March 25, 2026
Networking Tips That Advance Your ID Career
What if networking could feel calm, kind, and effective—without the awkward pitch? We walk through five connection moves that help instructional designers and educators build real relationships: a mindset reframe, tiny weekly actions, breadcrumb visibility, simple follow-ups, and a growth circle powered by mentors and peers. The result is a practical, repeatable system that turns small moments into long-term opportunities.
To make it actionable, we close with the Three Connections Challenge: one thoughtful comment, one genuine message, and one reconnection this week. Grab the free interactive flip card toolkit and the recommended networking guide linked in the show notes to keep the habit going. If this approach helps, subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review—then tell us your small win so we can celebrate with you.
🔗 Episode Links:
Please check out the resources mentioned in the episode. Enjoy!
5 Connection Moves Toolkit: Use this interactive toolkit to pick a move that you can try this week.
Networking Resource (Bottom Line): A practical guide to networking basics, why it matters, and how to start—plus LinkedIn and informational interviewing tools.
Join PodMatch!Use the link to join PodMatch, a place for hosts and guests to connect.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
💟 Designing with Love + allows you to support the show by keeping the mic on and the ideas flowing. Click on the link above to provide your support.
☕ Buy Me a Coffee is another way you can support the show, either as a one-time gift or through a monthly subscription.
🗣️ Want to be a guest on Designing with Love? Send Jackie Pelegrin a message on PodMatch, here: Be a guest on the show
🌐 Check out the show's website here: Designing with Love
📱 Send a text to the show by clicking the Send Jackie a Text link above.
👍🏼 Please make sure to like and share this episode with others. Here's to great learning!
00:00 - Welcome & Episode Focus
00:48 - Reframing Networking As Relationships
02:15 - Tiny Actions Beat Big Gestures
03:57 - Leave Breadcrumbs For Visibility
05:17 - Follow Up To Build Momentum
06:25 - Growth Through Mentors & Community
08:09 - A Real-Life Networking Flow
09:23 - The Three Connections Challenge
10:04 - Resources & Closing Encouragement
WEBVTT
00:00:00.800 --> 00:00:04.240
Hello, and welcome to the Designing with Love Podcast.
00:00:04.240 --> 00:00:12.240
I am your host, Jackie Pelegrin, where my goal is to bring you information, tips, and tricks as an instructional designer.
00:00:12.240 --> 00:00:17.359
Hello, instructional designers and educators.
00:00:17.359 --> 00:00:22.559
Welcome to episode 101 of the Designing with Love Podcast.
00:00:22.559 --> 00:00:32.159
In this episode, I'll provide some tips to help you discover smart, low-stress ways to build connections that can genuinely move your career forward.
00:00:32.159 --> 00:00:38.960
So, grab your notebook, a cup of coffee, and settle in as we explore this topic together.
00:00:38.960 --> 00:00:47.759
Today I'm breaking this down into five connection moves you can try this week to build real relationships and grow professionally.
00:00:47.759 --> 00:00:55.520
Let's start with the biggest shift of all, because once your mindset changes, everything else feels easier.
00:00:55.520 --> 00:01:03.520
Connection move one is all about reframing networking so it feels human, not like you're selling something.
00:01:03.520 --> 00:01:05.120
Here's the reframe.
00:01:05.120 --> 00:01:10.239
Networking isn't collecting contacts, it's building relationships over time.
00:01:10.239 --> 00:01:20.480
And relationships are created through small moments, shared interests, helpful conversations, genuine encouragement, and mutual respect.
00:01:20.480 --> 00:01:23.200
A good mental model is this.
00:01:23.200 --> 00:01:26.959
Instead of asking, what can I get from this person?
00:01:26.959 --> 00:01:30.319
Try asking, what can I learn from this person?
00:01:30.319 --> 00:01:34.239
Or how can I support them, even in a small way?
