Tips for Building Strong Carrier Relationships

My Relationship-Building Guide (Networking – if we must call it that) After 20+ years in finance, tech, healthcare, and games, I’ve never cold applied to a job. Not once. I'm giving you all my secrets for nothing because I want you to succeed. Every role I’ve ever had came from relationship building. Not from privilege. Not from inherited connections - I had none from my family. Well before any follower count or regular content creation (didn't do that at all until 4-5 years ago). Just consistent effort to connect with people I genuinely respected. This isn’t a cheat code. It’s not fast. It’s not always comfortable. But it is learnable. Important context: I deeply respect concerns around equal access, neurodiversity, comfort zones, and systemic bias. I’m naturally shy too. This isn’t dismissive – it’s practical for the world we’re in. Here are 30 relationship-building principles that shaped my career: 1. Start with alumni networks (school, bootcamps, online courses). Low barrier, real common ground. 2. Be visible online and in person. Familiarity builds trust. 3. Ask: “Is there anyone else I should talk to?” It multiplies your network. 4. Don’t lead with desperation. Lead with curiosity + steadiness. 5. Job talk starts at conversation 3 (minimum). Build trust first. 6. Only build relationships you actually want. No pretending. 7. Always have 5 mentees. Helping keeps you grounded and useful. 8. Always have 5 mentors. Growth never stops. 9. Maintain 10 meaningful conversations. Not 200 weak ties. 10. Say yes to events, then figure it out. 11. Find access (scholarships, discounts, partners). Ask. Research. 12. The “I’m in town” BD trick works. Confirm meeting, then book travel. 13. Celebrate others authentically. Show real appreciation with specifics. 14. Relationships often resurface years later. Be kind always. 15. Think in one-year arcs. Plant seeds. 16. Ask for conversations, not favors. 17. Some of the best convos are about nonsense. Be a person. 18. Never ask what you can Google. Respect time. 19. Map orgs like a business developer. Do homework. 20. Avoid tunnel vision. Great relationships come from unexpected places. 21. Curate your circle. Let go of what drains you. 22. Your performance is your best networking. Reputation travels. 23. Treat people like you're their friend, not their fan. 24. Leave people wanting more. Warm + concise wins. 25. Track outreach (I keep a simple CRM). Helps you be intentional. 26. Keep notes on key people (kids, pets, interests) because you care. 27. Think before you speak. Two minutes changes everything. 28. Be a 5x giver. Lead with generosity. 29. Be authentic and quirky. Realness is memorable. 30. Put good into the world. Giving creates trust that compounds. Here is the long-form of this guide in article form, if you want to learn more: https://lnkd.in/emKD4c93

Three Secrets of Networking: Do You Know? For a long time, I thought networking was about “working the room”—swapping cards, shaking hands, collecting contacts.  But over time, I learned that true networking is far deeper than just building a list of names. Here are three secrets that changed the way I approach networking and helped me build genuine, lasting relationships. ➡️ Lead with Generosity Early in my career, I met someone who taught me the power of giving before asking. I reached out to them for advice and they shared their time and insights with no expectations. This experience showed me that the best connections come when you lead with generosity. Now, when I meet someone new, I ask myself, “What can I offer them first?”—whether it’s sharing an idea, introducing them to someone, or just listening closely to what they need. ➡️ Don’t Overlook the “Weak Ties” Some of my most valuable connections came from the least likely sources—someone I met briefly while on a tour, a friend of a friend, or an old classmate I hadn’t spoken to in years. It’s these “weak ties” that often bring fresh perspectives or even career-shifting opportunities. Staying connected beyond your close circle doesn’t just widen your network but it opens up opportunities from unexpected corners of life. ➡️ Follow Up—Thoughtfully I’ll admit, I used to be terrible at follow-ups, thinking that a quick “nice to meet you” message was enough. But real relationships are built with intention. Now, when I meet someone, I make a point to send a thoughtful follow-up—a note on something we discussed, a link to an article they’d enjoy, or simply a “thank you” message for their time. This small effort not only keeps the door open for future conversations but also shows that I genuinely value the connection. Building a network of genuine relationships takes time, but in the end, these connections add real depth to our lives. What’s one networking tip that’s made a difference for you? #Networking #Linkedinforcreators

