

• “No matter what happens, I’m learning and I’m completely okay.”

When you’re grounded in love (for yourself and others), you show up with confidence, warmth, and presence, which, ironically, is exactly the kind of energy that builds trust and opens doors.

🌱 A real win for this client

After one of these outreach efforts, someone invited him to collaborate on a project proposal. They submitted it together last week.

Even if they don’t win it, he’s now on that person’s radar, and that opportunity never would’ve existed if he hadn’t reached out.

So don’t underestimate the power of small steps.

Plant seeds. Show up. Stay curious.

The results often come later, but they do come.

👉 One thing to try this week:

So here’s your next brave step: Reach out to someone whose work sparks your interest, not to impress, but to connect.

Ask one thoughtful question. Start one real conversation.
This is how opportunities start: one human, one moment, one seed at a time.

Ready to expand your impact? I’m here to help you do it, let’s go.

Cheering you on,

Melissa Palmer, MS, CPC

Career Planning Studio
Smart Design for Work You Love

Executive, Career & Life Coach | Connect with me on LinkedIn!
melissa@careerplanningstudio.com
careerplanningstudio.com
469.615.7261

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