Small Steps to Improve Professional Networking

Dear Debbie, Everyone tells me I need to network to find ajob, but I’m an introvert.  Do I really need to network? If so, how do I do it? Networking Novice in Nashville Dear Networking Novice, I totally get it—networking can feel daunting. Throughout my science and technology policy career, I have hated evening receptions, dinners, and the numerous other events that are part of a Washington, DC, policy life. Yet, it's a key part of the job search puzzle and your long-term professional life. I still reach out to contacts I made at events years ago when I have a question. Think of networking as a way to gather insights and understand the job market better, rather than expecting immediate job opportunity identification or offers. It’s like planting seeds for future opportunities. Here’s how to start: 1. Define Your Purpose: Understand why you want to network. Are you looking to gain industry insights or clarify job roles? Do you want to determine if you’re a good match while considering pivoting to a new career path? 2. Craft Thoughtful Questions: Prepare questions like, "What does a typical day look like in your role?" or "What skills are essential for success in this field?" Also, ask how they see the job market for their field and gather suggestions on where to find jobs. 3. Identify Contacts: List 5 "warm" contacts you know and 5 "cold" contacts you don’t. This will help you build a diverse network. Put together a database to keep track. 4. Create a Reach-Out Plan: Write LinkedIn and email message templates to connect with these contacts. Start with warm contacts to gain confidence. Develop a brief profile, shorter than your resume, as background information for your emails and DMs. 5. Follow-Up: Don’t forget to thank the person who chatted with you and let them know where you eventually find employment.  Networking is a long-term effort, not a short-term one. Networking opens doors to hidden job markets and can even lead to mentorship. Remember, every conversation is a step forward. Ready to draft your first outreach message, Networking Novice in Nashville? Debbie

Networking isn’t about collecting business cards. It’s about building real relationships: the kind that lead to opportunities, partnerships, and lifelong connections. After interviewing over 400 professionals on The Social Capital Podcast, I’ve seen firsthand what makes someone a great networker…and what makes them forgettable. My top 3 takeaways from those conversations: 1️⃣ Be Your Authentic Self People can smell fake a mile away. If you’re putting on a facade, trying to impress, or forcing a connection, it won’t last. The most successful networkers? They show up as their real, unfiltered selves - because trust starts with authenticity. 2️⃣ Give First Networking isn’t a transaction. The strongest relationships are built on giving without expecting anything in return. Offer value, share insights, connect people, and help however you can. When you lead with generosity, opportunities naturally follow. 3️⃣ Do What You Say You’ll Do Your reputation is everything. If you promise to introduce someone, share a resource, or follow up → do it. Following through builds credibility while flaking out can damage your reputation faster than you think. But There’s More… Beyond these core principles, I’ve learned additional strategies that take networking to the next level: ✔ Be Proactive in Building Relationships Opportunities can arise anywhere. One guest on The Social Capital Podcast shared how a chance meeting in an airport bar led to a lasting professional relationship - reminding us that networking doesn’t just happen at formal events. ✔ Cultivate Relationships Through Shared Experiences Engaging in activities outside of work - sports, hobbies, volunteering - can naturally expand your network. One professional found that playing a sport helped her reconnect and rebuild her network after maternity leave. ✔ Leverage Digital Platforms Effectively Platforms like LinkedIn are networking goldmines if used right. Sharing insights, engaging in discussions, and showcasing your expertise keeps you visible and valuable in your industry. ✔ Embrace a Relationship-Driven Mindset Shift from transactional networking to genuine connections. People remember those who invest in relationships, not just those who show up when they need something. ✔ Seek Mentorship and Continuous Learning Some of the most successful professionals I’ve interviewed credit their growth to mentorship and ongoing learning. Surrounding yourself with the right people accelerates your success. At the end of the day, the best networkers don’t just meet people - they create lasting social capital. And that starts with trust, authenticity, and generosity.  What’s the best networking advice YOU’VE ever received? #Networking #Authenticity #RelationshipBuilding

Want to make networking easier and more productive? Bring a wingperson. Here’s the truth. Most professionals dread walking into a room full of strangers. It can feel awkward, forced, or just like a waste of time. But it doesn’t have to be that way. When you network with a friend or colleague by your side, the whole game changes. Conversations flow more naturally. Introductions happen faster. You both come away with more value. The photo is of John Alfonsi, CPA, Allison Cummins and me working the room at a financial conference. Three professionals. One simple goal. Help each other make meaningful connections. That’s the power of networking in teams. Here’s how you can make it work. First, pick the right partner. Choose someone you trust. Someone who knows your business well. Someone who can speak about you the way you’d speak about yourself. If they can tell a story about how you helped someone, that’s even better. Second, meet before the event. Spend ten minutes reviewing who you each want to meet. Talk through your goals. Share a couple of examples of the ideal introduction. The more specific you are, the easier it will be for your wingperson to help you connect. Third, work the room together. Approach small groups and introduce each other. Let your partner brag on your behalf. Say something like, “You two should meet. John is the guy you call when the numbers matter most.” This kind of third-party endorsement builds instant trust. Fourth, watch for opportunities. If your wingperson is in a conversation that seems like a fit for you, they can loop you in. You do the same for them. You’re each other’s radar for the entire event. Fifth, debrief after the event. Grab a coffee or schedule a call to share the highlights. Talk through who you met and how you might follow up. Thank each other for the support. Offer to make follow-up introductions if it makes sense. Networking becomes easier when you’re not doing it alone. It becomes more fun. It becomes more productive. You’ll meet more people. You’ll have deeper conversations. And you’ll leave the room with more real connections. This works at formal networking meetings. It works at casual events. It even works in a Zoom breakout room. The goal is the same. Show up with someone who has your back and be that person for them too. So next time you’re invited to a networking event, bring a wingperson. Walk in with a plan. Work the room like a team. Then watch what happens. Real relationships grow faster when we grow them together.