I was recently asked in an interview what one underrated skill has been surprisingly valuable in your career. It is such a great question and one that caused me to reflect on my answer. I settled on this... Cultivate meaningful connections If I could turn back time, I'd tell my younger self to invest wholeheartedly in building and nurturing a strong professional network. I've always been a people person, but early in my career, I underestimated the true power of genuine connections. When I moved to Singapore, I was essentially starting from scratch. The familiar faces and established relationships I relied on were thousands of miles away. It was a humbling experience but also a transformative one. I learned that networking isn't just about exchanging business cards or attending industry events; it's about forging authentic relationships with people who share your passion and can offer valuable insights, support, and even unexpected opportunities. It's about giving back, paying it forward, and fostering a community of growth. Today, my network is one of my most valuable assets. It's a source of inspiration, knowledge, and collaboration. It's a safety net when times get tough and a springboard for new endeavors. So, my advice to my younger self would be: Start early and don't stop: Building a network takes time and consistent effort. Be sure to start making connections before a crisis or a move to a new country. Cultivate relationships throughout your career, both within and outside your industry. Focus on quality over quantity: It's not about how many people you know, but the depth and strength of those connections. Seek out individuals who inspire you, challenge you, and share your values. Give more than you take: Be generous with your time, knowledge, and support. Offer to help others, make introductions, and share your expertise. The more you give, the more you'll receive in return. Embrace diversity: Seek out connections with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and industries. Diverse perspectives can spark innovation and open doors to new opportunities. Stay Connected: Networking is an ongoing process. Make time to nurture your relationships, even when not actively seeking new opportunities. The picture is of two of those amazing connections I made when I moved to Singapore; Anna Norriss - Marketing Strategist and Anna Seefeldt - Brand Strategist at Pink Pineapple. My professional (and personal) experience here wouldn't be the same without you.

𝐀 𝐟𝐞𝐰 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐨, 𝐈 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬, 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬. 𝐈𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬. By the end of the day, my pocket was full of business cards, but I couldn’t remember half the conversations. That’s when it hit me: networking isn’t about collecting names, titles, or LinkedIn connections. It’s about building relationships that actually matter. Here’s what I learned the hard way: - When you treat networking as a numbers game, you end up with contacts, not connections. - When you reach out without a clear purpose, people can sense it—and the conversation rarely goes far. - When you don’t nurture relationships over time, they fade away before any real value is created. So what works instead? - Adopt a value-first mindset. Before reaching out, I ask myself, “How can I contribute to this person’s journey before asking for anything?” Sometimes it’s sharing an article, making an introduction, or just offering encouragement. - Prepare before connecting. A little research goes a long way. Personalizing a message shows genuine respect for someone’s time and creates a much stronger first impression. - Maintain relationships. I’ve learned that small, consistent touches—congratulating someone on a promotion, commenting thoughtfully on their posts, or checking in periodically—make a big difference in keeping connections alive. Over time, I’ve discovered that quality connections always outweigh quantity. The few meaningful relationships I’ve nurtured have opened more doors, created more opportunities, and led to more collaboration than any pile of business cards ever could. 𝐒𝐨, 𝐈’𝐦 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬, 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨-𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘴? #NetworkingStrategy #ProfessionalGrowth #BusinessRelationships #CareerDevelopment #LinkedInTips #RelationshipBuilding #CoachIshleenKaur #InternationalBusinessCoach LinkedIn News LinkedIn News India LinkedIn for Small Business

Most people approach networking as if they’re trying to unlock a door. They think the trick lies in the “right message,” the “perfect ice-breaker,” or the “best line to stand out.” But networking isn’t a lock to be picked — it’s a relationship to be earned. Here’s what I’ve learned that goes beyond engagement, value, and personalization: 1. Lead with curiosity, not strategy. Don’t try to impress. Try to understand. I’ve had the most meaningful conversations not by showing how much I know, but by asking questions that show how much I care to learn. Curiosity disarms people. It makes them want to share — and when people share, bonds form. 2. Make your digital presence your warm handshake. Before you message someone, ask yourself: If they land on my profile, do they see a person worth knowing? When your content reflects your values, expertise, and personality, people feel like they already “know” you. That’s powerful. It turns cold DMs warm — even before you hit send. 3. Make it less about networking. And more about net-giving. Stop asking: “What can I get from this connection?” Start asking: “What pain can I solve? What spark can I ignite?” If your message adds joy, insight, or opportunity, people remember. Not because you stood out, but because you gave first. 4. Be unforgettable in your follow-up. Most people follow up with “just checking in.” But memorable networkers follow up with relevance. Did they post something new? Refer to it. Did you read an article that reminded you of them? Share it. Contextual follow-ups say: “I care.” And that’s rare. In short: The secret to strong networking isn’t being strategic. It’s being human. Be someone people want to talk to again — not just someone they agreed to connect with. #LinkedInNewsIndia #NetworkingTips #FinanceCommunity #PodcastingJourney #YoungProfessionals #CareerGrowth #LinkedInPremium #StockMarketRead LinkedIn News India

