Networking In The Finance Sector

Most conference networking advice is about what to do once you're there. That's the wrong window. The most valuable time is the week before. All it takes is three short emails: Message a speaker an email that's only two sentences long. "I'm coming to your talk Thursday. Really looking forward to it." Speakers rarely hear from attendees before events, so you become the one name they already know in the room. Message one person you want to meet. Propose a specific time for coffee. Book it early so it actually happens. Reach out to someone in the host city who isn't even attending. You're making the trip anyway. 15 minutes of outreach this week can make next week's conference 10 times more valuable. Follow Dorie Clark for more on building a better network.

1 month as a VC, and I already received 600+ cold pitches. Only 3 were worth my time. Here’s why the rest failed - and how to ACTUALLY get a VC’s attention. 📚 Do your homework  Most founders spam every VC in sight. Mistake. VCs focus on specific industries and stages - find out who’s a match for YOUR project. Pro tip: Check their profile or website for investment focus areas like DeFi, AI, or gaming  🎯 Quality > quantity  Stop blasting the entire team at a VC firm. If you send the same message to 5 partners, you’ll look clueless. Research who’s most relevant and reach out to 1 or 2 max. 🔥 Warm intros win  Got a mutual connection? USE IT. A trusted referral completely transforms your chances of getting a response. No connections? Make them.  Focus on networking in the VC’s circles - events, groups, or mutual interests. 💌 Respect their inbox  Don’t send a random connection request on LinkedIn. Use InMail or get an intro.  Cold adding is the fastest way to get ignored. 🎤Nail your opener  Keep your intro short and to the point: - What problem is your project solving? - Why does it matter? - Why YOU are the team to do it. 3-4 sentences max. Nobody has time for your essay. 🍴Ask for a bite, not the whole meal  Don’t beg for a meeting. Ask for 15 minutes to gauge mutual interest. This makes it easy for them to say yes - and if you nail that first call, they’ll want more. 🌎 Engage in their world  Are they active in specific LinkedIn groups, Twitter Spaces, or Discords? Show up where they are and contribute value.  Being part of the conversation makes you memorable. ⏳ Play the long game  Building relationships with VCs takes time. - Show up at the events they’re attending - Engage meaningfully with their posts - Ask insightful questions If you do these things, you'll build familiarity - now you're no longer a stranger. Cold pitches fail when you treat them like a numbers game. Put in the effort to build a real relationship, and the right doors will start opening. 🔓 What’s your strategy for standing out in a crowded inbox? Drop your pitch below, and I’ll tell you if it’s VC-worthy. 👇

𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞-𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠? We all know that networking is key to career growth. But let’s be real—some people treat it like a transactional game rather than building meaningful relationships. When I first started networking, I thought it was all about connecting with big names and sending cold DMs. Turns out, that’s not how real relationships are built. Here’s what I’ve learned about networking with integrity and respect: 🔹 𝟭. 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 🚫 We’ve all seen it—someone connects with you today and asks for a favor tomorrow. ✔ Instead, build relationships before you need them. ✔ Offer value before asking for help. ✔ Engage genuinely—not just when you need something. 🔹𝟮. 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 🤝 Want someone to remember you? Help them first. ✔ Share an opportunity. ✔ Introduce them to someone useful. ✔ Engage with their work meaningfully. Networking is a two-way street. If you only show up when you need a job or referral, people will notice—and avoid you. 🔹 𝟯. 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 🎙️ There’s a difference between showcasing your work and shameless bragging. ✔ Focus on sharing insights, not just achievements. ✔ Celebrate others’ success, not just your own. ✔ Be someone people want to associate with. 🔹 𝟰. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗘𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 🚦 ✔ Cold messaging? Make it personalized, not copy-paste. ✔ Asking for a coffee chat? Be clear about your intent. ✔ Got a ‘No’ or no response? Move on, don’t chase. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙂𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙍𝙪𝙡𝙚: 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣, 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙎𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙋𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝. 𝙊𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩, 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨. #Networking #CareerGrowth #BuildingRelationships

