Tips for Networking in the Tech Industry

Over the next 3 months, I’m hosting 4 major events in France, UK, USA and KSA. Beforehand, I want to share my top tips on how to get the best out of networking. 1. Set Clear Targets Action: Make a hit list of the top 10 companies or people you need to meet. Research what they care about—know their wins, pain points, & what they’re hunting for before you walk through the door. Outcome: These conversations won’t just happen by chance. By doing your homework, you’ll turn a five-minute chat into a deal-building moment. Schedule meetings in advance, & after the event, send a tailored follow-up email that shows you were listening. 2. Take the Stage (Literally) Action: Get on the agenda. Whether it’s a keynote, panel, or fireside chat, nothing says “I’m the one to watch” like holding the mic. Use this time to address the industry’s biggest challenges & position yourself—& your company—as the answer. Outcome: Speaking builds instant credibility. It’s not just exposure; it’s authority. Post-event, share the highlights on LinkedIn & invite attendees to continue the conversation, turning an audience into a lead pipeline. 3. Own the Floor Action: Don’t just lurk—work the room. Engage with key exhibitors, ask questions, & position yourself as a resource, not just another pitch. Be direct but curious: “What’s your biggest challenge this year?” and “How can I help?” are powerful openers. Outcome: You’ll stand out as someone who listens. Take notes during conversations, & follow up within 48 hours with a personalised message. Not a generic “great meeting you”—send actionable insights or specific ideas that move the ball forward. 4. Host the Inner Circle Action: People bond better in a more relaxed setting than over Wi-Fi. Organise an exclusive dinner, roundtable, or cocktail event for a curated group of heavy hitters. Keep it intimate—this is about building relationships, not just showing off. Go easy on the heavy sell. Outcome: People remember who brought them value & connections, not who handed out free pens. Post-event, share any key takeaways & book one-on-one follow-ups to solidify what you started over drinks. 5. Hack the Tech Action: Use every tool at your disposal—event apps, LinkedIn, QR codes. Pre-event, reach out to attendees & book meetings. At the event, swap contacts digitally to keep things seamless, & use a CRM to track every interaction. Outcome: You’ll leave the event with an organised roadmap of leads, not just a stack of business cards destined for a desk drawer. Follow up strategically with segmented, value-driven emails & keep the momentum alive. The Bottom Line: Trade fairs & exhibitions aren’t just networking. Preparation, presence, & follow-up separate those who close deals from those who just collect swag bags. Be human. Don’t think of this as just a branding exercise but an opportunity for long term partnerships. Be genuine - your new contacts will become close contacts, if not friends. Make it count! #revenuegrowth

𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟯 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟰 𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 The job market right now is brutal. I just went through the eye of that storm and want to share what I learned to help others who feel invisible or near giving up (Part 1) 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟱 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗜 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲. 𝟭. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗮: If the job market is a sports Arena, the interview is the actual competition. A referral is your ticket in. 𝟮. #𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹: We often treat networking as something you suddenly “turn on” when you need a job. Your network is part of your net worth, but it needs ongoing care. If you only show up when you need something, it feels transactional. But if you've been consistently helping others, asking for help feels natural. My referrals came from:  * A grad school friend I helped land his last job  * A conference panel connection  * Former Amazon colleagues now at other companies One colleague took my 9 PM call, strategized for an hour, and referred me to a dozen jobs (which resulted in one hit). Another contact immediately texted the hiring manager with my resume, resulted in an interview invitation overnight. None was by chance, it was the result of consistently showing up for people and building real relationships. 𝟯. 𝗕𝗲 𝗮 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻. 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗱: The only sustainable way to maintain a strong network is to be a good person. Be sincere. Be helpful. Be supportive. Most importantly, help people without expecting anything in return. 𝟰. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗮 "𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮��": Job hunting is incredibly lonely. It's not just a professional challenge, it's an emotional one because the process breeds self-doubt. One of the most unexpected benefits of my network was the mental health support. I had a "tribe" sitting right next to the Arena watching me compete. Mentors, friends, and ex-colleagues who would text me to say, "How did it go?" or "Don't stress, they’d be lucky to have you," or "If you don't get it, it's their loss." That support made a huge difference in my mental state. When your confidence is shattered after a tough round, having a cheering squad keeps you from getting wounded by the rejection. I’m deeply grateful. Without it, I don’t think I would’ve come out of this process as intact as I did. 𝟱. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 "𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀" 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘄 Here’s my challenge to you: use the next two months to warm up your network. November and December are actually the "Golden Months" for networking. Because you have three built-in, pressure-free reasons to reach out to anyone: Happy Thanksgiving; Merry Christmas; Happy New Year Please don’t miss the opportunity these next two months offer.