Your network isn’t just about who YOU know—it’s about who knows you and trusts you. ❌ Great relationships aren’t built on transactions. ✅ They’re built on trust, generosity, and showing up as your real self. I used to think networking was about collecting contacts. That was a short-sighted and selfish view of networking. I quickly learned that the real power of networking happens when you give more than you take. 💡 Offer your time. 💡 Share your knowledge. 💡 Listen—really listen. People want to be heard. 💡 Be vulnerable, be authentic, show up as you are. When I stopped holding back and started sharing what I know, everything changed. My credibility grew. My network expanded. And—no surprise—opportunities followed. 🔥 In fact, most of my career opportunities came from my network because I built relationships on mutual respect, learning, and authenticity. And that last piece is the most important. ✨ Authenticity begets authenticity. ✨ When you show up as you, you give others permission to do the same. That’s when real connections happen. That’s when people want to work with you, collaborate with you, and yes—bring you along for new opportunities. So, my advice to people who want to expand their networks to build real, lasting relationships: 1️⃣ Give more than you take. 2️⃣ Show up as yourself (and make other people feel safe enough to do the same). . What's your best advice for building a strong network?

I made it to VP at Amazon because of the people I partnered with. The same is true for building my part-time business that made $950k last year. Create the partnerships that will let you leap forward - here’s how: 1) Understand Productive Partnerships Here are some examples of the partnerships that propelled my career: a) I partnered with my first boss out of college. I taught her technology, she taught me leadership and drove my first two promotions (lead engineer, then manager). b) At Amazon, my first lead engineer and I worked together for 8 years. I went from Senior Manager to Director to VP while he went from SDE to Senior SDE to Manager to Senior Manager to Director - FOUR PROMOTIONS. c) My COO, Jason Yoong, reached out to me and initiated our partnership by volunteering to build my Substack newsletter. Someone has to take the first step, and he did. d) Most recently, I formed the “Career Growth Collective,” where I invited LinkedIn voices Omar Halabieh, Steve Huynh, and Rajdeep Saha to work with me to amplify our messages across platforms and groups to help more people. Each person in this partnership brings different strengths. Steve and Raj are senior individual contributors with strong YouTube presences. They bring the “Principal” level perspective. Omar is based in Dubai and is actively leading a big team. He also cranks out amazing graphics every day. The different strengths that each person brings leads me to part 2. 2) The Partnership Recipe: i) Build trust with your potential partner Be honest, be friendly, be helpful! ii) Figure out a win-win partnership With my first boss, she needed a technical advisor and I needed management sponsorship. Years later, my first lead engineer did for me what I had done for her. He provided the technical expertise while I sponsored his growth With Raj, Steve, and Omar, we all want to find new readers who will get value from our work. Tip: Take the first step. Invest in the other person without a guarantee of repayment. This will kickstart the partnership, whereas waiting for the other person to make the first move will not. iii) You don’t need perfection I proposed the Career Growth Collective idea to 4 people. 3 accepted and we are thriving together. The main message I want to share with all of this is that you do not need to “go it alone” in your career. What you do need to do is risk that a few people will not return your investment in them when you try to establish partnerships. That is OK. Learn, move on, find others who will. The value of the successful partnerships will greatly outweigh the time and effort put into the ones that didn’t pan out. Who have you partnered with? Praise or thank them in a comment! Who would you like to partner with? Send them this post with a note saying it inspired you to work more closely with them. Steve, Omar, and Raj have shared their own ideas on partnership today. Follow them and read their ideas.

