networking internally and getting ghosted - is my approach okay and is this normal?

Based on the most helpful WSO content, your experience of being ghosted or ignored, even internally, is not unusual. Networking, whether internal or external, is often a numbers game, and even within the same organization, response rates can vary significantly. Here are some insights and tips to refine your approach:

1. Ghosting is Common, Even Internally

• Ghosting happens across the board, even in industries like finance that are relationship-driven. As noted in WSO threads, professionals are often busy, and responding to networking emails may not always be their priority. This is especially true if they don’t see an immediate benefit or connection.
• The "we are one big family" mindset is often more of a corporate slogan than reality. While internal networking might have a slightly higher success rate than external, it’s not guaranteed to yield perfect results.

2. Your Approach Seems Solid, But Consider These Adjustments

• Tailor Your Emails: Personalization is key. Mention something specific about their role, recent projects, or achievements to show genuine interest. Avoid cookie-cutter templates, as people can spot them easily.
• Limit the Resume Attachment: Some WSO users have noted that attaching a resume in the first email can come across as too forward. Instead, focus on building rapport first and save the resume for later if they ask for it.
• Follow Up Strategically: Not sending a second email might be holding you back. A polite follow-up a week or two later can sometimes make a difference. Keep it short and reiterate your interest in learning from them.

3. Set Realistic Expectations

• Response rates for cold outreach, even internally, can vary widely. WSO users have reported hit rates as low as 10-15% for cold emails, with better results when targeting people with shared connections or commonalities.
• Some professionals may not respond due to workload, lack of interest, or simply not feeling they can help. It’s not necessarily a reflection of your approach.

4. Reframe Ghosting

• Instead of taking ghosting personally, view it as part of the process. As one WSO user noted, even MDs and senior professionals get ghosted by clients. Use these experiences to build resilience and empathy for others in the future.

5. Leverage Internal Tools

• If your company has internal networking platforms or events, use them to supplement your email outreach. Face-to-face interactions or warm introductions can sometimes yield better results than cold emails.

6. Keep the Momentum

• Networking is a long-term game. Even if some people don’t respond, focus on those who do. Build meaningful relationships with them, and they might eventually connect you to others in their network.

In summary, your approach is generally solid, but small tweaks like personalizing emails, following up, and reframing ghosting as part of the process can help improve your results. Keep at it—networking is a numbers game, and persistence often pays off!

Sources: Want to get me on the phone? Here's how - a networking overview., The Best Networking, Cold Calling and Cold Emailing Posts on WSO, Networking Pet Peeves, Getting ghosted 24/7, Some Thoughts on Networking