Ask AdaMarie: Do You Have a System for Turning Casual Connections into Career-Advancing Relationships?
Tips for Independent Professionals Navigating the Network Game
“Hey, AdaMarie, I'm an independent cybersecurity researcher trying to transition into a corporate analyst or consultant role. I'm great at self-directed work, but I'm struggling with building a steady network and turning casual meetings into ongoing relationships. Do you have tips for automating or systematizing these connections so they naturally lead to career opportunities?”
We see you! Making the leap from independent work to a corporate setting can feel like moving from solo navigation to co-piloting an unfamiliar ship. You're used to moving at your own pace and going deep on research, two powerful strengths in cybersecurity. But in more traditional career paths, relationships are the bridge between talent and opportunity.
The good news? Networking isn't magic. It's strategy + intention. And you can systematize it without losing authenticity.
Here's how.
1. Build a Relationship Funnel
Think of your networking strategy like a funnel:
Top of funnel: casual contacts and LinkedIn connections
Middle: meaningful one-on-one conversations or event follow-ups
Bottom: active collaborators, mentors, or advocates
Start by mapping out 10–15 people in your field that you'd like to build deeper relationships with (past coffee chats, conference folks, or online connections). Add a column to your spreadsheet or CRM that tracks the last touchpoint and the next step. Set a recurring reminder to follow up. This is not being pushy; it's proactive.
2. Automate Light Touches
Use tools like:
Calendly for scheduling
Notion, Airtable, or even Google Sheets to track who you've talked to and when
ChatGPT or email templates for quick "checking in" notes
Here are a few light-lift examples:
Send an article or webinar invite related to something they care about
Congratulate them on a recent career move or post
Share a project update and ask for their insight
Create a "Monthly Touchpoint Monday." Take just 20 minutes to reach out to 3 people. It builds momentum and keeps your name at the top of your mind.
3. Turn One-Offs Into Ongoing Value
After an initial meeting, don't default to "Let me know if I can help." Instead, offer a specific reason to reconnect. Try:
"Would love to compare notes on cyber trends once a quarter. Are you open to that?"
"I'm building a short list of folks I check in with before submitting a proposal or job application. Would you mind being on that list?"
These types of small, intentional asks create rhythm and people love being remembered and trusted.
4. Join a Community
Instead of relying on 1:1 meetings to build a network, find spaces where connections happen in the community. This could be:
Slack groups or Discord servers for cybersecurity professionals
LinkedIn interest groups focused on ethical hacking, analysis, or threat modeling
AdaMarie's own networking spaces (yes, we got you!)
Engaging in group chats, discussions, and DMs can lead to warmer intros and referrals without the pressure of cold outreach.
5. Treat Relationship-Building as Strategic Work
The same diligence you apply to tracking vulnerabilities or securing systems? Apply that to nurturing your network. Schedule it. Systematize it. Reflect on what's working. And don't be afraid to set goals around connection, like five follow-ups per month or two intro requests per quarter.
Because ultimately, your relationships are a kind of infrastructure. Build them right, and they'll carry you through every pivot, project, and professional win.
Summary: Start with a list. Track the touchpoints. Offer ongoing value. Tap into community spaces. And make relationship-building part of your career strategy, not just a side hustle.