🙅♂️ The 5 Biggest Networking Mistakes (and How to Fix Them): Most people struggle with networking because they only reach out when they need something. Networking has been instrumental to my career—breaking into tech sales, securing referrals, and helping others land jobs at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Snowflake, Databricks, and Microsoft. Here are five common networking mistakes and how to avoid them: 1. Reaching Out Only When You Need Something The best networking happens when there’s no immediate ask. Engage with people’s content, share insights, and offer help before ever making a request. 🔹 Who to follow: Nick Cegelski, Jen Allen-Knuth, Justin Welsh 2. Sending Generic Connection Requests If your request says, “I’d love to add you to my network,” you’re doing it wrong. Mention a shared interest, a mutual connection, or why their work stands out to you. A simple, “Really enjoyed your post on [topic]—would love to connect” goes a long way. 🔹 Who to follow: Ashleigh Early, Carole Mahoney 3. Neglecting Follow-Ups One conversation isn’t a relationship. Following up can be as simple as, “Thanks for your advice on [topic]. I applied it and saw [result].” Most people don’t do this, which makes you stand out. 🔹 Who to follow: Jeff Bajorek, Anita Nielsen, Amy Volas 4. Not Leveraging Your Existing Network Your next opportunity is more likely to come from a former classmate, ex-colleague, or past interviewer than a stranger. Stay in touch, reconnect, and don’t just rely on cold outreach. 🔹 Who to follow: Todd Caponi, Christine Rogers, Josh Braun 5. Not Setting a Networking Goal Networking shouldn’t be random. Set a simple habit: One new connection per week One virtual coffee chat per month One industry event per quarter 🔹 Who to follow: Amy Franko, Lori Richardson, Jason Bay The best opportunities come from who you know AND who knows you. 💎 What’s the best networking advice you’ve ever received? Drop it in the comments. #Networking #CareerGrowth #TechSales #LinkedInTips

A senior cloud architect sent me a connection request last week with this message: "I'm interested in roles at AWS. Do you have any openings that fit my background?" No context. No relationship.  And no research into the roles I might work on. I see versions of this 30–40 times a week. And I know the intent is good — people are trying to follow the advice they're given: "Network to land your next role." The problem? Most people are confusing outreach with networking. After a decade in technical recruiting, I've noticed a clear pattern: The people who land roles faster aren't sending more DMs. They've built visibility before they ever hit send. Here's what commonly shows up in my inbox: "I recently interviewed — can you follow up?" "Do you have 15 minutes for a coffee chat?" "I'm seeking a Solutions Architect role." People are taking action. That's not the issue. The issue is that recruiters and hiring managers get dozens of these messages daily — all from people they don't know. At that volume, it's almost impossible to know how to help. At the senior level, transactional networking rarely turns into opportunity. Sound familiar? So what does strategic networking actually look like? It's less about who you message — and more about who already recognizes your name when you do. Here are five true networking approaches I’d recommend to senior-level tech professionals: 1️⃣ Engage in tech-specific LinkedIn groups  This creates one-to-many visibility. Hiring managers and recruiters are often in the same spaces — credibility builds through contribution. 2️⃣ Comment meaningfully on posts from leaders in your space  Skip "Great post." Add perspective based on experience. Do this consistently and your name starts showing up in the right feeds. 3️⃣ Share insights from your own work  You don't need thought-leadership essays. A poll about a challenge you're navigating. A short reflection on a lesson learned. Even adding your take to someone else's post. The goal is visibility, not virality. 4️⃣ Write recommendations for former teammates  In addition to helping a teammate out, your name will appear on their profile. This is passive visibility that compounds. 5️⃣ Engage with hiring managers before messaging them  Comment on what they share. When you eventually reach out, you're not a stranger — you're familiar. I've seen this shift change the trajectory of job searches. Not because someone's resume suddenly improved — but because the right people already knew who they were before a role opened. 👉 Which of these five are you already doing or planning to start? Drop the number below. And if someone in your network is in search mode, feel free to share this with them.