00:01:34.239 --> 00:01:43.920
Because when you approach networking with curiosity and generosity, it stops feeling like self-promotion and starts feeling like community.
00:01:43.920 --> 00:01:47.280
Here's a quick reflection prompt you can try.
00:01:47.280 --> 00:01:54.879
If networking makes you feel uncomfortable, ask yourself, what definition of networking am I carrying around?
00:01:54.879 --> 00:01:58.879
If it's asking for favors, of course it feels stressful.
00:01:58.879 --> 00:02:03.359
But if it's building relationships, it becomes a lot more natural.
00:02:03.359 --> 00:02:14.800
And once you stop thinking of networking as a big performance, the next question becomes, okay, what do I actually do without it taking over my life?
00:02:14.800 --> 00:02:17.919
This is where we keep things realistic.
00:02:17.919 --> 00:02:27.039
Connection move two is about tiny, repeatable actions because consistency beats intensity every single time.
00:02:27.039 --> 00:02:34.800
A lot of people think networking has to look like conferences, big events, or awkward cold messages.
00:02:34.800 --> 00:02:40.639
But honestly, the most effective networking usually happens in small micro moments.
00:02:40.639 --> 00:02:44.400
Here are a few low stress ways to do that.
00:02:44.400 --> 00:02:50.560
Option one, leave meaningful comments on LinkedIn or inside professional groups.
00:02:50.560 --> 00:02:56.879
Not just great post, but something specific, such as, I love how you frame this.
00:02:56.879 --> 00:03:02.639
I've noticed something similar when working with SMEs, especially when timelines are tight.
00:03:02.639 --> 00:03:07.840
Option two, send a short message to someone whose work you admire.
00:03:07.840 --> 00:03:12.479
One example can be, I really appreciated your post about learner engagement.
00:03:12.479 --> 00:03:14.560
I'm working on something similar.
00:03:14.560 --> 00:03:16.319
Thank you for sharing that.
00:03:16.319 --> 00:03:24.960
Option three, reconnect with someone you already know, a former coworker, classmate, mentor, or professor.
00:03:24.960 --> 00:03:29.199
You could say something like, hey, I saw this and thought of you.
00:03:29.199 --> 00:03:30.479
Hope you're doing well.
00:03:30.479 --> 00:03:32.240
How have things been going?
00:03:32.240 --> 00:03:34.560
And here's a key tip.
00:03:34.560 --> 00:03:38.400
If this feels overwhelming, set a tiny weekly goal.
00:03:38.400 --> 00:03:43.599
Something like two thoughtful comments, one message, one follow-up.
00:03:43.599 --> 00:03:44.719
That's it.
00:03:44.719 --> 00:03:46.319
That's networking.
00:03:46.319 --> 00:03:48.080
Now here's the thing.
00:03:48.080 --> 00:03:56.800
As you start reaching out in small ways, you'll also want to make it easier for people to understand what you do and what you're interested in.
00:03:56.800 --> 00:04:01.120
Connection move three is what I call leaving breadcrumbs.
00:04:01.120 --> 00:04:07.919
Little signals that help the right people find you, remember you, and think of you when opportunities pop up.
00:04:07.919 --> 00:04:13.199
Because here's the truth: people can't refer you if they don't know what you do.
00:04:13.199 --> 00:04:17.600
This doesn't mean you need to post every day or become an influencer.
00:04:17.600 --> 00:04:26.959
It just means creating a few simple visibility points that communicate what you're learning, what you're building, and what you're interested in.
00:04:26.959 --> 00:04:44.000
Some examples of value breadcrumbs can include a short post sharing a lessons learned from a project, a simple portfolio update, a template or checklist you created, a quick reflection like here's what I'm noticing about onboarding lately.
00:04:44.000 --> 00:04:48.000
If posting feels hard, try using this formula.
00:04:48.000 --> 00:04:52.480
One insight plus one example plus one question.
00:04:52.480 --> 00:04:59.839
Insight, what you learned, example, where you saw it, question, invite others in.
