Grow your network with one simple question.

When I moved to Chicago from Kansas City, I didn’t know anyone. I had a job lined up and an apartment in a neighborhood I’d only seen once, but no real sense of community. My weekends were quiet at first—strolls along the lakefront, making ramen noodles, and passing the time until Monday's workday came.

Then I met one person. A coworker that also lived in my building invited me to a small get-together, and that night I met a couple of his friends. Within a month, I had a circle of people to grab drinks with or explore Chicago. That first introduction opened the door to a life of new experiences with wonderful people.

It happened again when I moved to Denver. Every move started with one or two small introductions that became the fast-pass to belonging. Someone would say, “You should meet this person, they’re great,” and I’d suddenly have another circle to learn from and lean on. Those introductions taught me something simple: the fastest way to grow is through the people you already know.

The Missed Moment

Most job-search focused conversations, however, end before that growth can happen.

We finish a coffee chat or Zoom call and say, “Let’s stay in touch,” which sounds polite but rarely leads anywhere. That moment is a missed opportunity... leaving opportunity to luck when you could otherwise simply ask:

> “Who else should I connect with?” Every person you meet knows someone you don’t. It might be a hiring manager, a peer navigating the same transition, or a professional who’s been where you are. That one question turns a friendly conversation into a chain of introductions, and those introductions are what opens career doors.

An Unexpected Gift

When I first started asking it, I worried it might sound pushy or self-serving. But the response I got was almost always the opposite. People lit up. They liked being asked. Many even thanked me for prompting them to think about their own network.

One person said, “You know who you’d love? My former teammate. He went through something similar.” Within a few days, he and I had connected, traded ideas, and they actually introduced me to two more people.

That’s when I realized how generous this question actually is. By asking for an introduction, you’re giving someone else a reason to reconnect with a contact they might not have talked to in a while. It helps them look helpful and strengthens their own relationships. You’re not taking advantage... you’re giving them a reason to reach back out.

Keep it Simple

If you’ve ever felt like networking is awkward, this question simplifies the approach, and is more effective. Instead of searching for clever ways to “build your network,” you’re simply extending a conversation. Each new person you meet creates another possible path forward, and the compounding effect of that is enormous.

1. Be specific when you ask. Don’t just say, “Who else should I connect with?” Add a bit of direction to guide their thinking. Try, “I’ve been connecting with people in early-stage startups—anyone come to mind?” or “I’d love to learn from others who’ve been through a job transition recently—any suggestions?” That context helps them picture someone right away and makes it easier to follow through. 2. Follow up a day or two later. Some people will need time to think. They might leave the conversation intending to help but get caught up in their own day. A short message, “Still thinking about our chat, anyone come to mind?” is polite and keeps the idea alive. Most people appreciate the reminder. 3. Close the loop with gratitude.** When someone makes an introduction, thank them both. Let the connector know how the conversation went. It shows professionalism and genuine appreciation, and it increases the chances they’ll connect you again in the future. Gratitude is a simple gesture that deepens the relationship further.

One Degree Away

When I look back at my own journey—Kansas City to Chicago, Chicago to Denver—it’s clear how much of life unfolds through small introductions. The best opportunities rarely appear out of nowhere. Often, through a friend of a friend.

That’s the real value of ending each conversation with this simple question. You never know who sits one degree away from the opportunity you’ve been hoping for.

So next time you wrap up a coffee chat, an interview, or a quick catch-up, resist the reflex to say, “Let’s talk again soon.” Instead, pause for a moment and ask, “Who else should I connect with?”