Everyone says, “Network your way into a job.” But no one tells you how to make your message actually stand out. I used to send generic cold messages that got zero replies. Then I started attaching specific questions or insights about the company or role. That’s when conversations started. Here’s how to network well: - Don’t ask for a referral in your first message. Start a conversation. - Mention a specific project or product the person worked on that excites you. - Ask one thoughtful question, not “Can I pick your brain?” - Keep it under 3 sentences. Respect their time. Here’s are a few templates you can use: - Hello! I applied to a SWE internship at Meta and had a few questions about the work culture. Would you be open to connecting? I appreciate your time! - Your work in [field/area of expertise] is truly remarkable. As an aspiring [role], I'd greatly appreciate the chance to connect and gain invaluable guidance from your journey. - I'm captivated by your unique approach to [specific aspect of their work]. Could we connect? I'd love to learn more and potentially explore opportunities for collaboration. - Hello! I read the research paper you published on XYZ topic. As a master’s student, I’m interested in pursuing research in similar fields, I’d be thrilled if you could connect! - I'm fascinated by your work on [specific project/initiative]. As an aspiring [role] in [field], I'd love to connect and learn from your expertise. Would you be open to a brief chat? - Your recent [article/interview/presentation] on [topic] resonated deeply with me. I'm keen to explore [related area of interest] and would appreciate the opportunity to connect. Your message should be short, specific, and easy to reply to. Most people just say, “Hi, can you refer me?” Be better than most people. #networking #techcareers #jobsearch #30DaysOfCareerGrowth Day 6 of #30DaysOfCareerGrowth

The best time to network is way before you need a job (I ignored this advice & I seriously paid for it) In my 20s, I joined a startup with a mentally & emotionally abusive founder. I ended up isolated far from everyone I cared about in a city I hated with not one connection outside of the company. I wanted to leave, but I didn't have a network, so I took the first job I could find, even though it was a 5x pay cut. It took years to recover. I see too many people making the same mistake I did: They wait until it's too late to build a network. The best time to build a network was yesterday. The second best time is today. Here's 12 ways I've built my network & you can, too: (Grab this PDF & my free network tracker here: https://lnkd.in/ejH2w3XM) 1/ Join alumni committees and volunteer for projects ↳ Active volunteers get insider access to job openings before they're posted publicly 2/ Connect your connections to each other regularly ↳ Become the go-to person who makes valuable introductions that change careers 3/ Turn everyday encounters into networking opportunities ↳ Your hairstylist, trainer, and barista all know people looking for talent 4/ Skip huge conferences for smaller industry meetups ↳ Smaller events mean actual conversations instead of business card exchanges 5/ Build your personal board of directors intentionally ↳ Offer to help with their projects first and they'll open doors for you later 6/ Join hobby groups outside your industry completely ↳ Book clubs, board game enthusiasts, even brunch! 7/ Start a monthly coffee chat with 4-5 peers ↳ Small mastermind groups share insider opportunities and honest career advice 8/ Volunteer where leaders in your field already serve ↳ Helps connect to people with similarly aligned values 9/ Host casual meetups at accessible coffee shops ↳ Being the organizer positions you as a connector people want to know 10/ Attend free public talks at libraries and universities ↳ These attract intellectually curious professionals who value continuous learning 11/ Join active Slack communities in your field ↳ Answer other people's questions before you ask to build credibility 12/ Get involved in professional association committees ↳ Committee work creates working relationships that turn into job referrals Focus on building genuine relationships. One meaningful connection a week is 52 a year. I make it a point to build one new connection a day. Which of these tips will you implement next week? Grab this PDF & my free network tracker here: https://lnkd.in/ejH2w3XM ♻️ Repost to help your network connect 🔔 Follow Ashley Couto for daily career growth

Hey everyone! I'm excited to share some networking tips that were incredibly helpful during my job search. These strategies helped me navigate the interview process and land a role as a Program Manager at Google. Whether you're breaking into tech, switching careers, or just want to build your network, I hope these tips help you too! Tip 1: Targeted LinkedIn Research Before my interviews at Meta, Uber, and Google, I used LinkedIn to find people who were already in the roles I was targeting. I looked for Program Managers with similar years of experience, as their interview process was likely to be similar to mine. I also searched for alumni from my university (University of Houston - Go Coogs!), as this provided an easier "in" for starting a conversation. Tip 2: Clear and Concise Outreach When reaching out, I always stated that I was interested in [insert job title] roles at their company and requested a 20-minute coffee chat to discuss: - The interview process - Primary skills needed for the role - What success looks like in that position Including specific questions in my initial message dramatically increased my response rate. This approach made it clear to both parties what we would discuss, making efficient use of everyone's time. Tip 3: Focus on Building Relationships While referrals can be helpful, I recommend not asking for them from people you haven't worked with or who haven't seen your work firsthand. I found more long-term value in building genuine relationships through conversations and learning from their experiences. Tip 4: Leverage Diverse Perspectives Meeting with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, provided invaluable insights that helped me shape my resume, LinkedIn profile, and interview responses. For example, during one conversation, I learned that one of the companies valued a "scrappy" approach. I highlighted relevant project examples in my interview and received great feedback. I hope these tips help you in your own networking journey. Remember, building genuine connections and seeking diverse perspectives can make all the difference in your job search. Good luck! #networking #techcareers #jobsearch #interviewtips #careeradvice