00:04:59.839 --> 00:05:06.399
Even a once-a-month post can help the right people remember you.
00:05:06.399 --> 00:05:12.160
But even with great visibility, connection can still fizzle if we don't nurture it.
00:05:12.160 --> 00:05:16.879
So the next move is where you turn a moment into momentum.
00:05:16.879 --> 00:05:19.839
Connection move four is the follow-up.
00:05:19.839 --> 00:05:24.480
Because that's where a quick chat becomes a real relationship.
00:05:24.480 --> 00:05:28.639
And don't worry, I'm keeping this simple and low pressure.
00:05:28.639 --> 00:05:31.199
A follow-up doesn't have to be long.
00:05:31.199 --> 00:05:33.199
It doesn't have to be formal.
00:05:33.199 --> 00:05:35.600
It just needs to be intentional.
00:05:35.600 --> 00:05:39.759
Here are a few easy follow-up options you can try.
00:05:39.759 --> 00:05:43.920
Option one, after a conversation or comment exchange.
00:05:43.920 --> 00:05:46.079
I really enjoyed our conversation.
00:05:46.079 --> 00:05:47.120
Thanks again.
00:05:47.120 --> 00:05:50.079
Your perspective helped me think differently.
00:05:50.079 --> 00:05:52.959
Option two, if they shared a resource.
00:05:52.959 --> 00:05:55.279
I checked out the article you recommended.
00:05:55.279 --> 00:05:56.399
So helpful.
00:05:56.399 --> 00:05:57.519
Thank you.
00:05:57.519 --> 00:06:01.680
Option three, if you want to stay connected without pressure.
00:06:01.680 --> 00:06:06.639
If you ever want to swap ideas again, I'm always up for a quick chat.
00:06:06.639 --> 00:06:11.600
And if you want a simple system, keep a quick networking notes list.
00:06:11.600 --> 00:06:19.360
Just a note on who you spoke with, where you met, one detail you want to remember, and a next step.
00:06:19.360 --> 00:06:22.560
Because the magic isn't just meeting people.
00:06:22.560 --> 00:06:25.120
The magic is staying in touch.
00:06:25.120 --> 00:06:36.480
Once you have a few warm connections, the real magic is building a circle that supports your growth long term, not just for your next job, but for your next level.
00:06:36.480 --> 00:06:50.319
Connection move five is about professional growth through community, finding mentors, peers, and adjacent experts who help you sharpen your skills and stretch in the best way.
00:06:50.319 --> 00:06:53.839
A lot of people assume mentorship has to be formal.
00:06:53.839 --> 00:06:55.120
It doesn't.
00:06:55.120 --> 00:06:59.839
One of the best approaches is finding what I call adjacent mentors.
00:06:59.839 --> 00:07:03.199
People who are one or two steps ahead of you.
00:07:03.199 --> 00:07:10.160
They still remember what it feels like to be where you are, and their advice is often practical and current.
00:07:10.160 --> 00:07:13.920
Here are a few growth circle strategies you can try.
00:07:13.920 --> 00:07:18.480
Strategy one, ask for a 15-minute informational chat.
00:07:18.480 --> 00:07:21.199
I'd love to learn how you got into your current role.
00:07:21.199 --> 00:07:24.879
Would you be open to a quick 15-minute conversation?
00:07:24.879 --> 00:07:30.160
Strategy two, join one or two communities and show up consistently.
00:07:30.160 --> 00:07:31.600
Don't join 10.
00:07:31.600 --> 00:07:34.639
Choose one or two where you can actually engage.
00:07:34.639 --> 00:07:38.480
Strategy three, offer value as you grow.
00:07:38.480 --> 00:07:39.920
Encouragement counts.
00:07:39.920 --> 00:07:41.839
Sharing a resource counts.
00:07:41.839 --> 00:07:44.240
Making an introduction counts.
