You’re an outstanding coach. You know every nuance of the game, you analyze scrims down to the millisecond, and you create detailed plans that genuinely improve your players. Yet you find yourself stuck in coaching low-tier teams, landing only minor try-outs, or working for free. You grind every day, you make a real impact—but opportunities to move up simply aren’t coming your way.

- I made a video about networking in esports, so for the full context and mindshifts click the image and watch the video on YouTube.

If this sounds familiar, it’s not because you lack skill. It’s because coaching ability alone won’t get you noticed. In esports, success as a coach comes down to visibility and connection,

1. The Wrong Problems You’re SolvingYou might believe that…

• “If I just win one more tournament, I’ll get noticed.”

• “My results should speak for themselves.”

• “If I keep learning more about the game, better opportunities will come.”

• “I’ll build my network organically by coaching teams and players.”

These are all false assumptions. Excellence in coaching doesn’t automatically translate into job offers, contracts, or respect. If you focus on these problems, you’ll stay busy—but you won’t change your career trajectory.

The real problem is that you’re invisible to the decision-makers: managers, general managers, directors, and team owners who hire coaches. You need to position yourself where they can see you, trust you, and come to you.

2. Networking Myths That Keep You Stuck

Let’s bust the biggest misconceptions about networking in esports:

1. Networking is sending “cold” DMs to random people. Cold outreach without context feels fake and rarely works.

2. Networking is a competition against other coaches.
   You think you need to out-DM or out-post everyone. In reality, you only need to build genuine relationships.

3. You only network when you have spare time.
   Net­working as an “extra” when you’re not coaching means you’ll never do it consistently.

4. Networking happens passively if you’re just yourself.
   Passive presence isn’t enough. You must be intentional.

5. Networking is about “What can I get?”
   Approaching people for favors repels more than it attracts.

6. Networking is “who you know.”
   That view limits you to your immediate circle. Instead, think about who knows you.

All these beliefs trap you in the “waiting zone,” where you hope someone will notice your hard work. But waiting is losing.

3. What Networking Really Is

Replace those myths with these truths:

• Authentic Outreach
  – Send messages because you genuinely have something to share—an insight, a compliment on their recent stream, or a thoughtful question.

• Dominate, Don’t Compete
  – Aim to become so visible, valuable, and trusted that other coaches shrink in comparison. This is positive dominance: you’re not tearing others down, you’re building your own brand up.

• Long-Term Strategy
  – Networking compounds. A single interaction may lead nowhere, but consistent effort over months turns into real connections and referrals.

• Proactivity Over Passivity
  – Seek out opportunities: Seek out posts on social media platform and comment on them, reply to tweets, engage on Discord channels, join panels or webinars. Make yourself known.

• Contribution Mindset
  – Always ask, “What value can I give?” rather than “What can I get?” Share knowledge, resources, encouragement, and compliments.

• Who Knows You?
  – Your network isn’t just the people in your address book. It’s everyone consuming your content—on social media, forums, or video channels. Each view, like, and comment builds your visibility.

4. Six Key Mind-Shifts

Transform how you think:

1. From Cold, Generic DMs → Authentic, Contextual Messages
   You’re not a bot. Reach out because you have real interest.

2. From Competing with Coaches → Dominating Your Niche
   Focus on being the most recognizable, trusted voice in your specialty.

3. From Sporadic Efforts → Continuous Networking
   Make networking a daily habit, not an occasional hustle.

4. From Waiting → Hunting Opportunities
   Don’t expect opportunities to knock—knock on doors yourself.

5. From “What Can I Get?” → “What Can I Give?”
   Generosity builds goodwill and reputation faster than any self-serving ask.

6. From “Who Do I Know?” → “Who Knows Me?”
   Broaden your definition of “network.” It includes everyone who’s seen your work.

5. Your 7-Day Networking Kickstart Plan

Spend just 5–30 minutes per day on these focused actions. By Day 7, you’ll feel momentum and see real results.

Final Thoughts

Networking isn’t a side-hustle—it’s the cornerstone of your coaching career. Stop waiting for luck. Stop believing skill alone will get you noticed. Start showing up, giving value, and building genuine connections every single day.

Your next big coaching role isn’t out there by chance—it’s out there because you made yourself impossible to ignore. Now go grab it.

Are you looking to master esports coaching and grow your career? Then check out the Esports Coach Revolution Course, which is a unique chance to get where you want to be as an esports coach.

Want to learn together with other like-minded esports coaches? Click [here] to join the Next Level Esports Discord and just send a message in general chat or a DM and we will help you move you to your next level.

See you there, coach!