Networking for Professionals

You know you should network. But you probably don’t know what to say or how to get on people’s radar. Here’s an easy 7-step LinkedIn networking strategy (that anyone can use): 1. The 3 Principles Of Good Networking If you want to network effectively, you need to: - Have a way to reach people - Have a way to add value to them - Have a way to keep the engagement going This strategy does all three! 2. Make A List Of Job-Related Keywords Think of keywords, skills, phrases, and jargon that align with your target role. Ex: If you’re in sales, that might be “sales,” “leads,” “pipeline,” “sales cycle,” etc. Make a quick list of these. 3. Run A “Post” Search On LinkedIn Start with one keyword (or the job title itself). Run a search for it on LinkedIn. From the “Filters” option, select “Posts.” Then change “Date Posted” to “Past Week.” 4. Filter By “Author Company” Click on “All Filters” to find the “Author Company” filter. Add all of your target companies to this filter. This will give you a list of all the posts related to your target role, written by people at your target companies, posted in the past week! 5. Analyze Posts & Authors Scroll through the posts. When you find one that resonates? Click the person’s profile and check to see if they post consistently (at least once / week). If they do? Bookmark their profile in your browser. 6. Leave A Value Driven Comment For each author you find that posts regularly in your target space? Leave a comment on their post recent post that is: - Supportive - Postive in tone - Offers your own take / value - Is more than one sentence Repeat for each author. 7. Rinse & Repeat Daily Every day, click through the author profiles you have bookmarked. See a new post? Leave a new comment. Repeat this process every weekday if you can. But aim to leave at least one comment / week at minimum. 8. Why This Works Content creators love engagement. By cosistently offering that in a positive way, you’re going to get on their radar. And when you’ve done this for a week or two, the likelihood of getting a “yes” to a coffee chat, or even a referral, goes WAY up. Give it a shot today! 📣 Want help turning this 7-step networking routine into a system that turns cold contacts into referrals and interviews? 👉 Book a free 30-min Clarity Call with our team and we’ll walk you through exactly how: https://lnkd.in/gdysHr-r

The saying “It’s not what you know, but who you know” still holds true for career progression, but for women, building those all-important connections comes with extra hurdles. Research published in the Academy of Management Journal, highlighted by Harvard Business Review, shows that women face greater barriers than men when it comes to forming high-status networks. One striking finding? Women are 40% less likely than men to form strong ties with senior leaders after face-to-face interactions. Traits like assertiveness and confidence—often linked with leadership—are judged through a traditional gendered lens, which means women's and other marginalised genders contributions can be overlooked. So, what’s the solution? Women can leverage third-party introductions, which often carry implicit endorsement and help sidestep these biases. In fact, the research shows women are more likely than men to succeed in building high-status networks through shared contacts. Organisations also need to step up by creating network sponsorship programmes, where leaders don’t just mentor women—they actively advocate for them, opening doors and making introductions that help women advance. It’s time for organisations to rethink how they approach networking. By fostering more inclusive, proactive strategies, we can break down barriers and create a level playing field for women to build the connections that will drive their careers forward. Let’s turn "who you know" into an opportunity for everyone. #Networking #GenderEquity #ThreeBarriers

In my early career, I thought networking was all about building as many connections as possible. But I quickly learned that effective networking isn't about the quantity of your connections—it's about the quality. Throughout my career, the connections that have truly made a difference weren’t the ones where I just asked for help—they were the ones where I made it easy for others to want to help me. If you want to make others genuinely want to help you, it’s crucial to move beyond simply asking for favors. Instead, focus on creating value and building relationships where both parties benefit. So, how can you do the same? Here are four tactical tips to help you network effectively: ✅ Do Your Homework Before reaching out, research the person or company you’re interested in. Understand their work, challenges, and how you can add value. For instance, instead of asking a connection for job leads, do your own research first. Identify specific roles and companies you’re targeting, and then ask if they can help with an introduction. This approach shows initiative and respect for their time. ✅ Be Specific in Your Ask Whether you’re asking for an introduction, advice, or a referral, be clear and concise about what you need. For example, instead of asking, “Do you know anyone hiring?” say, “I noticed [Company Name] is looking for a [Role]. Would you be open to introducing me to [Person]? I’m happy to send you my resume and a brief write-up you can pass along, too.” This shows that you’ve taken the initiative and makes it easier for your contact to say yes. ✅ Offer Mutual Value When requesting a meeting or advice, frame it as a two-way conversation. Instead of saying, “Can I pick your brain?” try something like, “I’d love to exchange ideas on [specific topic] and share some strategies that have worked for me.” This not only makes your request more compelling but also positions you as someone who brings value to the table. ✅ Follow Up with Gratitude After someone has helped you, don’t just say thank you and disappear. Keep them in the loop on how their help made an impact. Whether you got the job, secured the meeting, or just had a great conversation, let them know. This closes the loop and makes them more inclined to help you in the future. Your network is one of your greatest assets—nurture it well, and it will be there for you when you need it most. What’s one networking tip that’s helped you build stronger connections? *** 📧 Want more tips like these? Join Career Bites - free weekly bite-sized tips to supercharge your career in 3 minutes or less: lorraineklee.com/subscribe 📖 You can also get behind-the-scenes stories, updates, and special gifts for my upcoming book Unforgettable Presence: lorraineklee.com/book