00:07:44.240 --> 00:07:47.279
Your network isn't just about opportunities.
00:07:47.279 --> 00:07:52.959
It's about support, perspective, and becoming more confident in your craft.
00:07:52.959 --> 00:07:58.879
And when you put these five connection moves together, you'll start to notice something powerful.
00:07:58.879 --> 00:08:03.600
Opportunities tend to show up when relationships are already in motion.
00:08:03.600 --> 00:08:08.560
Let me share a quick real-life example of what that can look like.
00:08:08.560 --> 00:08:20.959
Let's say you're scrolling LinkedIn and someone in the instructional design space posts about a common challenge, maybe stakeholder pushback, tight timelines, or a tricky SME relationship.
00:08:20.959 --> 00:08:26.319
Instead of just liking the post, you leave a thoughtful comment, something specific.
00:08:26.319 --> 00:08:31.600
Maybe you share a strategy that worked for you, or you ask a genuine question.
00:08:31.600 --> 00:08:33.279
The person replies.
00:08:33.279 --> 00:08:36.080
The conversation continues in the comments.
00:08:36.080 --> 00:08:42.159
A day or two later, you send a quick message like, hey, I really enjoyed that conversation.
00:08:42.159 --> 00:08:43.519
Thanks for engaging.
00:08:43.519 --> 00:08:47.440
If you ever want to compare notes, I'd be happy to chat sometime.
00:08:47.440 --> 00:08:50.240
You hop on a short 15-minute call.
00:08:50.240 --> 00:08:54.480
No pressure, no pitch, just a real conversation.
00:08:54.480 --> 00:09:06.320
Then a few weeks later, that person sees a project opportunity, hears someone mention a role, or joins a conversation where your skill set fits, and you come to mind.
00:09:06.320 --> 00:09:16.240
Not because you asked for something, but because you showed up thoughtfully, you followed up, and you built a small connection that had room to grow.
00:09:16.240 --> 00:09:18.720
That's how networking often works.
00:09:18.720 --> 00:09:21.519
It's not instant, it's layered.
00:09:21.519 --> 00:09:26.639
Alright, here's your simple challenge for this week.
00:09:26.639 --> 00:09:31.840
I call it the Three Connections Challenge, and it's intentionally low stress.
00:09:31.840 --> 00:09:36.960
Connection one, comment thoughtfully to one post in your field.
00:09:36.960 --> 00:09:45.440
Connection two, message one person you admire with a genuine note, appreciation, or a simple question.
00:09:45.440 --> 00:09:54.639
Connection three, reconnect with one person you already know, a former coworker, classmate, or mentor, just to check in.
00:09:54.639 --> 00:09:58.080
And if you do this challenge, I'd love to hear about it.
00:09:58.080 --> 00:10:03.840
Share a quick win, big or small, because connection wins deserve to be celebrated.
00:10:03.840 --> 00:10:13.600
Also, if you want something you can actually use after this episode, I created a free interactive flip card toolkit with all five connection moves.
00:10:13.600 --> 00:10:17.360
Each card has the key idea and a try this.
00:10:17.360 --> 00:10:19.600
It's linked in the show notes for you.
00:10:19.600 --> 00:10:24.720
And I'm also linking a really helpful networking resource from bottom line in the show notes.
00:10:24.720 --> 00:10:35.519
It walks through what networking is, why it matters, and includes practical tools like LinkedIn tips and informational interviewing to help you get started.
00:10:35.519 --> 00:10:43.279
So between the five connection moves and those resources, you've got a simple plan you can come back to anytime.
00:10:43.279 --> 00:10:50.480
As we wrap up, remember, networking doesn't have to be loud, awkward, or exhausting.
00:10:50.480 --> 00:10:52.799
The goal isn't to meet everyone.
00:10:52.799 --> 00:10:58.000
The goal is to build a few meaningful relationships that grow with you over time.
