"I don't know anyone in this field."

This is the most common blocker for people changing careers. It feels definitive. Like you're starting from zero. Like everyone else in the room has a 15-year-old relationship they'll call on the day the job opens and you'll be refreshing job boards alone.

You're not starting from zero. You're starting from somewhere most career changers actually skip.

The Real Disadvantage You Have

You don't know anyone. But what you actually have is a problem that's solvable in 60 days, not a permanent deficit.

The people who say "I don't know anyone" usually mean "I don't know anyone I'm comfortable asking for help." That's different. And it's fixable.

The people who get stuck are the ones who wait for a reason to reach out. They think they need to have achieved something first, or have a specific ask, or have enough credibility to warrant a conversation. They're waiting for permission.

The people who move fast are the ones who realize that "I'm interested in this field and would value your perspective" is enough reason for most people to take a 20-minute call.

The Reframe That Changes Everything

You're not "networking." You're not trying to "build relationships." Those frames put pressure on you and make you sound like you're selling something.

You're doing informational interviews. You're trying to understand how the field works, what the day-to-day actually looks like, what blindsides people, what separates the good from the mediocre.

You're not looking for a job. You're looking for information that will make you smarter about how to find one.

This is a small reframe. But it changes everything about how you approach the conversation.

The System That Works (Even When You Know Zero People)

Step 1: Find Three Categories of People

You don't need to know them. You just need to know they exist.

**Category 1: People one degree away**

Start with people you know who are connected to your target field, even tangentially. A friend who has a spouse in marketing. A former colleague who moved into finance. Your yoga instructor who teaches people in tech. They don't have to work in your field — they just have to have social connections there.

Text them: "Hey, I'm making a move into [field]. Do you know anyone who works in [specific area] that I could grab 20 minutes with? No pitch, just trying to understand what the role actually looks like."

Most people will say yes. They like helping. And they'll either give you a name or say, "Let me ask around."

**Category 2: People on LinkedIn**

Browse for job titles that sound like what you want in three years. Look at who's posting interesting things about the field. Check who works at companies you actually want to work for eventually.

When you message them, be specific about why you're reaching out: "I came across your post on [specific thing you noticed]. I'm making a move into [field] and would love to understand your perspective on [specific question]. Would you be open to a quick call?"

This isn't spam. This is showing that you've thought enough about their work to be specific in your ask.

**Category 3: People who help people**

Career coaches, recruiters, podcast hosts, people who run online communities. These people's job is partly to help. They're accustomed to talking to people who are figuring things out.

Find a podcast in your field and reach out to the host: "I loved your episode on [topic]. I'm transitioning into this field and would pay for a call with someone who understands how it works. Would you have 20 minutes?"

Some will say no. Many will say yes, especially if you're willing to pay. $200 for a 20-minute call with someone five years ahead of you is one of the best investments you can make in a career transition.

Step 2: The Three Questions That Matter

You're not trying to ask good questions. You're trying to ask questions that show you've done thinking and are using them as a sounding board.

Don't ask: "What's it like to work in [field]?" (too broad, they've answered this a thousand times)

Ask: "I'm trying to decide between [specific choice A] and [specific choice B] as my entry point. From what I can see, they emphasize different skills. What would you prioritize if you were starting over?"

Don't ask: "How do I network in this field?" (too meta, too needy)

Ask: "It seems like the people who move fast in this field all have connections before they land their first role. How did you build yours, or do people usually come in with existing relationships?"

Don't ask: "What should I learn?" (too open-ended)

Ask: "I've been learning [X skill] because I see it's foundational. Should I double down there, or is [Y] actually the gating factor to getting my first opportunity?"

What you're doing is treating them as a strategic advisor, not as a networking contact. This is less annoying and more likely to lead to follow-up conversations.

Step 3: The Conversion (Asking for What You Need)

After your first informational interview, you don't immediately ask for a job. Instead:

"This was incredibly useful. Can I ask you one more favor? Who else do you think I should talk to who has a different perspective on this?"

Most people will name someone. You now have three degrees of connection instead of one.

Do this three or four times per person, and you'll have talked to 12–15 people in the field within 60 days.

By that point, you're not a stranger. You've done your homework. And when there's an opening, someone in that network is more likely to think of you or pass your name along.

The Credibility Ladder

Each conversation adds to your credibility. By the time you actually apply for a job, you've:

  1. **Interviewed 10–15 people** — you now understand the field better than most external candidates
  2. **Asked smart, specific questions** — they've seen you think
  3. **Showed genuine interest** — you didn't just cold-apply; you did the homework
  4. **Built reciprocal relationships** — some of them want to see you succeed now

When you apply, your resume isn't from a stranger. It's from someone who asked their advice and incorporated it. That's a different hire.

The Tactical Details

**How many conversations do I need?**

10–15 to get a real sense of the field. 5–8 to have enough credibility to stop sounding like a novice in interviews.

**How long should each conversation be?**

20–30 minutes. Respect their time. You asked for 20, deliver on that.

**Should I take notes?**

Yes. Have your notebook out. It signals you take this seriously and aren't just killing time.

**What if they say no?**

Some will. Not a rejection of you — they're busy. Move on. You need 10–15; not every person needs to say yes.

**Should I follow up after the conversation?**

Short message: "Thanks for your time. I'm going to dive into [thing you discussed]. If anything useful comes of it, I'll update you." Then actually update them 6 months later when you land the role. This is how relationships become real.

**What if I freeze up mid-conversation?**

You won't. The beauty of informational interviews is that the other person usually does 70% of the talking. You ask a thoughtful question, they talk for 15 minutes. You ask a follow-up, they talk for 10 more. By the end, they feel like they helped and you feel like you learned something.

What This Actually Accomplishes

You're not just collecting business cards. You're doing several things simultaneously:

Why This Actually Works When You Know No One

The people who "know everyone" usually got that way by doing exactly this: being interested, asking good questions, and following up.

They didn't start with a network. They built it by talking to people in the field until they weren't a stranger anymore.

You're not behind. You're just doing it intentionally instead of accidentally.

[Book a free Q&A to talk through your networking strategy →](/book)

Frequently Asked Questions

**What if people think I'm wasting their time?**

If you ask thoughtfully and respect their time, you won't. People like helping. The only way you waste their time is by showing up unprepared or being vague about what you need.

**Should I offer to pay for coffee?**

It's a nice gesture, but not required. Many people are happy to take a virtual call at no cost. If they're traveling or it's in-person, definitely offer. Most will say no, but it shows respect for their time.

**What if I don't know what to ask in the conversation?**

That's a sign you need to do more homework first. Spend 30 minutes understanding their company or recent projects before the call. You don't need to be an expert, but you should be knowledgeable enough to ask a thoughtful question.

**How do I find people to reach out to initially?**

LinkedIn, Twitter (if your field is active there), industry blogs, podcast guests, people who comment on blogs or forums in your space. Also ask your three friends in Category 1 — people are the best way to find more people.

**What if I'm an introvert?**

This actually plays to your advantage. Introverts tend to prepare more and ask better questions. You'll do fine. Twenty minutes of conversation is shorter than most meetings.

**Should I tell them I'm making a career change?**

Yes. Be honest. "I'm transitioning into this field and I'm doing informational interviews to understand how it works" is perfectly fine. Most people respect deliberate career moves.

**What's the timeline for this to pay off?**

You should feel noticeably more competent in interviews within 30 days. You should see actual job opportunities emerge within 60 days. Some of those first conversations often turn into introductions to other roles.

Ready to make your transition plan real?

Book a free 45-minute Q&A. We'll map your situation, identify your biggest blocker, and get you unstuck.

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