Welcome to Gap to Gig!
Gap to Gig Gap to Gig
  • Home
  • Episodes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Videos
  • Newsletter
  • Reviews
    All Reviews Leave a Review
    Rate on Apple Podcasts podcast player icon Rate on Apple Podcasts
    Rate on Spotify podcast player icon Rate on Spotify
  • Follow
    Apple Podcasts podcast player icon Apple Podcasts
    Spotify podcast player icon Spotify
    Youtube Music podcast player icon Youtube Music
  • Search
  • Search Gap to Gig
Apple Podcasts podcast player icon Apple Podcasts Spotify podcast player icon Spotify Youtube Music podcast player icon Youtube Music

Every Comeback Starts With Connection

Issue 8

​

How to Rebuild Your Network (Even If It’s Been a While)

Inside this issue

  • Cold outreach scripts that get replies
  • LinkedIn intro templates that open doors
  • Time to Sprint: Reach out to 3 people this week
  • What’s your top networking win?
  • The Last Laugh: Chuck E. Cheese has entered the chat
  • But before we get to all that, here’s what’s…

On My Mind

​

When you’ve been out of the game for a while, networking can feel like showing up late to a party where everyone already knows each other.

But here’s the truth: relationships don’t expire. They just need a little warming up.

People want to help. Most just don’t know you’re looking.

And that one reconnection, the person who remembers your work, your reliability, your humor, can change everything.

Networking isn’t about asking for favors.

It’s about rebuilding bridges and reminding people who you are.

Start with one message. Then another. Momentum follows.

You got this.

​

Cold Outreach Scripts That Get Replies

Why it Matters

Outreach feels awkward when you’ve been out of touch. But most people aren’t ignoring you; they’re just busy. A short, thoughtful message can reopen doors that haven’t been closed, only quiet.

Good outreach isn’t about asking for something. It’s about starting a real conversation.

How to Do It

Keep your tone friendly, not formal. Lead with curiosity. Add a personal detail if you can. Then make your ask clear and easy to respond to.

Old colleague

“Hey Name, it’s been too long. I was thinking about our time at Company and realized I never caught up on what you’re doing now. I’ve been diving back into [industry or role]. Would love to hear what’s new on your end.”

New contact

“Hi Name, I came across your post about [topic] and really liked your perspective. I’m reentering the field after time away and exploring area of interest. Would you be open to sharing a few insights?”

Referral ask

“Hi Name, I noticed your company has a role or project that aligns with my background in field. Would you be open to a quick chat or pointing me in the right direction?”

Pro Tip

Don’t wait until your message feels perfect. Send it when it feels real. People respond to sincerity, not polish.

LinkedIn Intro Templates That Open Doors

Why it Matters

Your LinkedIn intro is often the first impression you make, especially if you’ve been out of the workforce for a while. It tells people who you are now and what you’re ready for next.

A strong intro helps reframe your story from “time off” to “time well spent.”

How to Do It

Keep it conversational, not corporate. You’re not writing a press release; you’re reintroducing yourself. Use language that feels confident but approachable.

Comeback update

“After several years focused on family, I’m reentering the workforce with fresh perspective and renewed energy. I’m exploring opportunities in field where I can bring both experience and empathy to the table.”

Connection builder

“Reconnecting with peers and exploring what’s new in industry. Excited to learn from others and contribute where I can make an impact.”

Collaborative connector

“Helping audience or clients with your skill. Always up for a good conversation or idea swap around topic.”

Pro Tip

End with a signal of openness, an invitation to connect or collaborate. It shifts the tone from update to opportunity.

Time to Sprint: Reach Out to 3 People

Why it Matters

You can read all the networking advice in the world, but until you take action, it’s theory. A few small moves this week can spark big momentum.

Think of it as getting your reps in. Confidence comes from doing, not planning.

How to Do It

Reach out to three people this week:

1️⃣ An old coworker or friend you’ve lost touch with

2️⃣ A new contact in your target field

3️⃣ A mentor or someone you admire

Keep it light. Don’t over-explain. A genuine check-in often does more than a polished pitch.

Pro Tip

Most opportunities come from “weak ties,” people you know casually, not closely. Those are the connections that expand your reach. You’re not rebuilding from zero. You’re reigniting what’s already there.

Your Move

What’s Your Top Networking Win?

Maybe a cold message led to a new job.

Maybe an old teammate opened an unexpected door.

Hit reply and let me know. I read every response.

The Last Laugh

Chuck E. Cheese has entered the chat. On a motorcycle.

TikTok logoPlay button

dailychuckcheese

#meme #memetok #chuckecheese #viral #weirdcore #fyp #viralvideo #weirdtok #foryoupage #weirdo #veo3

♬ original sound - AllThingsGreenScreen

​

Listen On

Apple Podcasts podcast player logo
Spotify podcast player logo
Youtube Music podcast player logo

Recent Episodes

  • AJ Rich on Becoming the Dad You Want to Be in an Anxious World
  • Paul Terrell on Grit, Recovery, and Rebuilding Life as a Dad
  • Sean Waldron on Creativity, Healing, and the Work That Starts at Home
  • Sean Waldron on Purpose, Creativity, and Becoming a Present Dad
  • Kristian Leavell on Finding Calm and Becoming the Dad You Want to Be
  • Erin Aldrich Shean on Redefining Success for the Season You’re In
  • Jacob Stone on Reentering the Workforce and Bringing Your Whole Self to Work
  • Jesse Holmes on Building Momentum in 10 Minutes a Day
  • John Tarnoff on Finding Your Next Chapter
  • See all →
Gap to Gig

Build the life you’re working for. Gap to Gig is the podcast for dads who want to crush it at work and still show up at home. Each week, host Michael Jacobs talks with dads, founders, career experts, and creators about what it really takes to balance meaningful work and active fatherhood. From navigating career transitions and side hustles to staying present for hockey games and bedtime stories, Gap to Gig helps you create a life that feels steady, fulfilling, and built to last. Whether you’re a stay-at-home dad reentering the workforce, a working dad craving more purpose, or a creator building your own path, you’ll find stories and systems to help you move forward with confidence. If you’ve ever felt pulled between your career ambitions and your kids’ soccer schedules, you’re not alone. Each episode offers ideas you can apply right away, whether that’s a way to structure your week, handle burnout, or rethink what success really means for you and your family. The show blends personal storytelling, expert insights, and actionable takeaways from guests who are building careers, companies, and creative projects that fit their lives, not the other way around.

  • Episodes
  • Videos
  • Newsletter
  • About
  • Contact
  • Reviews
  • Rate Show
  • © 2026 Gap to Gig