Even with a vast network, only 7-8% of people on LinkedIn secure better opportunities, while over 90% struggle to switch jobs. To succeed on LinkedIn and get job opportunities, follow these step-by-step guidelines: 1. Define Your Goals: - Before diving into networking, outline your career objectives and desired job roles. - Consider factors like industry, role, and company culture that align with your aspirations. - Identify successful professionals in your desired fields to serve as role models and potential connections.  2. Initiate Connections:   A. Utilize LinkedIn:  - Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your industry. - Personalize connection requests by highlighting shared interests or mutual connections. - Keep your messages genuine and concise.  B. Attend Events:  - Participate in industry conferences, workshops, and networking gatherings. - Engage in meaningful conversations and exchange contact information. - Follow up with new connections after the event.  C. Conduct Informational Interviews:  - Request informational interviews with professionals whose careers you admire. - Prepare insightful questions and seek advice rather than job opportunities. - Focus on building relationships rather than direct job inquiries.  3. Maintain Regular Follow-Ups:  - Send concise follow-up emails after meeting new connections, expressing gratitude and referencing specific conversation points. - Stay in touch with your network by sharing updates and showing genuine interest in their professional endeavors.  4. Expand Your Network:  - Don’t limit your network to your immediate industry; connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. - Engage in online forums, webinars, and social media discussions relevant to your field. - Offer valuable insights and connect with like-minded professionals. Additionally, keep in mind: - Focus on quality connections over quantity. - Give back to your network and offer support when possible. - Keep your LinkedIn profile updated and share relevant content to maintain your online presence. Remember, networking goes beyond mere connections; it’s about nurturing genuine relationships. Dedicate time and effort, and your network will prove invaluable in your job search and beyond. #Linkedin #Jobsearchtips #networking

The biggest fundraising opportunity most nonprofits are missing isn’t a grant. It’s discoverability. Every few weeks, a nonprofit leader pulls me aside and asks the same question: "Do you have a personal connection to MacKenzie Scott?" And every time, my answer is the same: No, and you don't find MacKenzie Scott. She finds you. Her team quietly finds organizations already doing meaningful work and reaches out directly. No pitch decks. No cold emails. No introductions needed. And that's how a lot of major funders, partners, and collaborators work. They research the problem first, then look for who is solving it. Which means the real question isn't "how do I get noticed?" It's - if someone were Googling the problem your organization solves today, would your name come up? Many nonprofits today are doing incredible work but they are also too difficult to find. The work is real. The impact is real. But the digital footprint is INVISIBLE. Here's what being findable actually looks like in practice: 1. Your Google profile is complete and active. 2. Your leadership is writing, speaking, and sharing perspectives on the issue, not just the organization. 3. Your social media is contributing to the conversation and providing education and thought leadership around the cause, not just announcing events and asking for donations. 4. Your organization is quoted, referenced, and present in the spaces where your issue is being discussed. Visibility is not a marketing luxury. For a nonprofit, it's a strategic responsibility. The funders are already out there researching. The question is whether they'll find you.

