Networking & Career / Online Networking / Lesson 10

LESSON 10 · ONLINE NETWORKING

Move From Online to Real Talk

Eighteen easy tips to move from online chat to real talk, so a friendly message becomes a real connection.

Online starts it. Real talk deepens it.

26 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

26 tips that really help

These ideas come from Show Your Work! (Austin Kleon), Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), So Good They Can’t Ignore You (Cal Newport), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Why move to real talk

Online chats are good, but voices and faces build trust faster. A short call or coffee can turn a contact into a friend.

TRY THIS
Ask for one.

TIP 2

Wait for a warm moment

Ask after a few friendly messages. A little trust makes the ask feel natural.

TRY THIS
Wait for warmth.

TIP 3

Suggest a short call

Fifteen minutes is easy to say yes to. Short asks feel small.

TRY THIS
Suggest fifteen.

TIP 4

Offer two time options

Give two choices, such as Tuesday or Thursday. Choices make it easy.

TRY THIS
Offer two.

TIP 5

Use a simple booking link

A free scheduling link saves messages. Share it if the person likes it.

TRY THIS
Use a link.

TIP 6

Say what you hope to learn

Say, I would love to hear how you started. Clear purpose helps.

TRY THIS
State your goal.

TIP 7

Prepare three questions

Questions show respect for their time. Write them down before you call.

TRY THIS
Write three.

TIP 8

Keep to the time

Stop when you promised. Respect builds trust.

TRY THIS
Watch the clock.

TIP 9

Script: asking

Would you like to have a quick fifteen-minute call this week? Say it warmly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 10

Script: time options

Would Tuesday or Thursday suit you better? Say it politely.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 11

Script: thanks

Thank you for your time, it meant a lot to me. Say it sincerely.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 12

Mistake: asking too fast

Asking in the first message feels pushy, so chat a little first.

TRY THIS
Warm up first.

TIP 13

Mistake: being vague

Maybe sometime is hard to answer, so suggest a real plan.

TRY THIS
Be clear.

TIP 14

Troubleshoot: when they say they are busy

Say, no problem, and offer to try again in a month. Stay kind.

TRY THIS
Stay kind.

TIP 15

Troubleshoot: when time zones are different

Offer a flexible time and use a time zone tool. Show care.

TRY THIS
Use a tool.

TIP 16

Drill: invite one person this week

Invite one online contact to a short call and prepare three questions.

TRY THIS
Invite one.

TIP 17

Drill: write your invite line

Write a one-line call invitation and save it for later.

TRY THIS
Write it.

TIP 18

Pick a time that suits both

Suggest a time that fits their zone and day. Courtesy matters.

TRY THIS
Check time zones.

TIP 19

Offer a short agenda

Say, I would love to hear about X and share Y. It helps both prepare.

TRY THIS
Write a mini agenda.

TIP 20

Send a calendar invite with link

An invite with a video link avoids confusion.

TRY THIS
Send one.

TIP 21

Keep to the time

End on time and thank them. Respect builds trust.

TRY THIS
Watch the clock.

TIP 22

Example: the coffee chat

After a month of comments, Dana invited Lee to a twenty-minute call. They became friends.

TRY THIS
Invite kindly.

TIP 23

Example: the voice note

Ana sent a short voice note instead of text. It felt warm and personal.

TRY THIS
Try a voice note.

TIP 24

Mistake: switching platforms too soon

Wait for some friendly back and forth first.

TRY THIS
Wait a little.

TIP 25

Troubleshoot: when they prefer messages

Respect their choice. Keep chatting by text.

TRY THIS
Stay flexible.

TIP 26

Drill: invite one online contact to a call

Write the invite and send it today.

TRY THIS
Send one.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.

ASK

“Would you like a quick call?”

TIME

“Does Thursday work for you?”

EASY

“Fifteen minutes is plenty.”

LINK

“Here is a link to book.”

THANKS

“Thank you for your time.”

CLOSE

“Looking forward to it.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Chat online first

DAY 2
Suggest a call

DAY 3
Offer two times

DAY 4
Keep it short

DAY 5
Prepare questions

DAY 6
Show up on time

DAY 7
Say thanks

Further reading

• Show Your Work! (Austin Kleon)
• Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
• So Good They Can’t Ignore You (Cal Newport)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.