The biggest mistake I made in business development? (And the one I see others make every week…) Asking for the business before I gave any value. ❌ I’d pitch. ❌ I’d present. ❌ I’d try to impress. But it rarely worked, and never felt right. What I finally learned was this: You don’t earn trust by selling. You earn it by giving, long before you ever make an ask. So, if you want to become the kind of advisor clients  seek out… ✅ Start with value.  ✅ Lead with generosity.  ✅ Then let trust do the rest. Here are 8 of my favorite ways to offer value before  asking for business: 1. Make a Strategic Introduction → Connect them to someone helpful. Your network  becomes part of your value. 2. Ask for Their Perspective → Curious questions create more respect than pitch  decks ever will. 3. Send a Thoughtful Surprise → A book, a note, a resource. Relevance shows you’re  paying attention and that matters. 4. Share Tailored Insights → Generic = forgettable. A timely idea, just for them, can  open big doors. 5. Invite Them to Something Exclusive → Roundtables or niche events. Scarcity adds value.  Inclusion builds connection. 6. Host a Problem-Solving Session → Brainstorm a real issue together. Let them experience  your thinking in action. 7. Offer a Mini-Diagnostic → Spot something they didn’t know was broken. It  reframes you from seller to solver. 8. Provide a Sample of Your Service → No pressure. Just a preview. Let them feel the value  before the ask. Here’s the shift: Don’t try to close a deal. Try to open a relationship. Give first.  Then give a little more. And I promise the results will take care of themselves. 👉 Which one will you try this week? ♻️ Valuable? Repost to help someone in your network. 📌 Follow Mo Bunnell for client-growth strategies that don’t feel like selling. Want the full cheat sheet? Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/e3qRVJRf 

Our client wanted to break into corporate finance. They didn’t have any traditional experience in the space. Here are 7 strategies we used to help them land at Amazon (with a big pay bump!): Context: When this client reached out, they were a fast-rising manager at an accounting firm. But after nearly 4 years in the space, they were burned out and looking to make a change. They wanted to switch to a corporate finance role with better hours and more growth potential (without sacrificing on salary). Our coaches helped them craft a plan. 1. They Built Role-Specific Resumes Instead of using the same resume for every role, or spending hours re-writing a custom resume for each role, we took a different approach. We helped them create 6 customized resume versions, each targeted to a different function — finance, strategy, operations, and more. This ensured every app spoke directly to the hiring team’s needs. 2. They Tapped Into Their Loose Connections LinkedIn’s data has shown that “Loose Ties” lead to the most job offers. Our client leaned into that, tapping former classmates, old coworkers, and alumni. One of those leads led to a warm referral at Amazon that turned into a final round invite. 3. They Prepped Multiple Interview Stories Amazon interviews are no joke! Our client wanted to be over-prepared, so they started by crafting 20 stories. These stories:  - Drew from the client’s past experience  - Focused on STAR formatting to emphasize their value  - Were specifically tied multiple Amazon leadership principles 4. Practiced To Perfection Next, we ran mock interviews for them. We simulated a real interview environment and asked a variety of questions - some they’d prepared for and some they hadn’t. Then we debriefed each one to identify gaps in strategy and brainstorm ways to improve each. This helped our client get their stories and delivery completely dialed in. 6. Analyzing The Offers They ended up getting two offers (Amazon + another company). We helped them take a tangible, objective approach to evaluating both based on criteria that mattered most. This helped avoid an emotional decision and created clarity around which offer best aligned with their short and long term goals. 7. The End Result At the end of the process, they accepted an awesome role from Amazon with a pay bump. They set things up so they were able to travel a bit and recharge before jumping into their new role. In their last session, they said, “joining this program was 100% worth it. It gave me clarity and confidence.”

