[{"_1":2,"_3":-5,"_4":-5},"loaderData",{"_5":6,"_7":8},"actionData","errors","root",{"_108":109,"_110":111},"routes/embed.x.$handle.$name.$",{"_9":10,"_11":12,"_13":14,"_15":16,"_17":18,"_19":20,"_21":22},"handle","jill1","name","lsd-tools","path","apps/networking-guide.html","project",{"_23":48,"_11":12,"_36":49,"_50":-5,"_51":44,"_52":53,"_54":53,"_55":56,"_57":-5,"_58":59,"_60":-5,"_61":44,"_62":-5,"_63":-5,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":-5,"_75":76,"_77":76,"_78":79,"_80":79,"_81":79,"_82":76,"_83":76,"_84":85,"_86":87,"_88":89,"_90":44},"file",{"_23":24,"_11":25,"_26":27,"_28":29,"_30":31,"_32":33,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":39,"_40":17,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":-5,"_13":46},"permalink","https://www.val.town/x/jill1/lsd-tools/code/apps/networking-guide.html","extension","html","id","e28e0688-d6ee-43e5-8a54-17a5c6f3382e","networking-guide.html","fileId","a1f3727e-7a2f-11f1-8c72-1607ee4eb77e","parentId","47a6bf47-1d27-4c27-af37-9f16d7745179","branchId","354484fe-ab8e-435c-b8f4-a7d84643afaf","branchVersion",1090,"latest",true,"createdAt",["D",1789540678179],"version",34,"fileType","content","\n\n\n\n\nNetworking Message Studio | Learning Strategy & Design\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\n $\"Learning$ \n

Networking Message Studio

\n\n

\n\n\n

Send the message without rewriting it ten times

Ready-to-use scripts for every networking situation you'll hit during your job search, plus tools to pressure-test your messages before you send them. Pick a scenario, customize a script, and save the ones you like to your Swipe File.

How this works

Scripts tab: Browse scenarios, pick a tone, copy or personalize any script

Confidence Checker + Reply Helper: AI-powered feedback on your own drafts

Swipe File: Your saved scripts in one place

These scripts are starting points that still need your voice. Read each one out loud and put it in your own words before you send it. People can tell when a message sounds copied.

\n\n

\n \n \n \n \n \n

\n\n

\n \n\n

\n \n

\n\n \n

Scenario 01

LinkedIn Cold Message

You found an ID professional you want to connect with. You've never met. Here's how to reach out without sounding like a bot or a desperate job seeker.

Platform:

Reaching out to an ID at your target company

You want to learn about their experience there

▾

Tone:

Script

Hi [Name], I came across your profile while researching roles at [Company] and was really impressed by your background in instructional design. I'm currently transitioning into ID from [your background] and would love to connect. No ask right now, just building my network with people doing work I admire. Hope that's okay!

✗ Don't

\"Hi [Name], I'm an aspiring instructional designer looking to break into the field. I would love to pick your brain about how you got started and any advice you might have for someone like me who is trying to make a career transition. Please let me know if you'd be open to chatting sometime!\"

Why it fails: Way too long. \"Pick your brain\" is a red flag. \"Someone like me\" sounds self-pitying. Ends with a vague ask that's easy to ignore.

✓ Do

\"Hi [Name], I came across your profile while researching [Company] and loved your ID background. I'm transitioning from teaching and would love to connect. No ask, just building my network with people doing work I admire!\"

Why it works: Specific, short, low pressure. They know exactly who you are and what you want in three seconds.

Pro Tip

Keep it under 4 sentences. Mention something specific about THEM. \"No ask right now\" lowers their guard and ironically makes them more likely to respond.

Connecting after seeing their content

They posted something that resonated with you

▾

Tone:

Script

Hi [Name], your post about [topic] stopped my scroll. That point about [specific thing they said] was exactly what I needed to hear this week. I'm an aspiring ID transitioning from [background] and I've been following your work. Would love to connect!

