Career | How to Ask for Referrals Non-awkwardly?

I often joke that asking for referral is a lot like initiating a sex conversation with your new partner.

You need a consent, but you don’t want to sound pushy. Are you two close enough? Maybe you should wait. But what if the other person is willing? Then it’s a shame to pass this on. You are torn with back-and-forth. You know what I am talking about.

It feels awkward to ask for referral from people you aren’t close to and vulnerable for fear of rejection. I know this struggle too well because when I was looking for…