Early in my career, I started going to networking events, and as friendly and extroverted as I am, they always made me nervous. People already knew each other and, even worse, I was often one of the few vendors in the room (cue the Jaws music). But a few things changed these events for me - 1. How can I help? - I found networking was easier when I had a task, so I joined a Legal Marketing Association committee, a vertical I'd chosen to focus on. Suddenly, I had tasks that let me get to know a few of the members that then snowballed into easier networking. I ended up serving four years on the DC board as well and making some of my best friends along the way. - As a speaker, I want the chance to network with the attendees, so upon check in, I ask, "Do you need a pair of hands for something?" It lets me be part of the action, while also helping my pursuit of being different - I suspect it's a rarity that a speaker offers to be of extra help. 2. Ask questions, make intros. In a booth? When they pop into your booth, you're the host, make them feel welcome. Use my trick of getting a peek at their name tag, too - "Hi, I'm Sam, how's it going?!...oh sorry, I didn't quite catch your name" (squints at name and company politely). Then, find a way to show them you know them by connecting dots on their co. or location, or simply say, "Thanks for swinging by our booth - do you much about us or is there anything I can help with?" At happy hour and don't know a soul? Look for the equally "ugh, who can I talk to?" nervous person and befriend them. "Hi! I'm just going to come over because it ALSO looks like you know no one here - I'm Sam!" ^^ask questions - people love to talk about themselves. 😉 Steer away from "What do you do" and find a way to focus on them/event. "Where are you coming in from?" "What session are you most excited for tomorrow?" "What did you think of Sam's keynote this morning, brilliant, right?!" 😏 Talking to a new friend and see the old friend walking by? Make eye contact and pull that person in to help them make new contacts. "Oh, here comes Mary, do you know her?...Mary, hi! Come meet Bill!" All the above will make people want to talk more to you and include you in invites because they know you can help them socialize and bring energy into a room. Bonus: In a conversation you're desperate to get out of... My go to: "Would you excuse me for a minute, I need to run to the restroom" and hope they don't say, "Me too! I'll go with you!" 😉 3. Don't talk about your own work when speaking with existing prospective clients. I know this sounds counterintuitive, but if I see someone I've been prospecting or that's in an active deal cycle, the last thing I want them to think is that every time I approach I'm doing so with a pitch (see Jaws music from above). So, I make it about building our relationship, getting to know them and doing most of what's above in point 2. If they want to talk work, they'll let me know. #samsales

Many of my female #coaching clients struggle to build and leverage powerful social networks, which can limit their career opportunities. Many women feel uncomfortable "bragging" about their accomplishments, preferring instead to rely on good performance as a primary career strategy. Furthermore, research shows that when they do talk about their accomplishments, doing so has a less positive impact than when men do the same thing. This new research from Carla Rua-Gomez, Gianluca Carnabuci, and Martin C. Goossen shows that women are well served by building high-status networks through shared connections. Women are about one-third more likely than men to form high-status connections via a third-party tie. "Third-party ties serve as bridges, connecting individuals to a high-status network that might otherwise remain out of reach. Such ties help both men and women forge valuable professional connections. But why are third-party ties especially beneficial for women? Because they are not mere connections; they are endorsements, character references, and amplifiers of capability. They carry the implicit approval and trust of the mutual contact. When a respected colleague introduces a woman to a high-status individual, that introduction comes with a subtext of credibility. It signals to the high-status connection that the woman has already been vetted and deemed competent by someone they trust. This endorsement can be a critical factor in gaining access to circles that might otherwise remain closed off due to conscious or unconscious biases." #careerstrategies #women #networking https://lnkd.in/eDBqbQcG

If you want to build a network in 30 days, read this: Goal: Build a foundation for your professional network by forming genuine connections with 10 individuals relevant to your career goals. Before you start: Define your goals: What do you hope to achieve by building your network? (e.g., career advice, industry knowledge, potential job opportunities) Identify target individuals: Who are the people you want to connect with? Consider their expertise, experience, and potential value in achieving your goals. Days 1-10: Laying the groundwork Utilize social media: Update your LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills and experience. Join relevant groups and follow industry leaders. Start small: Reach out to 2-3 people you haven't spoken to recently or connect with 1-2 new contacts. Personalize your message and focus on value. Attend online events: Look for webinars, online conferences, or workshops related to your field. Participate actively and introduce yourself to others virtually. Identify industry influencers: Research thought leaders and key players in your field. Follow their work and engage with their content online. Volunteer your expertise: Research volunteer opportunities related to your industry. This allows you to give back, network, and build your reputation. Days 11-20: Building connections Follow-up with initial contacts: Send a follow-up email or message expressing your appreciation for their time and reiterating your interest in staying connected. Engage in online communities: Participate in relevant online discussions. Offer your insights, answer questions, and build your online presence. Connect through mutual connections: Research your existing network for potential connections who know people you'd like to meet. Seek introductions and personalize your outreach. Attend local events: Look for industry meetups, networking events, or conferences in your area. Prepare conversation starters and actively connect with new people. Leverage alumni networks: If you're a college graduate, reconnect with alumni in your field through professional groups or university resources. Days 21-30: Nurturing relationships Share valuable content: Share relevant articles, industry news, or resources with your connections through emails or social media. Offer congratulations and support: Celebrate your network's achievements and offer support during challenges. Show genuine interest in their lives and careers. Schedule informational interviews: Reach out to individuals you admire and request informational interviews. Use this opportunity to learn more about their career path and gain insights. Be a resource: Look for ways to help others in your network by offering introductions, sharing opportunities, or providing relevant information. Schedule coffee chats: Invite 1-2 people you've connected with for virtual or in-person coffee chats to deepen your relationships and explore potential collaborations. Source: "Reach Out" by Molly Beck