✗ Don't

\"I loved your post! So inspiring. You really know your stuff. I'm also interested in instructional design and would love to connect and learn from you!\"

Why it fails: Generic flattery with zero specifics. Could have been sent to anyone. They know you didn't actually read it.

✓ Do

\"Your point about ADDIE being a starting point, not a rulebook, stopped my scroll. I'm transitioning from HR into ID and that reframe was exactly what I needed. Would love to connect!\"

Why it works: Quotes something specific. Shows you actually thought about it. Personal without being weird.

Pro Tip

Be specific. \"I loved your post\" means nothing. Referencing the actual idea shows you read it, and that makes all the difference.

Personalize It

Fill in a few details and get a version that actually sounds like you.

Your Name

Your Background

Their Name

What caught your eye about them

\n \n

Writing your message...

Your Personalized Script

\n\n \n

Scenario 02

Info Interview Ask

You want to learn about someone's ID career. Two ways to ask: 1-2 specific questions over message (lower friction, works with almost anyone) or a 30-minute call (higher value when it happens, but not everyone has time for it). Neither one is the \"real\" ask, pick whichever fits how well you know them.

Asking 1-2 questions directly (no call)

Lower friction, a good default for most people

▾

Script

Hi [Name], thanks for connecting! I'm working toward my first ID role and had a specific question: [your specific question]? No need to jump on a call, whenever you get a chance to reply is great.

✗ Don't

\"Hi! I'd love to pick your brain sometime, whenever works for you!\"

Why it fails: No actual question. This is just as much an open-ended time drain as a vague call request, it just doesn't look like one.

✓ Do

\"Had a specific question: how did you make the jump from teaching into your first ID role? No need for a call, whenever you get a chance to answer is great.\"

Why it works: One real question. No calendar coordination required. Easy to answer between meetings.

Pro Tip

Most people who won't get on a call will still answer one good question over message. Try this first with people you don't know well yet, it works at least as well as asking for a call, sometimes better, since there's nothing on their calendar to protect.

Asking via LinkedIn after connecting

You're already connected, now you want a chat

▾

Script

Hi [Name], thanks so much for connecting! I'm actively working toward my first ID role and I'd love to learn from someone already doing the work. Would you be open to a 30-minute virtual coffee chat? I'll come prepared with specific questions. Totally no pressure if the timing isn't right.

✗ Don't

\"Hi! I would love to pick your brain about how you got into ID. Do you have time to chat? It would mean so much to me. I'm really trying to make this transition work.\"

Why it fails: \"Pick your brain\" is exhausting. The emotional appeal puts pressure on them. No time frame. Sounds desperate.

✓ Do

\"Would you be open to a 30-minute virtual chat? I'll come with 3-4 specific questions, no pressure if the timing isn't right!\"

Why it works: Specific time. Specific number of questions. Clear out if they're busy. No guilt trip.

Pro Tip

30 minutes is the standard ask for an informational interview, people are more open to it than you'd think. If you want something lower-friction for a first touch, 15-20 minutes works too. Either way, \"I'll come prepared\" signals you respect their time.

Asking via email cold

You found their contact on their portfolio or site

▾

Script

Subject: Quick question from an aspiring ID\n\nHi [Name], I found your portfolio while researching IDs in [industry] and was genuinely impressed by [specific project or detail]. I'm transitioning into instructional design from [background] and would love to ask you 3-4 questions about your journey. Would a 30-minute call work for you sometime in the next few weeks?

Pro Tip

Say \"3-4 questions\" not \"pick your brain.\" People know that phrase means an open-ended time drain. Specific always beats vague.

Personalize It

Fill in your details and get a version that sounds natural coming from you.

Ask Type

Your Background

Their Industry / Niche

Something specific about their work

Their Name

If asking a question: what's the question?

\n \n

Writing your message...

Your Personalized Script

\n\n \n

Scenario 03

Following Up

You met someone at a virtual event, LinkedIn Live, or a Facebook group. Here's how to turn a brief interaction into an actual connection.