00:10:58.000 --> 00:11:05.200
Start small, show up consistently, leave a few breadcrumbs, follow up with care.
00:11:05.200 --> 00:11:14.720
And trust that tiny moments, one comment, one message, one conversation, can create momentum you can't always predict in the moment.
00:11:14.720 --> 00:11:19.360
Before I close, here's an inspiring quote from Maya Angelou.
00:11:19.360 --> 00:11:27.440
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
00:11:27.440 --> 00:11:34.559
So as you build your network, focus less on being impressive and more on being genuine.
00:11:34.559 --> 00:11:39.200
Thanks for tuning in, and until next time, keep designing with love.
00:11:39.200 --> 00:11:45.279
Thank you for taking some time to listen to this podcast episode today.
00:11:45.279 --> 00:11:47.519
Your support means the world to me.
00:11:47.519 --> 00:11:56.320
If you'd like to help keep the podcast going, you can share it with a friend or colleague, leave a heartfelt review, or offer a monetary contribution.
00:11:56.320 --> 00:12:02.080
Every act of support, big or small, makes a difference, and I'm truly thankful for you.
00:00:00.800 --> 00:00:04.240
00:00:04.240 --> 00:00:12.240
00:00:12.240 --> 00:00:17.359
00:00:17.359 --> 00:00:22.559
00:00:22.559 --> 00:00:32.159
00:00:32.159 --> 00:00:38.960
00:00:38.960 --> 00:00:47.759
00:00:47.759 --> 00:00:55.520
00:00:55.520 --> 00:01:03.520
00:01:03.520 --> 00:01:05.120
00:01:05.120 --> 00:01:10.239
00:01:10.239 --> 00:01:20.480
00:01:20.480 --> 00:01:23.200
00:01:23.200 --> 00:01:26.959
00:01:26.959 --> 00:01:30.319
00:01:30.319 --> 00:01:34.239
00:01:34.239 --> 00:01:43.920
00:01:43.920 --> 00:01:47.280
00:01:47.280 --> 00:01:54.879
00:01:54.879 --> 00:01:58.879
00:01:58.879 --> 00:02:03.359
00:02:03.359 --> 00:02:14.800
00:02:14.800 --> 00:02:17.919
00:02:17.919 --> 00:02:27.039
00:02:27.039 --> 00:02:34.800
00:02:34.800 --> 00:02:40.639
00:02:40.639 --> 00:02:44.400
00:02:44.400 --> 00:02:50.560
00:02:50.560 --> 00:02:56.879
00:02:56.879 --> 00:03:02.639
00:03:02.639 --> 00:03:07.840
00:03:07.840 --> 00:03:12.479
00:03:12.479 --> 00:03:14.560
00:03:14.560 --> 00:03:16.319
00:03:16.319 --> 00:03:24.960
00:03:24.960 --> 00:03:29.199
00:03:29.199 --> 00:03:30.479
00:03:30.479 --> 00:03:32.240
00:03:32.240 --> 00:03:34.560
00:03:34.560 --> 00:03:38.400
00:03:38.400 --> 00:03:43.599
00:03:43.599 --> 00:03:44.719
00:03:44.719 --> 00:03:46.319
00:03:46.319 --> 00:03:48.080
00:03:48.080 --> 00:03:56.800
00:03:56.800 --> 00:04:01.120
00:04:01.120 --> 00:04:07.919
00:04:07.919 --> 00:04:13.199
00:04:13.199 --> 00:04:17.600
00:04:17.600 --> 00:04:26.959
00:04:26.959 --> 00:04:44.000
00:04:44.000 --> 00:04:48.000