Love this campaign by Stella. "Worth it" ✨ Playing off a familiar scene we all know. That claustrophobic bar. Enter "Claustrobar" You're crammed shoulder to shoulder... Getting bumped left and right. Then you get your first sip. Makes it all worth it. 👀 Or does it...? We're seeing the OPPOSITE trend for B2B events. Marketers want smaller more niche events. Think dinners with 15 to 25 people. ONLY the exact ICP they want. We just did our Q1 retro at The Alliance 🧵 NEW Q1 EVENT DATA FOR YOU: Dinners under 25 people drove 3.4 times higher average pipeline per attendee than 200+ person field events Sponsor satisfaction scores were 27 points higher for private dinners vs traditional happy hours Events with personalized pre invite cadences had a 35 percent average acceptance rate among ICP targets Renewal rates on sponsor programs anchored around curated dinners hit 82 percent, compared to 58 percent for "open bar" events Thats why we're doubling down on niche events. Dinners and intimate VIP exeperiences. Why they worked so well: Step 1: ICP first targeting Every attendee list starts with sponsor aligned ICP firmographic filters: Company size, role seniority, industry fit, existing buying intent. Step 2: Personalized outreach Dedicated in house teams send direct invites framed around relevance. We track weekly acceptance rates and optimize touchpoints if we fall below 30 percent. Step 3: Pre event intel Sponsors get attendee insights two weeks before the dinner. They know which companies and titles are coming so they can plan the content PRECISELY for that audience to make it hyper relevant. Step 4: Structured conversations No loud music. No random crowds. Strategic seating charts and guided conversation topics aligned to the topics attendees and sponsors care about. This makes the experiences great for BOTH the company sponsoring and the attendees. Ends in a win win for everyone. Example for you: At our Austin dinner for a sponsor in Jan - 17 handpicked senior leaders attended - 76 percent of attendees booked follow up demos within 21 days - The sponsor sourced $3.2 million in net new pipeline which was 3.1 times their original goal TLDR Invest in more dinners ✌️ 

I've closed more deals from photographing a table plan than from any pitch. Teach me how to get great at networking, and a table plan is exactly where I would start. The people who are good at networking aren't necessarily the smoothest talkers in the room. They simply did the work before they arrived and are more interested in you than in sounding interesting themselves. Most of the value isn't created at the event at all. It's created before and after it. 1. Before I commit to anything, I ask for the guest list. Who's going, where do they work, and whether it’s worth my time. If I can't get a list, I think hard about whether to go at all. Your time doesn't come back, so make the room earn it. I'm not there to collect fifty business cards. I'm there for a few conversations that do actually lead somewhere. 2. Then I sort the boring stuff, because the boring stuff is what trips people up. A business card, even now, with a QR code I've checked actually works. One broken link can quietly cost you a deal. A phone with enough battery to swap details all evening. And the right clothes for the room. Knowing the dress code does more than make you comfortable. It makes you look like you belong, and people walk towards those who look like they belong. 3. In the room, I keep one rule: The conversation goes both ways. A short, confident introduction is enough to break the ice. After that, I'm asking questions to learn, not perform.  There's good research showing that asking someone for advice makes you look more capable, not less, especially on a hard problem. People remember being asked. The intern you're chatting to today could be running their own company in five years. 4. Now the table plan: If I can’t get the guest list, I photograph any list of names there and name badges before people arrive. By the end of the night, I've got a record of everyone I didn't reach. I did exactly that at The Times CEO Summit recently. I followed up with the people I'd missed, asked for a coffee, and some of those chats are now future projects. Do it within 48 hours, while the event is still fresh in their mind. 5. The part most people get wrong is treating networking as transactional. The relationships that have mattered most to me were built authentically. I worked out what I could offer first, then led with that, whether it was an introduction, some hard-won experience, or a door I could open. Know what you bring and give it without keeping score. None of this is a rigid set of rules. It's about preparation, and genuinely curious about people. Get those two things right, and networking starts feeling like the best part of the job. What's the best networking advice you've ever been given? I'd like to hear it. For more founder questions and answers, join my newsletter: https://lnkd.in/ergDQtiK