What’s an easy way to start networking? 

Does networking conjure up images of big, noisy rooms full of strangers? Think again. In her article, “Easy Networking Tips for the Networking Haters,” author Amantha Imber shares some useful advice for anyone who hates talking to strangers: The best way to maintain a network is to reconnect with your dormant ties, according to Marissa King, professor of organizational behavior at the Yale School of Management. Dormant ties are people you already know, but that you haven’t seen or reached out to in a few years. 

Research shows that dormant ties are more likely to provide you with creative advice than a brand new connection. This may be even more likely if you’ve already built a foundation of trust. Once a week, write down the names of two or three dormant ties. Think of people you felt most connected to in the past, and send them a short message along the lines of, “Hey, I’m thinking about you. How have you been?” Then go from there. 

You may have a more specific question for them in mind, but as a first step, focus on getting back in touch. 

Excerpted from A Beginner’s Guide to Networking by Rakshitha Arni Ravishankar