Your network is broken. Fix it like a human.

I keep hearing different versions of the same frustrated statement in conversations and coaching sessions: “My network isn’t helping me like it used to.” All those connections, follows, and likes? They’re not turning into opportunities. The people who used to pull you in for projects? Radio silence. Warm intros? Ice cold—if you even get one.

It’s not just you, and it’s not just them. This kind of breakdown is normal during a big economic downturn. Networks that once felt rock solid start feeling more like dead weight. People are cautious. Budgets are frozen. The old playbook isn’t working. 

TL;DR: If your network isn’t working for you, it’s time to rework your network. 

Since prompting AI to solve every problem is all the rage these days, I worked with the robot to write a prompt—for humans. Because we can’t technology our way out of this. The only way to get real human results is to show up, connect, and rebuild the relationships that actually make things happen as a human. 

I present to you the Human-Led Networking Reboot Prompt—a tactical, no-BS guide to rebuilding your professional network in a way that actually works in today’s economic climate. 

Human Networking Rebuild Prompt by ChatGPT

Goal: Rebuild and strengthen your professional network to create meaningful connections, unlock new opportunities, and establish a resilient support system for career growth and consulting opportunities.

Context: You have realized that your existing network is not yielding the job referrals, client leads, or collaboration opportunities you expected. Economic shifts, industry changes, and evolving hiring practices have made old networking methods less effective. You want to take a strategic, proactive approach to rebuilding your network with intention and impact.

Constraints & Considerations

• Your current network may be stagnant, meaning contacts are no longer active or influential in your target industry.
• You may have blind spots, relying too much on people in similar positions rather than expanding into diverse circles.
• You want to avoid transactional networking, where people feel you’re only reaching out when you need something.
• You may need to update your personal brand, ensuring your digital presence aligns with your evolving career goals.

Actions & Execution

• Audit Your Existing Network — Categorize current contacts into three groups:
  • Engaged & Active: People you interact with who are responsive and supportive.
  • Dormant: Connections you haven’t reached out to in 1+ years.
  • Irrelevant or Inactive: People who are no longer in your industry or unable to help.
  • Identify gaps in your network: Do you lack connections in growing industries? Are you surrounded by job seekers rather than decision-makers? Make a list of 20 people worth re-engaging and 10 new people you’d like to connect with.
• Re-engage Old Contacts with a Value-First Approach — Don’t reach out asking for favors. Instead, offer something useful (an article, a personal update, an introduction). Suggested message: "Hey [Name], I was thinking about our past work together and wanted to reconnect. I came across this article on [topic] and thought you might find it interesting. Also, I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to and share what I’m working on. Let’s catch up!"
• Expand Beyond Your Industry Bubble — Target adjacent industries where your skills are transferable. Seek out communities in LinkedIn groups, online forums, and in-person meetups related to your new interests. Set a goal to meet five new people per month through intentional outreach or event attendance.
• Strengthen Your Digital Presence & Visibility — Update LinkedIn and portfolio sites with your current career focus, expertise, and unique value proposition. Post weekly insights, articles, or reflections on your industry to attract inbound connections. Engage with influencers and thought leaders by commenting on their content—visibility leads to opportunity.
• Shift from Passive to Active Networking — Instead of waiting for introductions, proactively ask for warm referrals. Example: "I’m exploring new consulting opportunities in [industry]. Do you know anyone in your network who might be open to a conversation about challenges in this space?"
  
  Host your own virtual coffee chats, local meetups, or industry discussions to become a connector, not just a seeker.
• Track and Follow Up with Consistency — Use a simple spreadsheet or CRM tool to track who you’ve reached out to, last contact dates, and action steps. Set reminders to follow up every 60–90 days with light-touch interactions (sending an article, congratulating a career move).

Expected Outcome

Within 90 days, you should have 10-15 new strong connections, re-engaged past contacts, and generated at least 3-5 new opportunities (job leads, referrals, or consulting inquiries). Your network will be more diverse, engaged, and aligned with where you want to go next in your career. You’ll transition from a reactive job seeker/consultant to a proactive professional building long-term, meaningful relationships.

Final Reminder: Networking is not just about what you can get—it’s about creating genuine, lasting connections.Approach it with curiosity, generosity, and consistency, and opportunities will follow.

Thanks HAL, one more question...

After checking it's work, I asked the robot if it had any advice for humans and it did:

A great prompt is only as good as the action you take after reading it. Here’s my best advice for humans using the Human-Led Networking Reboot Prompt effectively.

This Is Not a Passive Exercise, You Have to Put in the Work — A lot of people will skim the prompt, nod along, and then… do nothing. Don’t be that person. Block out real time on your calendar to audit your network, reach out, and engage with intention.

Action Tip: Treat this like a job or consulting project. Set aside 1-2 hours per week to execute, follow up, and track your progress.

Lead with Generosity, Not Desperation — No one likes getting a message that screams, “Hey, I need work. Can you help?” That’s not networking—that’s a cold ask. Instead, focus on reconnecting first and offering value before making any requests.

Action Tip: Before reaching out, ask yourself: How can I make this conversation valuable for them? Share an article, make an introduction, or acknowledge something they’ve achieved.

Stop Relying on Old Playbooks — If the way you’ve always networked isn’t working anymore, don’t double down—adapt. If your LinkedIn posts aren’t getting traction, start engaging in the comments of industry leaders. If your job applications are going nowhere, focus on referrals instead.

Action Tip: Identify one new approach you haven’t tried before—maybe it’s reaching out to someone in an adjacent industry, attending an in-person event, or sharing more original insights online.

Expand Beyond Your Immediate Circle — One of the biggest mistakes professionals make is networking in a closed loop—talking to the same people in the same industry over and over again. In an economic shift, new opportunities often come from new places.

Action Tip: Make a list of 3 industries where your skills could transfer. Start following and engaging with leaders in those spaces.

Play the Long Game — The best networking isn’t about immediate returns—it’s about staying top of mind so when opportunities do arise, you’re the first person people think of. If your first round of outreach doesn’t result in anything, don’t assume it was a failure.

Action Tip: Keep a simple spreadsheet or notes app to track outreach. Follow up every 6-8 weeks with something thoughtful—a check-in, an article, a congrats on a career move.

Final Thought: Be the Person You’d Want to Network With — Networking works best when it’s mutually beneficial. If you approach it with a transactional mindset ("I need a job, can you help?"), people will disengage. If you show up as a curious, engaged, and value-driven person, people will want to stay connected.

Action Tip: Before reaching out, flip the perspective: If you were on the receiving end of your message, would you respond? If not, rewrite it.

T L ; D R — Take action, offer value first, adapt to the new reality, expand your reach, and play the long game. If you do this consistently, your network will stop feeling like dead weight and start working for you again.

Now, go make it happen. 

I might have used different language and tone, but otherwise couldn’t have said it better myself.