I’m trying to break into consulting, but my network is basically non-existent compared to the people around me. Everyone talks about “getting a referral” like it’s simple, but when you don’t know anyone at the firms you’re targeting, it feels impossible. I’ve been thinking about this wrong—I’ve got a solid resume and I can do cases, but I keep hitting this wall where I don’t have someone to vouch for me.
I’ve been reading about how other people in this community have tackled this, and it seems like there’s a real difference between random cold outreach and actually building something that makes someone want to refer you. I’m wondering if the trick is having a clear story about why you want to be there, plus showing you’ve done your homework on what they actually do.
Has anyone here started from basically zero contacts and actually landed a referral? What did you do differently in your outreach? And how do you know when to push vs. when to back off?
honest truth? most people fail bc they treat networking like a transaction. they email some vp they found on linkedin and expect magic. nah. real referrals come from actually knowing someone or having someone who knows them vouch for u. build 10-15 genuine relationships first, show up, prove you’re not just another resume. then ask. takes months tho, not weeks.
this is exactly where i am rn! i started reaching out to alumni from my school and asking for 15min calls. so far got 3 actual convos and one person offered to intro me. just gotta b consistent i guess?
also i prep like 2-3 questions b4 each call so it doesnt feel like im just asking 4 stuff. seems 2 help
The distinction you’re making between cold outreach and genuine relationship-building is exactly right. What typically works is identifying 5-10 people at your target firms or in adjacent roles, then reaching out through mutual connections first rather than directly. If that’s not possible, personalized outreach that demonstrates specific knowledge about their work signals respect for their time. The key is consistency and follow-through—many candidates reach out once and disappear. Maintain contact every 4-6 weeks with relevant updates or insights, not just asks. Document these interactions and over time, you’ll find that referral opportunity emerges naturally.
You’ve got this! Every great consultant started exactly where you are. Focus on genuine connections and your moment will come. Keep pushing!
Research shows that referrals typically come after 3-5 meaningful interactions with the same person or network. Cold email response rates to consulting professionals average 8-12%, but warm introductions convert at 40%+. Focus on building a pipeline of informational interviews across 8-12 target contacts. Track which conversations lead to deeper engagement, then concentrate follow-ups there. The probability of a referral increases significantly after you’ve demonstrated understanding of their firm’s recent deals or initiatives.