00:04:48.000 --> 00:04:52.480
00:04:52.480 --> 00:04:59.839
00:04:59.839 --> 00:05:06.399
00:05:06.399 --> 00:05:12.160
00:05:12.160 --> 00:05:16.879
00:05:16.879 --> 00:05:19.839
00:05:19.839 --> 00:05:24.480
00:05:24.480 --> 00:05:28.639
00:05:28.639 --> 00:05:31.199
00:05:31.199 --> 00:05:33.199
00:05:33.199 --> 00:05:35.600
00:05:35.600 --> 00:05:39.759
00:05:39.759 --> 00:05:43.920
00:05:43.920 --> 00:05:46.079
00:05:46.079 --> 00:05:47.120
00:05:47.120 --> 00:05:50.079
00:05:50.079 --> 00:05:52.959
00:05:52.959 --> 00:05:55.279
00:05:55.279 --> 00:05:56.399
00:05:56.399 --> 00:05:57.519
00:05:57.519 --> 00:06:01.680
00:06:01.680 --> 00:06:06.639
00:06:06.639 --> 00:06:11.600
00:06:11.600 --> 00:06:19.360
00:06:19.360 --> 00:06:22.560
00:06:22.560 --> 00:06:25.120
00:06:25.120 --> 00:06:36.480
00:06:36.480 --> 00:06:50.319
00:06:50.319 --> 00:06:53.839
00:06:53.839 --> 00:06:55.120
00:06:55.120 --> 00:06:59.839
00:06:59.839 --> 00:07:03.199
00:07:03.199 --> 00:07:10.160
00:07:10.160 --> 00:07:13.920
00:07:13.920 --> 00:07:18.480
00:07:18.480 --> 00:07:21.199
00:07:21.199 --> 00:07:24.879
00:07:24.879 --> 00:07:30.160
00:07:30.160 --> 00:07:31.600
00:07:31.600 --> 00:07:34.639
00:07:34.639 --> 00:07:38.480
00:07:38.480 --> 00:07:39.920
00:07:39.920 --> 00:07:41.839
00:07:41.839 --> 00:07:44.240
00:07:44.240 --> 00:07:47.279
00:07:47.279 --> 00:07:52.959
00:07:52.959 --> 00:07:58.879
00:07:58.879 --> 00:08:03.600
00:08:03.600 --> 00:08:08.560
00:08:08.560 --> 00:08:20.959
00:08:20.959 --> 00:08:26.319
00:08:26.319 --> 00:08:31.600
00:08:31.600 --> 00:08:33.279
00:08:33.279 --> 00:08:36.080
00:08:36.080 --> 00:08:42.159
00:08:42.159 --> 00:08:43.519
00:08:43.519 --> 00:08:47.440
00:08:47.440 --> 00:08:50.240
00:08:50.240 --> 00:08:54.480
00:08:54.480 --> 00:09:06.320
00:09:06.320 --> 00:09:16.240
00:09:16.240 --> 00:09:18.720
00:09:18.720 --> 00:09:21.519
00:09:21.519 --> 00:09:26.639
00:09:26.639 --> 00:09:31.840
00:09:31.840 --> 00:09:36.960
00:09:36.960 --> 00:09:45.440
00:09:45.440 --> 00:09:54.639
00:09:54.639 --> 00:09:58.080
00:09:58.080 --> 00:10:03.840
00:10:03.840 --> 00:10:13.600
00:10:13.600 --> 00:10:17.360
00:10:17.360 --> 00:10:19.600
00:10:19.600 --> 00:10:24.720
00:10:24.720 --> 00:10:35.519
00:10:35.519 --> 00:10:43.279
00:10:43.279 --> 00:10:50.480
00:10:50.480 --> 00:10:52.799
00:10:52.799 --> 00:10:58.000
00:10:58.000 --> 00:11:05.200
00:11:05.200 --> 00:11:14.720
00:11:14.720 --> 00:11:19.360
00:11:19.360 --> 00:11:27.440
00:11:27.440 --> 00:11:34.559
00:11:34.559 --> 00:11:39.200
00:11:39.200 --> 00:11:45.279
00:11:45.279 --> 00:11:47.519
00:11:47.519 --> 00:11:56.320
00:11:56.320 --> 00:12:02.080