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

Many financial advisors struggle to build a strong social media brand. But you don’t have to be one of them. When I first started, my social media presence was stagnant. But I quickly realized how crucial it is to build trust and credibility online For financial advisors, it's especially important to understand that your audience values authenticity and expertise above all else. I knew I needed a better strategy to grow on social media. So, I worked hard to understand my audience and experimented with different types of content. Over time, I figured out what works, and now I’m sharing these strategies with you. ✅ Share Your Daily Habits: → Let people in on the routines that shape your day and your financial expertise → Authenticity helps build a stronger connection with your clients. ✅ Highlight Your Unique Traits: → Make sure your posts reflect your true personality and financial philosophy. → Be yourself; it’s the best way to stand out in the crowded market. ✅ Understand Your Audience: → Get to know your clients' needs and connect with them on a deeper level. →Tailor your content to what they find valuable and interesting. ✅ Be Open About Your Thoughts: → Share your decision-making process and market insights. → Transparency fosters trust and credibility in your financial advice. ✅ Show Your Passion: → Don’t hesitate to be emotionally open about why you do what you do. → Genuine emotions resonate deeply and build loyalty. ✅ Engage Consistently: → Regular interaction builds trust and familiarity. → Make engagement a daily habit to stay top of mind. ✅ Share Success Stories: →Highlight your clients' achievements and how you helped them reach their goals. → Real success stories motivate potential clients and provide valuable insights. ✅ Provide Value: → Offer actionable insights or tips that can help your audience in their financial journey. → Valuable content keeps your audience coming back for more. Your authenticity is your strongest asset. Use it to build real connections and make a lasting impact. How do you keep your social media content engaging and authentic? P.s. ✍🏻 I am Benjamin Loh, CSP, a strategic growth coach and consultant who has taught over 65,000 leaders in over 20 global cities and constructed some of the leading icons (TOT, Award Winners) in the financial industry in Asia through the power of authentic storytelling and authority building. 💪 Enjoy this post? Follow me for personal brand and growth insights. #topofmind #millennials #business

Transform Your Connections into Opportunities! 🌐 🚀Networking can be your secret weapon in landing your dream role in finance. Here’s how to effectively leverage LinkedIn and other platforms to cultivate a thriving professional network: 1. Optimize Your Profile: Your LinkedIn profile is your digital business card. Make it shine! Use a professional photo, craft a compelling headline that reflects your aspirations, and summarize your CFA goals. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that showcase your commitment to the finance world. 2. Join CFA and Finance Groups: Engage actively in groups dedicated to CFA candidates and finance enthusiasts. Participate in discussions, share your insights, and ask questions. 3. Reach Out Strategically: When connecting with industry professionals, always personalize your connection requests. Mention shared interests or specific reasons for reaching out. A thoughtful message increases your chances of a positive response! 4. Engage with Content: Don't just scroll—interact! Like, comment on, and share posts from industry leaders and CFA Charterholders. Thoughtful engagement can catch their eye, and who knows? It might lead to future collaborations or mentorship opportunities. 5. Informational Interviews: Take the initiative to request brief chats with seasoned professionals. Most people are eager to share their journeys and insights. Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ensure you make the most of these valuable discussions. 6. Attend Networking Events: Look for webinars, seminars, and local CFA society events. These gatherings are goldmines for meeting like-minded individuals and established professionals. Don’t just attend—be an active participant, and don’t hesitate to introduce yourself! 7. Follow Up: After meeting someone, send a thank-you message or connect on LinkedIn. Keeping the conversation going is crucial. Share articles, insights, or even congratulate them on recent accomplishments to maintain that connection. 8. Share Your Journey: Post about your CFA study experiences, tips, or insights on LinkedIn. Authenticity attracts engagement. You never know who might resonate with your journey and reach out! 9. Leverage Alumni Networks: Tap into your school’s alumni network. Alumni are often willing to help fellow graduates and may offer invaluable career advice or connections in the finance industry. 10. Be Patient and Persistent: Networking is a marathon, not a sprint. Building genuine relationships takes time, so be patient and stay consistent. The more you invest in your network, the more it will pay off in the long run. Your CFA journey is not just about passing exams; it’s about building a community that supports your career growth. Now is the time to invest in relationships that will propel you forward in your career! Follow for more such informative content! #CFA #Networking #FinanceCommunity #CFAInstitute #CFACandidates #CFAlevel1 #CFAlevel2 #CFAlevel3

