Make It Easy To Say Yes: Networking That Works
I recently found myself staring at dozens of messages asking for "just 30 minutes" of my time.
Each sender wanted feedback, advice, or a quick call about their football career aspirations.
I said yes to less than 1% of these requests.
Why? Because most people made it incredibly difficult for me to say yes.
The Hidden Problem in Networking
When trying to break into football, there's a fundamental problem in how most people approach networking: they focus entirely on what they need, instead of focusing on making it easy for others to help them.
Industry professionals are juggling demanding roles with tight deadlines. Time isn't just precious—it's scarce.
Understanding Before Asking
Before reaching out to anyone, take time to understand their specific situation:
- Are they employed at a club? (Club staff are typically extremely busy)
- What's their seniority level? (A Sporting Director has far less available time)
- Are they active on social media? (This indicates openness to engagement)
I recently received a message from someone who had clearly done their homework. They referenced my schedule, acknowledged the busy period at my club, and framed their request accordingly.
This awareness immediately set them apart.
Provide Value First, Always
Here's the secret: people help those who have already helped them.
The most successful networking happens when you lead with value:
- Share relevant articles, podcasts, or research that align with their interests
- Thoughtfully engage with their social media content over time
- Mention specific ways their work has influenced your approach
One aspiring analyst regularly sent their work on player ratings and visuals on Scottish based players. No ask attached—just pure value.
When he eventually needed feedback on his work, saying yes was a no-brainer.
Building Meaningful Connections
The relationship should always precede the request. Spend days, weeks (or even months) establishing a genuine connection before making any asks.
This might look like:
- Sharing insights from a podcast featuring another Sporting Director
- Sending an article about a player they might be interested in
- Commenting thoughtfully on their posts with additional context
Only after you've established this foundation should you consider making a request—and when you do, keep it specific and respectful of their time.
A Success Story
Last month, a student messaged me after engaging with my posts for weeks. They:
1. Had been sharing relevant resources with me for months
2. Explained how my content would help with their dissertation
3. Only then asked if I'd take part in their study
4. Gave me multiple dates and times to have a call. Doing all the organisation.
4. Offered to share findings that might benefit my recruitment approach
I not only engaged in their study but ended up having a 45-minute call with them. They had earned my time by providing value first.
The Path Forward
Identify professionals you admire and focus first on how you can genuinely add value to their work.
Build relationships before requests, and when you do need something, make it easy for them to say yes.
Remember, the strongest network isn't built on transactions—it's built on mutual understanding and value.
Have a great week.
Liam
Whenever you’re ready, I can help you:
- Recruitment Room - My online membership community helps aspiring and new football professionals secure jobs working in recruitment. Master the four pillars of scouting, analysis, online portfolio, and employment. Learn from industry experts through our workshops, hot seats, and live sessions.
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