After a virtual event or webinar

You were both in the same session

▾

Script

Hi [Name], I was in [event name] today and saw your comment about [specific thing they said]. That really resonated with me. I'm making a similar transition from [background] into ID. Wanted to connect while it was fresh. Hope to cross paths again in the community!

✗ Don't

\"Hi! I think we were both in that webinar earlier. Anyway, I'm transitioning into ID and thought it would be nice to connect with others in the field!\"

Why it fails: \"I think\" signals you weren't paying attention. \"Anyway\" is dismissive. Nothing about THEM.

✓ Do

\"I was in the ID Insider webinar and your comment about not waiting until your portfolio is perfect really hit home. Transitioning from K-12 into ID. Wanted to connect while it was fresh!\"

Why it works: Names the event. References what they said. Shows you were actually paying attention.

Pro Tip

Send this within 24 hours. The longer you wait, the colder it gets. Reference something specific so they know you weren't mass-connecting.

After someone commented on YOUR post

They engaged with you first, now follow through

▾

Script

Hi [Name], thanks so much for your comment on my post. Your point about [what they said] was spot on and added something I hadn't thought about. I checked out your profile and love what you're doing in [their area]. Would love to stay connected!

Pro Tip

When someone comments on your post, you already have a warm connection. A quick DM turns a comment into a real relationship. Don't let it go cold.

Personalize It

Tell me about the situation and I'll write a follow-up that feels natural.

Their Name

Where you \"met\"

Something they said or did

Your Background

\n \n

Writing your message...

Your Personalized Script

\n\n \n

Scenario 04

Asking for a Referral

This is someone you actually know. Asking for a referral doesn't have to feel transactional. Here's how to do it right.

Asking a former colleague at your target company

You have a real relationship with them

▾

Script

Hey [Name]! Hope you're doing well. I've been thinking about you. I'm actively looking for my first ID role and noticed [Company] is hiring. I know it's a big ask, but if you feel comfortable, would you be willing to refer me or put me in touch with the right person? I have my portfolio ready and I'll make it as easy as possible for you. No pressure at all if it's not a good fit!

✗ Don't

\"Hey, I saw [Company] is hiring. Can you refer me? Here's my resume. Let me know ASAP since I think the deadline is soon.\"

Why it fails: No warm-up. No acknowledgment that this is a big ask. The urgency adds pressure. Purely transactional.

✓ Do

\"I'll make it easy for you. Here's a short blurb you can forward, plus my portfolio link, all ready to paste. If it doesn't feel right, no worries at all!\"

Why it works: Doing the work for them dramatically increases the chance they say yes. Removing friction is the secret.

Pro Tip

\"I'll make it easy for you\" is the magic phrase. Write the blurb they'd forward. Give them your portfolio link ready to paste. Lower their effort and they're far more likely to follow through.

Asking an AIDA cohort member who landed a job

A peer who made it before you did

▾

Script

Hey [Name], I saw you landed at [Company], that's amazing, congrats! I'm still in the job search and wondering if you'd be open to a quick chat about what the process was like there. And if it's a good culture fit, would you feel comfortable passing my name along? I'll send my portfolio link so you have it handy.

Pro Tip

Start with genuine congratulations. Ask about the company first, THEN the referral. That way it feels like a conversation. Jumping straight to the ask feels like a transaction.

Personalize It

Tell me about your situation and I'll write a referral ask that doesn't feel awkward.

Their Name

How you know them

Target Company

Role you're applying for

\n \n

Writing your message...

Your Personalized Script

\n\n \n

Scenario 05

Sharing Your Portfolio

Your portfolio is your superpower. Here's how to put it in front of people without it feeling like you're just blasting a link.

Sharing in a LinkedIn post

Announcing it to your whole network

▾

Script

Six months ago I was a [previous role] with zero instructional design experience. Today I just finished my ID portfolio.\n\nIt has [X projects] including [brief description of 1-2 standout pieces].\n\nI'm actively looking for my first ID role and would love any feedback, connections, or introductions. Link in the comments.\n\n[Tag 2-3 people who supported your journey]

✗ Don't

\"Excited to share that I've been working really hard on my instructional design portfolio! It was a journey but I'm so proud of it. Please check it out at [link] and let me know what you think! #instructionaldesign #elearning\"

Why it fails: Vague. No specifics. Link in the post kills reach. Nothing makes you stop and read.

