Here is the Outpace Warm Connections Framework to expand your network with meaningful relationships that will help you land your dream tech job and build your career over your lifetime.

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Do you know anyone who works at the company you're applying to?

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Start with the lowest-hanging fruit — a personal connection:

• Check your own LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, etc. following — you'll likely be pleasantly surprised!
• Ask family and friends for personal connections to make an introduction
• Find out if a connection knows someone from the company and ask for a warm intro

LinkedIn is the best spot to connect with the professionals you’re looking for. You can build a strong network by learning how to write a cold DM that feels more warm than cold.

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Here's the recipe to build your network from scratch:

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A. Start with a short and punchy (emphasis on short) intro. What is your personal hook? Why should the reader care? Your initial intro could be poignant (ex. you’re the founder of a transformative startup or you listened to a podcast they were a guest on). It's most compelling if your intro can resonate with something in their past.

B. Do research to find a commonality. This is your 'emotional hook'. Scour their LinkedIn, IG, FB, and associated websites (ex: Orlando even once Googled someone and found an article on the eighth page of Google search to connect with a Director at Nike). It can be anything from their love of basketball to something you agree with on an interview they once did 3 years ago. The deeper you go, the more meaningful, and more likely they respond.

C. Don't ask for a job. Instead, tell them how you will bring them value. No matter who you are, you have value to offer to others. If you can showcase your value quickly, most people will say yes (ex. Orlando once offered to create a promo video for a startup and ended up being offered a job to run half their marketing).

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Example outreach message following the Warm Connections Framework:

Hey Mark, I’m currently a student at Western University where I have discovered Sports Business and started collaborating on events with the Toronto Raptors, whom I hear you’re a fan of! I was lucky enough to watch their recent game against the Cavs + Lebron live.

I listened to your Sports Marketing podcast and would love to learn more about your experience in Nike global marketing initiatives and how you crossed both cultures and sports through branding. I loved your take on the NBA’s marketing strategy and also had some thoughts on the future of sports marketing directed to Gen Z if you have 15 minutes. Always inspiring to find an amazing Western alum!

Insider Breakdown:

• Start off with a strong commonality: “I started collaborating on events with the Toronto Raptors, whom I hear you’re a fan of!”
• Have a specific emotional hook: “I listened to your Sports Marketing podcast and would love to learn more...I loved your take on the NBA’s marketing strategy…”
• Present a value-add and small ask: “…and also had some thoughts on the future of sports marketing directed to Gen Z if you have 15 minutes.”
• End with personal touch: “Always inspiring to find an amazing Western alum!”

The final step of the Warm Connections Framework? Nurture your connections (your new friends)!

If the conversation is going well with your new connections, you can politely ask for a referral. Your new connection may even receive a referral fee if you get hired. It’s a win-win!

If there isn't an opening at their company, or the current roles aren’t a fit, that’s ok! Don’t give up on this connection.

If you keep the relationship warm, you’ll be the first person they think of when a role does arise. Or they may have great connections to refer you to another company. Another win!

The exact steps to keeping a relationship warm:

• Send updates: Ask your new connect if they’d be comfortable if you were to send updates on your career every few months. This way you stay top of mind and they can see the amazing work you’re doing!
• Share your wins: Every time you hit a major milestone in your career, you can reach out for a quick catch-up call with your connect to learn more about what they’re up to and share your recent wins - live.
• Engage on social: When your connect posts on LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. try to engage with their posts in a meaningful way. Don’t just drive by, like it, leave a comment that is poignant and interesting.

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