Business development can feel overwhelming. I know a lot of people who don’t do anything because they think it’s going to take too much time or they don’t know where to start. The truth is it doesn’t have to be complicated. Fall is the perfect time to take small steps that keep you visible and connected before the year ends. Here are 20 things you can do this season to move your business development forward: Strengthen Relationships ✔️ Look through your calendar and follow up with three people you met once but never kept up with. ✔️ Send a handwritten note to a client or colleague — it stands out more than email. ✔️ Reconnect with three people in your network who left your firm or company. ✔️ Reach out to a mentor or former boss and update them on what you’re doing now. ✔️ Invite a junior contact to coffee — future decision makers often start here. Increase Visibility ✔️ Comment thoughtfully on three LinkedIn posts each day from people you want to stay close to. ✔️ Record a two-minute video sharing an insight or answering a question you often hear. ✔️ Share a client success story (with permission) to show the impact of your work. ✔️ Write a LinkedIn recommendation for someone in your network without being asked. ✔️ Share a behind-the-scenes look at your work process to make your expertise relatable. Leverage Content ✔️ Post an article or podcast link to a client with a note on why it made you think of them. ✔️ Share a client alert or industry update with your own commentary added. ✔️ Review upcoming conferences and pitch yourself for a panel or breakout session. ✔️ Offer to guest on a podcast or webinar where your target audience is listening. ✔️ Reach out to an industry journalist or editor with an idea they might quote you on. Build a System ✔️ Audit your LinkedIn “About” section and make sure it reflects who you are today. ✔️ Make a list of your five happiest clients and brainstorm ways to deepen each relationship. ✔️ Check alumni databases for new connections you haven’t tapped into yet. ✔️ Block one recurring weekly slot on your calendar dedicated to relationship building. ✔️ Pick two stalled opportunities in your pipeline and re-engage them. Business development doesn’t have to be complicated. The real mistake is doing nothing at all. Pick a few of these and commit to them this fall — you’ll be surprised how much progress you can make. Which of these ideas are you going to try? Let me know below! #BusinessDevelopment #LegalMarketing #MarketingTips #LinkedIn

तुमने बुलाया और हम चले आए.. Event पर आ तो गए, पर शुरू कैसे करें है - यह तो बताओ? Everyone says “network smarter” but what does that actually mean? Here’s the 11-step playbook that changed my career: 1. Pick 5–10 people who could change your life. ✓ Quality beats quantity. A focused network is a powerful one. 2. Study them deeply - LinkedIn, Google, socials. ✓ People leave digital breadcrumbs. Follow them to real connection. 3. Brainstorm 10 ideas to help each one. ✓ Give first. Be useful before you’re visible. 4. Rank ideas by ease & impact. ✓ Not all value is created equal. Play the ROI game. 5. Take action on your best one ✓ Execution > intention. No one remembers good ideas. They remember what you did. 6. Track everything in a “Second Brain” ✓ Great relationships aren’t built on memory. They’re built on systems. 7. Follow up regularly ✓ One message = forgettable. Five thoughtful follow-ups = unforgettable 8. Don’t ask too soon ✓ The fastest way to close a door? Knock too early. 9. Think long-term You’re not planting a money plant. You’re growing a banyan tree. 10. Compound goodwill Good people talk. Make sure they’re talking about you—in a good way. 11. Build the habit daily ✓ One message a day. That’s it. Watch the game change. This playbook took me from “Who’s she?” to “Let’s loop her in.” Networking isn’t about being everywhere. It’s about being remembered by the right people. Steal it! #networking #career #growth #personalbranding #socialmedia #events