✓ Do

\"Six months ago I was teaching 8th grade math. Today I have a portfolio with 3 ID projects, including a branching scenario I built in Storyline. Actively looking for ID roles. Link in comments.\"

Why it works: Clear before/after. Specific details. Link in comments for better reach. Direct and confident.

Pro Tip

Put the link in the COMMENTS and keep it out of the post itself. LinkedIn buries posts with external links. You'll get significantly more reach this way.

Sending it directly in a DM

Sharing with someone relevant in your network

▾

Script

I wanted to share my portfolio with you since we've been connecting around the ID job search. Here's the link: [URL]. The project I'm most proud of is [project name] because [one sentence why]. Would love your honest thoughts if you have 5 minutes!

Pro Tip

Always highlight ONE project and save the rest for later. \"Here's my portfolio\" is easy to ignore. \"Here's the project I'm most proud of and why\" makes them curious.

Personalize It

Tell me about your portfolio and I'll write a post or message that gets attention.

Your Previous Role

Standout Project

Why that project stands out

Format

\n \n

Writing your message...

Your Personalized Script

\n\n \n

Scenario 06

When They Ghost You

They said they'd love to chat, then nothing. One more reach-out is completely okay. Here's how to do it gracefully.

Following up on an unanswered message

They never replied to your first outreach

▾

Script

Hi [Name], I know inboxes get busy, just wanted to bump this up in case it got buried. Happy to work around your schedule if you're open to connecting. If the timing isn't right, no worries at all. I appreciate you being part of my network either way!

✗ Don't

\"Hi again, I reached out a while back and haven't heard from you. I was just wondering if you had a chance to see my message? I totally understand if you're busy. No worries if not!\"

Why it fails: Apologetic from the start. Repeating \"no worries\" signals anxiety. The whole message makes you sound like you're shrinking.

✓ Do

\"Just bumping this up in case it got buried, happy to work around your schedule. No pressure either way!\"

Why it works: Short. Assumes the best (a busy inbox, a buried message). Confident but not pushy.

Pro Tip

Wait 5-7 days before following up. One follow-up is professional. Two is pushy. After the second message, move on to the next person.

They agreed to chat but went quiet

They said yes, then disappeared

▾

Script

Hi [Name], I know life gets hectic! I still would love to connect if you have 30 minutes. Here are a couple of times that work for me: [Time 1] or [Time 2]. If those don't work, just let me know what does and I'll make it happen!

Pro Tip

Give two specific time options instead of \"what works for you?\" Open-ended scheduling creates friction. Specific times are easy to say yes or no to.

Personalize It

Tell me what happened and I'll write a follow-up that's confident, with zero desperation in it.

Their Name

What was the original ask

How long since your last message

Did they say yes before going quiet?

\n \n

Writing your message...

Your Personalized Script

\n\n

\n \n

Confidence Checker

Wrote something but not sure if it lands? Paste it here. You'll get honest feedback on tone, length, and specificity, plus an improved version ready to copy.

\n Paste Your Message\n \n

\n \n \n

\n \n

Reviewing your message...

Improved Version

\n \n \n

\n\n \n

Reply Helper

They responded. Now what? This is where most people freeze. Paste what they said and I'll write you a reply that keeps the conversation moving forward.

\n What Did They Say?\n \n What Did You Originally Ask For?\n \n

\n \n \n

\n \n

Writing your reply...

Your Reply

\n \n \n

\n\n \n

💀 The Message Graveyard

These messages didn't make it, and the reasons were rarely outrageous. It's the small, common mistakes that get people every time. Read each one, learn what went wrong, and make sure you never send anything like it.

