This is the frustration I keep running into. I’ve got solid relationships in banking and consulting—people who will take my call, people who’ve actually sponsored me for things. But when it comes to PM networking, almost none of them have connections in tech or product. So I either have to ask them to introduce me to someone they barely know (which feels risky for them and weak for me), or I go cold outreach.
The thing is, I know warm introductions are supposed to be the real currency in networking. But I feel like I’m starting from a handicap if most of my existing strong relationships can’t actually open doors in the product world.
I’ve tried a few tactics. I’ve reached out to people in my banking network asking if they know anyone in tech, which occasionally works but feels like I’m asking them to strain their relationships. I’ve tried attending tech events and connecting with people there, but those introductions feel weaker because they’re just surface-level event connections.
I’m wondering if there’s an actual play here for people whose networks are siloed in one industry. Do you build warm connections from scratch in the new industry, or is there a way to leverage your existing network more creatively?
your finance network has way more leverage than you think. yeah they don’t know random pms, but they know people who maybe went to bschool with a pm or have a friend at a tech company. ask specifically—“do you know anyone at [specific company] or anyone in product”—instead of vague stuff. and don’t feel bad asking them to leverage their weak ties. that’s literally what networks are for.
ohhh i didnt think about asking them abt specific companies!! that makes it easier for them to actually help right?
Your finance network is more valuable than you’re utilizing it. Weak ties—acquaintances from your banking contacts who might work in tech or know product people—are statistically the most likely to provide novel opportunities. Reframe your asks: instead of requesting introductions to “PM roles,” request introductions to specific people at specific companies. This makes it easier for your contacts to activate marginal connections. Simultaneously, build a separate pipeline through online communities and strategic conferences. Both operate as distinct systems; you’re not replacing one with the other, you’re compounding them.
Your finance network is an actual asset! People respect asking for thoughtful intros. Be specific about who you want to meet and why—people love helping when they understand the ask!
I was in the exact same spot. What changed for me was asking people in my banking group “Hey, who do you know who’s actually made the move to product or gone into tech?” Turns out way more people had those contacts than I realized, they just weren’t my first assumption. Got two solid intros that way, and those people then introduced me further. It’s not a direct path but it works if you ask the right questions.
Research on cross-industry networking shows that weak ties outperform strong ties for novel connections (74% of job transitions involve weak tie introductions versus 26% through strong ties). Your finance network should be leveraged strategically: identify specific companies or roles, then ask for introductions to anyone in that organization, regardless of how peripheral the connection seems. Simultaneously develop independent pipelines through online communities and industry events. This dual approach typically yields 3-4x more substantial opportunities than relying solely on consolidated networks.