Here are my 10 tried-and-tested networking tips Networking is a critical skill for professional growth. Here’s how to elevate your networking game: 1. Research and Prepare: Before attending events, I research the attendees, speakers, and event objectives. Using LinkedIn, Google, and the event's website helps me tailor my questions and conversations. 2. Have Business Cards Ready: I always carry well-designed business cards. This traditional method of sharing contact information remains effective and adds a personal touch. If you don't have a business card, request for theirs. 3. Leverage Social Media: After meeting new contacts, I connect with them on LinkedIn. Personalizing my connection requests with details from our conversation helps reinforce the connection. 4. Listen More Than You Speak: I show genuine interest by listening attentively. Asking open-ended questions encourages others to share more about their experiences and insights, building rapport and trust. 5. Follow Up: Post-event, I send a follow-up email or message. Mentioning specific details from our conversation jogs their memory and expresses my interest in staying in touch or collaborating. 6. Join Professional Organizations: Becoming a member of relevant professional organizations or associations provides excellent networking opportunities through events, forums, and online communities. 7. Offer Help Before Asking for It: I’m always willing to offer assistance, share resources, or provide introductions. This generosity builds strong, lasting relationships. 8. Attend Workshops and Seminars: Engaging in continuous learning by attending industry workshops and seminars allows me to meet like-minded professionals and expand my knowledge base. 9. Utilize Alumni Networks: Connecting with alumni from my school or university often provides valuable connections and opportunities. Alumni networks are typically very supportive. 10. Be Authentic: Authenticity goes a long way. By being myself and not presenting a false image, I create genuine connections that are more sustainable and beneficial in the long run. Networking is about building relationships, not just collecting contacts. Implement these strategies to create a strong, supportive professional network that will benefit you throughout your career. #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerTips #ProfessionalDevelopment

The next opportunity won’t go to the best person. It’ll go to the one with the right allies. 35 years. Multiple careers. One hard truth: The right people change everything. Here’s how to find—and keep—them. After 35+ years building a career across industries, roles, and reinventions I’ve learned that talent and hard work matter. But the real accelerant? The people around you. In fact, 85% of jobs are filled through networking (LinkedIn), and professionals with sponsors are 23% more likely to move up (Harvard Business Review). Here's what no one tells you: You don’t need to be louder, faster, or more polished. You need the right people in your corner. And most of us were never taught how to find them. 10 ways to build a network that has your back: 1) Put the project out before it’s perfect → Visibility creates confidence, not the other way around → Share a draft idea in a team meeting before it’s “ready” 2) Nurture relationships beyond your org chart → External networks build perspective and power → Join a committee in an industry group 3) Cultivate your internal network with intention → Relationships drive visibility and sponsorship → Book a skip-level 1:1 or ask to present to leadership 4) Earn a sponsor by making your value visible → Sponsors notice people who contribute and follow through → Speak up in meetings. Volunteer. Be reliable when it counts. 5) Lead with what energizes you → Passion is more memorable than polish → Open with: “I’m obsessed with solving ____” 6) Ask the question no one else does → Stand out by being curious, not clever → Try: “What’s something you wish people asked you more?” 7) Show up where people pay attention → Add insight, not noise → Comment thoughtfully. Ask smart questions in public forums. 8) Join communities that feel like exhaling → Shared experience is a shortcut to real connection → Go where women say, “You don’t have to explain here” 9) Show them why connecting with you is worth it → Give them a reason to say yes before you ask → Reference their work. Offer an insight. Create real relevance. 10) Send the message you’d want to get → Keep it honest, specific, and human → “This reminded me of your talk—thanks for that perspective.” The magic isn’t working harder. It’s working connected. What’s one relationship that transformed your career? Share your story below. 👇 --- ♻ Repost to share this with someone who needs a better network, not a bigger one. 👉 Follow me, Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel), for more ways to build visibility and connection.

10 simple ways to start networking. Build connections before you're desperate for them. The best professional relationships? They're built when you don't need anything. Here's how I transformed my contact list into a network That landed me opportunities (including my current role): 1. 𝗠𝗮𝗽 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: List current contacts by industry, role, and relationship strength. Know who you already have in your corner. 2. 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀: Commit to meaningful contact with 2-3 people weekly. Consistency beats intensity every time. 3. 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵: Track interactions in a simple system (even a basic spreadsheet works). Schedule follow-ups to stay organized. 4. 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸-𝗶𝗻𝘀: Drop a 2-3 sentences referencing their recent win or something interesting from their profile. Simple but powerful. 5. 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Comment meaningfully on their posts or share content that aligns with their interests. Shows you're paying attention. 6. 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲-𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: Forward resources that match their goals - "This project management framework reminded me of your team challenges..." 7. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Propose brief coffee chats or calls without an agenda. Building rapport takes time and consistency. 8. 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁: Lead with curiosity about their work and challenges. Authentic relationships create mutual value. 9. 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: A quick note celebrating their promotion, new certification, or company milestone goes far. 10. 𝗔𝘀𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: When appropriate, ask mutual connections to introduce you to people in your target companies or roles. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁. I started small - committing to meaningful contact with just 1-2 people weekly. The results? More referrals, insider knowledge about openings, and stronger professional relationships. Great networking happens between job searches. (not during them) PS: What's your biggest networking challenge? 🧡 Follow me for PM leadership & career insights. ♻️ Repost to empower your network.