💀The Novel Nobody Asked ForLinkedIn DM

\"Hi Jennifer! I hope this message finds you well. My name is Ashley and I came across your profile while browsing LinkedIn today. I noticed that you work as an Instructional Designer at Bright Learning Solutions and I thought it would be wonderful to connect with you. I am currently in the process of transitioning my career from K-12 education into the instructional design field and I am really excited about the possibilities. I have always been passionate about how people learn and I think my teaching background gives me a really strong foundation. I would love to hear more about your experience and perhaps get some advice on how to break into the field if you ever have the time. No rush of course! I know you must be very busy. Thank you so much for your time and I hope to hear from you soon!\"

What Killed It

Way too long. LinkedIn DMs should be 3-4 sentences max. This required real effort to read, and most people won't.

Zero specifics about Jennifer. Nothing shows Ashley actually looked at her profile. Could have been sent to literally anyone.

\"Get some advice\" is vague and open-ended. Jennifer doesn't know what she's agreeing to. Vague asks get ignored.

Over-apologizing throughout. \"No rush,\" \"I know you must be very busy,\" \"thank you so much,\" all of it signals low confidence and makes the reader feel guilty before they've done anything.

The Fix

Cut it to 3 sentences. Reference something specific about Jennifer's work. Make one clear, low-pressure ask with a time frame.

\n\n

💀The Job Application Disguised as NetworkingLinkedIn DM

\"Hi Marcus, I saw that your company is hiring for an Instructional Designer role. I am very interested in this position and I think my background in training and curriculum development would be a great fit. I have attached my resume and portfolio for your review. Please let me know if there is anything else you need from me. I look forward to hearing from you!\"

What Killed It

This is not networking. It's a cold job application. Marcus didn't post a job. He's an ID professional. This puts him in an uncomfortable position he didn't sign up for.

No relationship was built first. Skipping the connection step and going straight to \"hire me\" almost never works and often burns the bridge completely.

Nothing about Marcus as a person. No acknowledgment of his work, career, or perspective. Entirely self-focused.

The Fix

Connect first, ask second. Build a genuine relationship before anything job-related. Even one or two exchanges changes the entire dynamic.

\n\n

💀The Guilt Trip Follow-UpFollow-Up Message

\"Hi Priya, I just wanted to follow up on my message from last week since I hadn't heard back. I completely understand if you're busy. I know everyone has a lot going on. I just really wanted to connect because your career is so inspiring to me and it would mean the world to get even 10 minutes of your time. I hope I didn't do anything wrong in my first message! Let me know either way so I know where I stand.\"

What Killed It

\"It would mean the world.\" Emotional pressure in a professional networking message doesn't move the reader. It makes them uncomfortable and shifts the burden onto them.

\"I hope I didn't do anything wrong.\" This signals insecurity and draws attention to the possibility something was off. Never apologize for reaching out.

\"Let me know either way so I know where I stand.\" This forces them to officially reject you. People avoid uncomfortable conversations, so they just ignore this instead.

The Fix

A confident follow-up is short, assumes the best, and gives them an easy out without drama. \"Just bumping this up, no pressure either way!\" is all you need.

\n\n

💀The Copy-Paste BombInfo Interview Ask

\"Hi [Name], I hope you're having a great day! I am an aspiring instructional designer looking to break into the field and I would love to connect with experienced professionals like yourself. Would you be willing to share your career journey with me? I am eager to learn from someone who has already navigated this path. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to connecting with you!\"

What Killed It

They left [Name] in the message. Immediate sign the message was copy-pasted with zero personalization. Instant delete.

\"Experienced professionals like yourself\" is generic flattery that applies to every person on LinkedIn. Tells them nothing about why you reached out to THEM specifically.

No specific ask. \"Share your career journey\" could mean a 10-minute chat or a 2-hour call. Vague asks create friction and get skipped.

The Fix

Always fill in the name. Always reference something specific about them. Always give a specific time frame. Those three things alone change everything.

\n\n \n

Your Swipe File

Scripts you've bookmarked from the guide. Tap the bookmark icon on any script to save it here. Stays saved in this browser until you clear it.

