Feeling Stuck in Your Career?
Reignite Your Network in Under an Hour a Day
"Your next big opportunity is probably hiding in your existing network. The only problem? You're not talking to them."
Over the years, I’ve realized the most overlooked resource in anyone's career is the relationships we already have.
I’m talking about the people who know your name, have worked alongside you, or would gladly introduce you to someone else—if only you stayed in touch.
That’s why I started using the 5-5-5 Networking System, and it completely changed how I approach my career growth.
This method is simple, takes less than an hour a day, and has helped me rebuild meaningful connections while creating new ones that lead to real opportunities.
The 5-5-5 Networking System: How It Works
Here’s the formula that keeps you from getting stuck in your own bubble:
📝 Step 1: Write Down Everyone You Know
Set aside 45 minutes to an hour and brainstorm everyone you can think of—former colleagues, mentors, friends, classmates. Don’t overthink it. Just get the names down.
🗂 Step 2: Categorize Into 3 Groups
Divide your list into these buckets:
People you knew (past coworkers, old friends, ex-managers)
People you know (current colleagues, industry peers)
People you want to know (leaders at companies you admire, potential mentors)
📬 Step 3: Reach Out to 5 People in Each Group
Every day, send a quick message to:
5 people from your past (just to reconnect, no agenda)
5 people you know now (check in, show interest)
5 people you’d like to know (introduce yourself, mention a shared interest)
That’s it.
Just 15 messages a day.
Why This Works (Even If You Hate Networking)
No awkward sales vibes. You're just catching up.
It’s low-pressure. A simple check-in keeps you top of mind.
Consistency compounds. 15 messages a day = over 400 people a month.
Opportunities happen naturally. People remember you when opportunities come up.
The Natural Turn. The conversation will natural come back around to you – and that’s when you mention what you’re looking to do next. And ask if they have any advice for you there.
Actionable Tips to Get Started:
✅ Start small: Try 3-3-3 if 5-5-5 feels like too much.
✅ Use templates to make outreach easier.
✅ Track your outreach with sticky notes, spreadsheets, or a notebook.
✅ Set a daily time block so it becomes a habit.
My Honest Take
Networking can feel exhausting and transactional if you treat it like a chore.
But when you use something like the 5-5-5 system, it becomes part of your daily rhythm—like checking your email or grabbing coffee.
The best part? People appreciate hearing from you.
And when you reconnect without an ask, the conversations are genuinely enjoyable.
You never know who might open a door for you tomorrow, just because you said hello today.
One last thing.
Stick with it.
I know, I know. In the beginning, we’re all full of gumption and go-get-‘em. But after a while, it can feel a little bit like homework.
In my experience, the first week is exciting. The second week feels a little awkward and toward the end of it, you may wonder ‘is this really working?’
That’s when the magic happens.
For some reason, right around day 18, the momentum tends to shift.
Then, the calls pour in.
“Claire, you’ll never believe who I just met.”
“Claire, you’ll never believe who was willing to help me.”
“S/he was sitting in my network all this time and asked to speak right away.”
You just never know.
So, work it. Keep going. And if you need a little networking revival – send me an email to claire@tractionresume.com. I’m stellar at reminding you why you are so worth doing things differently – and breaking away from the pack – to land that next opportunity out there waiting for you.
Right below the surface.
And if you want a template to get you started check out The Network Tracker (TNT) at the link below!