The people with strong networks aren’t better networkers, they just nurture relationships consistently. I understand the feeling of overwhelm that comes with hearing the word “networking”, but it doesn’t have to be a big thing. Think of networking as a series of small, meaningful touchpoints. They compound over time. Here’s how to keep your relationships warm: - Send a quick message when something reminds you of someone - Comment on their LinkedIn posts to stay on their radar - Grab coffee or hop on a casual catch-up call   - Make thoughtful introductions when you see a fit, help other people connect!  - Stay connected on other social platforms and comment from time to time (yes, even on Instagram or Facebook…relationships are built in all kinds of ways) - Reach out to folks for their subject matter expertise when you have a need - people love sharing advice on things they know well  - Attend networking events. This one is last on my list, but it’s one of the tools in your toolbox. My networking actions so far this week:   • Sent a voice note to Eileen Crossin - we were talking about TBM, something we both follow and have connected over in the past and then caught up over back and forth voice notes.    • Sent Shiv Gupta a note to set up a coffee chat. We worked together at AOL. I also did some part time work for him when he was just starting U of Digital. I wanted to catch up, hear about all the great work he's been doing and learn about the AI coursework he’s creating now.   • Sent a Linkedin message introducing 🤝 Samantha McKenna and Ali Akhtar- Sam and I were talking about the enablement space and she had not heard of Letter. I thought there might be mutual benefit for each of them to know one another so I made the intro (and asked them both for permission before I did it). All of the above took me collectively less than 5 minutes. You can do it too. This is part of my Networking Series, where I break down how to build a strong network through small, meaningful touchpoints and share how I’m doing it in real time for accountability. What are you doing this week to connect with your network? Drop it in the comments. 

Diksha, I'm struggling to grow your professional network. What should I do? This is what a candidate asked. If you have the same question, keep reading... You're not alone. I receive tons of messages from people who feel hesitant or unsure about how to network effectively. If the thought of networking makes you uneasy too, here's a fresh perspective to help you embrace it with confidence: ⤷ Start with Who You Know Begin by reaching out to friends, family, and acquaintances. They can offer introductions to others in your field of interest. Remember, networking is about building genuine relationships, not just collecting contacts. ⤷ Utilize Social Media Wisely Platforms like LinkedIn are goldmines for networking. Engage with content relevant to your field, join industry groups, and don't hesitate to share your thoughts and articles. This visibility can attract potential connections who share your interests. ⤷ Attend Industry Events Whether online or in-person, events are fantastic opportunities to meet professionals in your field. Prepare an elevator pitch about yourself and your career goals to make meaningful conversations easier. ⤷ Follow Up and Stay in Touch After making a new connection, follow up with a thank you note or an email expressing your appreciation for their time. Keep the relationship warm by checking in periodically, sharing interesting articles, or congratulating them on their achievements. ⤷ Offer Value Networking is a two-way street. Think about how you can offer value to your connections, perhaps by providing insights into a shared interest or volunteering your skills for a project they're working on. Start building your network today; it's an investment in your career's future that will pay dividends for years to come. #networking #networkingtips #linkedinforcreators #interviewing

The most important career advice I NEVER got? Relationships unlock opportunity. The difference between professionals who plateau and those who thrive often comes down to one thing: the strength of their networks. Easier said than done. Even if I had understood this, I would have needed guidance on HOW to do it. Real network-building requires intention, generosity, and authentic human connection. After years of trial and error, I've identified 20 strategies that consistently create powerful professional relationships. Here are 10. The rest are in the visual. 1. Practice the 5-minute favor rule ↳ When meeting someone new, ask yourself, "What can I do in 5 minutes that would meaningfully help this person?" ↳ Example: Send a relevant article or make a quick introduction. 2. Follow the 2:1 giving ratio ↳ Provide value at least twice before asking for anything. ↳ Example: Share and comment meaningfully on their LinkedIn posts. 3. Be 'interested, not interesting' ↳ Focus conversations on the other person rather than trying to impress. ↳ Example: Ask follow-up questions about their challenges rather than discussing your own achievements. 4. Leverage commonality ↳ Find unexpected shared interests beyond work. ↳ Example: Discovering you both enjoy pottery or hiking specific trails creates stronger bonds than just industry connections. 5. Practice conversational generosity ↳ Introduce people to others in group settings. ↳ Example: "Sarah, you should meet Alex. You're both working on similar AI ethics challenges." 6. Make specific, actionable asks ↳ Be clear about what you need. ↳ Example: "Would you be willing to review my presentation deck for 15 minutes this week?" 7. Connect with 'dormant ties' ↳ Reconnect with valuable past connections. ↳ Example: Reach out to former colleagues and share specific memories of working together. 8. Diversify your network ↳ Intentionally connect with people outside your immediate field. ↳ Example: A finance professional joining a technology meetup to gain fresh perspectives. 9. Maintain a personal board of directors ↳ Cultivate relationships with 5-7 trusted advisors. ↳ Example: Monthly check-ins with mentors who provide different perspectives on your career decisions. 10. Adopt the sweat equity approach ↳ Volunteer for industry organizations or committees. ↳ Example: Join the planning committee for a conference to create natural connections with speakers and organizers. The most valuable asset in your career isn't your degree, certifications, or even your experience It's the web of relationships you thoughtfully build along the way. What are your successful relationship building tactics? ♻️ Repost to share these ideas with your network. 👉Follow me Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) for more ideas about how to enhance your network and your career. 📫 Subscribe to Women in Consumer Finance to access all of our carousels, cheat sheets, and other content. (https://hubs.la/Q03dY9_n0)

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.