Hate pitching yourself on LinkedIn? Use the “10:3:1” LinkedIn outreach system a method that builds warm connections, without feeling awkward or salesy. Last week, I spoke to six tech professionals. All job hunting. None with a system. Step 1: Search strategically • Use the search bar. Type roles you want next: “Engineering Manager”, “Product Designer”, “Tech Lead” • Click “People” • Filter by location (e.g. Sydney, Melbourne) • Filter by industry (e.g. Information Technology, Startups) • Add “Current Company” filter if you’ve got a shortlist Step 2: Choose 10 profiles daily (or weekly) Scan for: • Shared backgrounds (bootcamps, unis, career switches) • Work at companies you admire • Mutuals in common Save these to a doc or spreadsheet. Step 3: Personalise the connection note Don’t skip this, people remember those who take the time. 📍 Template: Referencing a post “Hey [Name], just read your post on [topic]super relevant as I’m exploring [similar role or space]. Would love to connect.” 📍 Template: Mutual context “Hey [Name], noticed we both worked in [X] or follow [Y]. Always keen to connect with folks solving interesting problems.” 📍 Template: Direct but friendly “Hey [Name], saw your profile while exploring [industry/role]. I’m currently in transition and learning from others doing solid work. Thought I’d say hi.” Step 4: Engage with 3 of their posts • Leave thoughtful comments (not just likes) • Highlight a takeaway or ask a follow-up • If they haven’t posted, check what they engage with Step 5: Nurture 1 relationship per week • Follow up with a question about their role, team, or journey • Offer something of value (a resource, intro, or perspective) • Ask if they’d be open to a quick virtual coffee Why this works: → You build visibility without spamming → You stand out with relevance → You learn directly from people doing the work Start small. 5 reach-outs per week is plenty. No automation. No sales pitch. Just real conversations. In tech, trust opens doors faster than resumes. If this helped, follow me (Eli Gündüz) for practical tactics that actually move your job search forward.

Most people treat networking like a numbers game. Send 100 messages. Hope one sticks. That’s not how my clients get into Google, Meta, or Stripe. Here’s the strategy I teach and it works because it’s human. 1. Get specific. Pick a few companies you’re excited about. Find people actually working on the teams you want to join. 2. Start the conversation the right way. Don’t lead with “Can you refer me?” Comment on their work. Ask a real question. Share something you’ve learned from their content. Show you’ve done your homework. 3. Make it easy to help you. Once there’s some connection, send a short message explaining why you’re interested and how your background aligns. Keep it tight and forwardable. This is the exact strategy that’s helped my clients land roles in some of the most competitive teams in tech. Because it’s not about chasing people. It’s about building real momentum one thoughtful message at a time.

Maximizing Your Tech & Ecommerce Conference Experience Conference season is here, and whether you’re attending NRF, Shoptalk, eTail or a niche tech summit, making the most of your time is key. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few strategies to maximize value, stay comfortable, and walk away with actionable insights. Here are my top tips: 1. Plan with Purpose • Review the agenda ahead of time and prioritize sessions that align with your goals. • Identify key speakers, vendors, or companies you want to connect with. • Book meetings in advance—everyone’s schedules fill up fast. 2. Network with Intention • Conferences are about connections. Aim for quality over quantity. • Engage in genuine conversations—skip the hard sales pitch. • Use LinkedIn! A quick follow-up message post-event can turn a short chat into a long-term connection. 3. Optimize for Comfort & Stamina • Wear comfortable shoes. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver. • Hydrate and snack strategically—long days and back-to-back meetings can take a toll. • Find quiet spots for breaks; sometimes, stepping away leads to the best ideas. 4. Stay Present & Engaged • Take notes, but don’t just transcribe—write down key takeaways and next steps. • Ask questions in sessions and panels; you’ll get more value and visibility. • Avoid being glued to your phone—be in the moment. 5. Turn Insights into Action • Block time post-conference to review notes and follow up with contacts. • Summarize key learnings for your team—bring the value back. • Test and apply new strategies in your business immediately. Bonus Tip: If you love golf bring your clubs and put together a foursome or two. It's a great way to meet new people and spend time with colleagues, vendors, clients etc. Attending a conference is an investment—of time, money, and energy. A little prep goes a long way in making it worthwhile. What are your go-to conference strategies? Drop them in the comments! ⬇️ #ecommerce #tech #networking #conferencetips