In case you’re new here, I’m that guy (@christopherming on LinkedIn) that you probably found talking about how to use AI to land your next job.

Today I’m talking about how to create job opportunities that come to you (instead of constantly chasing after them).

Who am I? I’m Chris Ming, dad of 3, and Philly resident. I build education for companies like Clay and The Rundown, and have worked with companies like Noom, Reforge, Ramit Sethi, and others.

And I help people land remote jobs.

Let’s do this.

Last week, my friends and I were texting about lining up consulting work.

All the work was inbound, which means people were reaching out to us.

(Versus outbound, which means pitching ourselves to others).

Where was this inbound coming from?

My friend Scott put it best:

“Friends I’ve made over the last 10 years.”

Looking at my career, that’s true for every meaningful opportunity. They came from friends, not job boards.

I call this: “passive networking.”

In my opinion, passive networking is the how you get that referral, DM, or conversation before a role even gets posted.

So here’s what we’ll cover today:

• Why passive networking beats active job searching every time

• A system that keeps you top of mind (without being annoying)

• Scripts to turn casual conversation into opportunities

…and more!

But first, let’s look at some open roles I’m excited about.

🎭 What Is Passive Networking (And Why It Works)

Passive networking is consistently staying in touch with people over long periods of time.

It’s checking in once a quarter or year. It’s following their updates on social.

In other words, it’s the long game.

No asks. No pitches. Just staying connected.

So that when an opportunity comes up where you’re the right fit, you’re someone they think of. Because you’ve been consistently present, without being needy.

Think about it from a hiring manager’s POV!

They have two options:

1. Post a role publicly, then schlep through 200+ applications

2. Reach out to someone they trust who is good

Which would you choose?

🤝 Passive Networking Is How You Get Access To…

• Referrals that actually count: Not just referral theater. But actual, “I know this person and vouch for their work“.

• Informational interviews: When you’re already connected, people are more likely to share insights about their company, team, and hiring plans.

• Jobs that aren’t posted yet: So many roles never hit job boards. They get filled through networks first.

This works.

Last week, my client, Zack, was telling me about two job offers he was choosing from…

AND he also had 3 consulting opportunities he had to sort through:

• One to build a course for his friend

• One to do product marketing for his old company

• One to stand up the product marketing function for an AI sales agent that found him on LinkedIn

This is the long game of building genuine professional relationships that create mutual value over time.

Alright, so how can you be like Zack?

It’s easier than you think to get started.

(BTW, I’ve also written a whole guide on networking. Check it out here.)

⚙️ Here’s My Minimum Viable System To Start

If you’re starting from zero, here’s what actually works. No fancy tools required:

1/ 📅 Google Calendar for accountability.

Block 30 minutes every week for “network check-ins.” Treat it like any other meeting. During this time, reach out to 3-5 people you haven’t talked to in a while. That’s it.

2/ 📲 Calendly to set up calls.

You only need a free account.

When someone says “let’s catch up,” don’t start the email back-and-forth dance. Send them your Calendly link and let them pick a time.

✍️ Here’s the exact script I use that you can steal:

Sounds good! Want to find a time here? [insert my calendly link] (Or if you have a scheduler, happy to book on yours!)

That’s it. You’re removing all the friction from making this happen.

3/ 📝 Notes app to record… notes.

Keep simple notes about people and conversations. Nothing elaborate:

“Works at Shopify, interested in climate tech, has twin daughters”

“Just started new role at Stripe, working on international expansion”

“Mentioned wanting to get into product management”

This helps you personalize future messages and remember what matters to them.

Keep these notes in whatever app you use. It can be Apple Notes, Notion, a Google Doc, whatever.

(Today I use Roam Research. Back in the day, I kept my notes in my contacts.)

You don’t need a CRM, or any complex automation. Keep it simple.

🚀 (Optional) If You Want To Upgrade Your Passive Networking

These tools are 100% optional, but they will improve your passive networking:

📧 1/ Jace for managing your email.

AI first email to help with fast replies, lightweight follow-ups, and reducing email friction. Great for staying on top of responses without losing the personal touch.

✍️ 2/ TextExpander for common messages

Save templates for common check-in messages, but customize them for each person. Having a starting point makes it easier to be consistent.

⚡ 3/ Wispr Flow for dictation

This is the best speech-to-text app out there right now. Makes writing messages (and everything else) so much faster.

But remember! Tools make the logistics easier, but nothing replaces taking a genuine interest in people and being a good person that people want to be around.

💡 Be A Normal Human

“But Chris, what do I say in these conversations?”

Just be normal.

Ask people how they’re doing.

Then… (and this is the part a shocking number of people forget…)

Listen.

Then ask another question.

It might feel silly reading this. It feels silly typing it.

But most people don’t do this 🤷

Okay, assuming you got that down, here are ways to add more strategic value while passive networking:

🔗 Make introductions

When you know two people who should meet, introduce them. This creates goodwill, and you’re the “connector” between them.

📰 Share opportunities that you see

See a job posting that’s perfect for someone in your network? Send it their way, even if they’re not actively looking. They’ll remember you thought of them.

🎉 Celebrate them

When someone gets promoted, lands a new role, or achieves something meaningful, be the first to congratulate them. Root for others. Mean it.

👉 Do This Right Now

Stop reading and do this:

1/ Pick five people you haven’t talked to in 6+ months. Former colleagues, people you met at events, connections who’ve changed jobs recently.

2/ Drop one of them a message today. Not tomorrow. Today.

✍️ Use this script

“Hey [name], just came across [project/post/update] and thought of you. Hope you’re doing well. Would love to do a catch up if you’re up for it.”

Why does this script work?

• “Just came across…” – Shows you’re paying attention

• “…and thought of you” – Makes them feel remembered

• “…would love to catch up” – Gently suggest next step but gives them an out

Send that message. See what happens.

Then do it again next week with someone else.

💫 The Bottom Line

While everyone else is playing the application game, competing with hundreds of other candidates, passive networkers are getting roles through conversations that happened months earlier.

The best time to start was six months ago.

The second-best time is today.