This is the advice I wish I had be given early on as a financial advisor. Here's some insight and top tips I've gathered during my last 18 years as a financial advisor and what I wish I would have known when I started. As a young advisor I was taught about the products I could sell and how to become a master at cold calling. I was taught that if I called X times, got Y appointments, I would close Z sales and make a lot of money. And sure, this is all true, but very little time was spent on the value of deeper conversations and learning the meaning behind the money of our clients. Here's what I learned the hard way that led me to great success (top 5% of ~11,000 agents nationally) ✅ Listen more than you talk ✅ Show people you listened by repeating back, in-depth, what they are telling you is important to them without a product agenda in mind! ✅ Quickly find commonalities with the people you're meeting with ✅ Talk about how Solution X = Outcome Y and tie it back to your client's hopes, dreams, and goals ✅ Don't rely on the "illustration" to close the sale for you ✅ Know your crowd; i.e. don't wear a suit and tie to meet with a dairy farmer Can a financial advisor find some level of success by focusing on selling financial product X over and over again? Sure, but most times this will limit your production and growth long term. In fact I've seen many advisors crash and burn using this Product model. The above tips might take a little more time to build up the steam you're looking for, but it's worth it. I remember our weekly sales meetings where I had very little to report early on, but then all of a sudden I was the one with the most production and people were asking me how I did it. Here's to teaching you how to fish instead of giving you one! What tips would you add to support the younger generation of advisors trying to grow? #financialadvisors #success #tips

Some conferences change your business. Some change you. As I prepare to attend the BNI India Official India National Conference in Jaipur, I paused and asked myself What truly makes a conference worth it? Not the number of people you meet. Not the number of cards you collect. But what you do with those moments. Here’s what I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way): 1. Carry your visiting cards. Always. Not everyone is comfortable with digital exchanges. A simple card can open a real conversation. 2. Keep your one-pagers ready (on your phone). When someone asks, you shouldn’t say, “I’ll send later.” Send it then and there. 3. Dress smart. But more importantly—dress comfortable. Conferences are marathons, not sprints. I personally avoid high heels—because energy matters more than appearance after hour 5. 4. Don’t wait till the conference ends to follow up. You’ll forget. They’ll forget. Life will happen. If possible, start sorting your connects the same day. 5. Live the philosophy of “Givers Gain.” It’s not about what you can get. It’s about who you can help. Sometimes, the most powerful connection you make… …is not for yourself. 6. Don’t try to meet everyone. 3,000 people. 4,000 people, it can feel overwhelming. But even 10–15 meaningful conversations can create real impact. 7. Trust your gut. Not every handshake turns into a relationship. And that’s okay. 8. Have your 30-second introduction ready. Not a pitch. Not a monologue. Just a simple, clear way to say who you are and how you help. 9. Keep your LinkedIn profile updated before you go. People will look you up immediately after meeting you. Make sure it represents you well. 10. Take notes after meaningful conversations. A small keyword, a context, how you can help them. Because after multiple meetings, faces blur—but notes don’t. 11. Block time for follow-ups before you even attend. Don’t leave it to chance. Schedule it like an important meeting—because it is. 12. Be genuinely curious, not transactional. People can sense intent in seconds. When you listen to understand, not to respond, you stand out. And one more thing I’ve learned over the years The real conference doesn’t end in Jaipur. It begins after you come back. How you nurture those connections… That’s where the magic happens. If you’re attending, I’d love to know What’s your one non-negotiable at conferences? The sponsors for this amazing event are Vaninath Reddy Renati PRANEETH REDDY Johncey George (Leadership Coach for Introverts) Will be sharing my learning’s post conference as well