🔖

Nothing saved yet

Head to the Scripts tab and tap \"Save to Swipe File\" on any script that resonates with you.

\n \n

\n\n

Saved to Swipe File!

\n\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n","deleted",false,"label",[47,25],"apps","94d22c94-c7b8-4c71-924e-bdacd079feab",["D",1783446411330],"deletedAt","legacyEnvVars","privacy","public","httpPrivacy","description","Router serving LS&D's standalone tool apps at clean paths","imageUrl","userId","3e453bbc-d725-4b77-bbaf-19441140f954","pinnedFileId","pinPreview","pinMigrated","screenshotVersion","likeCount",0,"orgId","019e69d3-aae4-700b-a721-1926b8df5eb7","tursoName","94d22c94c7b84c71924ebdacd079feab","tursoHostname","94d22c94c7b84c71924ebdacd079feab-val-town.aws-us-east-2.turso.io","tursoMeasuredAt",["D",1789551045218],"pinned","userPerm","r","valPerm","blobPerm","rw","emailPerm","sqlitePerm","projectPerm","telemetryPerm","user",{"_9":10,"_107":102},"org",{"_9":10,"_101":102,"_103":102,"_58":59,"_104":105,"_106":44},"branch",{"_38":91,"_11":92,"_23":31,"_93":48,"_94":-5,"_95":-5,"_96":-5,"_97":-5,"_98":-5,"_99":12,"_100":10},"isOwned",1115,"main","projectId","forkedBranchId","forkedBranchVersion","forkedProjectPrivacy","forkedProjectId","forkedProjectOrgId","projectName","userHandle","displayName","","avatar","tier","pro","canRestrictVals","profileImageUrl","ctx",{"_84":-5,"_141":142,"_143":144,"_145":146,"_147":44,"_148":44,"_149":44,"_150":35,"_151":-5,"_152":-7,"_153":-7,"_154":65,"_155":44,"_156":44,"_157":-5,"_158":44,"_159":44,"_160":44,"_161":-5},"ENV",{"_112":113,"_114":115,"_116":92,"_117":118,"_119":120,"_121":122,"_123":124,"_125":126,"_127":128,"_129":130,"_131":132,"_133":134,"_135":136,"_137":138,"_139":140},"REACT_APP_SENTRY_DSN","https://586020d86f05489db63a554690acf1e9@o1398359.ingest.sentry.io/6724499","RENDER_GIT_COMMIT","e87eb04e707cf64e7e532c8e8ec395f209e17f15","RENDER_GIT_BRANCH","POSTHOG_API_TOKEN","phc_nmoyuAkStEZuUp69rYlg1DZgrIt19Gx0Y4Hwf8tGgJP","POSTHOG_API_HOST","https://wart.val.town","WEB_API_TEMPLATE","https://{val}.web.val.run","APP_URL","https://www.val.town","MODULE_URL","https://esm.town","VANITY_WEB_API_TEMPLATE","https://{label}.val.run/","DENOLS_URL","https://lsp.val.town","NODE_ENV","production","CLOUDFLARE_TURNSTILE_SITE_KEY","0x4AAAAAACtaIZJH7s9rBMZ6","GOOGLE_CLIENT_ID","875989696899-jtsqkhlbdv5jrlsk8631p7ipjg3c6o62.apps.googleusercontent.com","STRIPE_PUBLISHABLE_KEY","pk_live_51N2zvWEpZTTLipIkVEwXrUG9AT0yeOOEYxszarZT1jpsZV58Ly6wlg3SltZpHN26CUalOBmUSY7adQRQiSkCZz2500qSXNkf8Y","API_URL","https://api.val.town","orgs",[],"preferencesKeybindings","default","preferencesTheme","light","preferencesFixers","preferencesCopilot","preferencesSelectionAi","preferencesCloseBrackets","preferencesChatPanelState","preferencesDprint","preferencesDenofmt","notificationCount","flagDenols","isBusinessOrgMember","businessOrgHandle","isBusinessOrgAdmin","isHigherTownieTier","navCollapsed","currentOrgId"]