How to Create Value in Tech Networking

How senior engineering roles are actually filled (what no one tells you) After helping dozens of engineers land leadership positions, I've learned that the traditional approach to networking fails at senior levels. Here's what really works: 1. Stop collecting random connections. Start building a "brain trust" of 5-7 deep relationships with peers at your target level. These become your sounding board, insider guides, and eventually, your advocates. 2. Contribute meaningfully to technical communities before you need anything. Senior engineers who regularly share learnings in Slack groups, contribute to open source, or solve problems on GitHub build credibility that recruitment posts never can. 3. Document your engineering approach publicly. Writing thoughtful posts about technical decisions, architecture patterns, or leadership philosophies gives hiring managers insight into how you think—which matters more than your resume. 4. Master the "problem-focused" conversation. When meeting engineering leaders, avoid asking about job openings. Instead, ask about their current technical challenges and offer perspectives. These exchanges demonstrate your value naturally. 5. Find the "kingmakers" in your desired organization. These aren't recruiters or hiring managers—they're respected senior engineers whose technical opinion carries weight. One referral from them outweighs 50 applications. 6. Develop specialized knowledge in emerging areas where talent is scarce. Becoming the go-to person for a specific technical domain creates inbound opportunities when companies need that expertise. 7. Join technical decision-making forums. Participating in architecture reviews, RFC discussions, or technical design panels positions you alongside senior engineers and makes your transition to their level feel natural. 8. Create leverage through comparative knowledge. Engineers who can speak intelligently about how different companies solve similar technical problems bring unique value to senior discussions. 9. Understand the "hidden org chart" Who actually influences decisions versus who has the formal authority. This insight comes only through relationship building. 10. Be deliberately visible during company inflection points. Major product launches, technical migrations, or strategic pivots create opportunities for external experts to engage meaningfully. The traditional networking advice—attend events, send cold messages, ask for referrals—works for entry and mid-level roles but falls flat for senior positions. At senior levels, you don't get hired through applications. You get hired because the right people already know your value.

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

Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn's Co-Founder, nailed it: "The biggest networking mistake you can make is asking for something instead of offering something." Yet I see senior professionals making this exact mistake daily. They slide into DMs with: "I'm looking for opportunities. Do you know anyone hiring?" Here's the truth: Nobody cares about your job search except you. But they DO care about their own problems and challenges. I've watched clients land $300k+ roles by flipping this script. Instead of asking "Can you help me find a job?" they asked "How can I help you solve this challenge?" One client connected with a VP of Engineering to share insights about a technical problem the company was facing. Six weeks later, that VP created a role specifically for him. The shift is simple: Move from "What can you do for me?" to "What can I do for you?" When you lead with value, relationships form naturally. When relationships exist, opportunities follow. The best job opportunities never get posted. They go to people already in the room when decisions get made. Stop networking for jobs. Start networking to add value.

But I understood one thing most founders miss: your network isn't something you chase - it's something you earn by creating genuine value first. The networking playbook that actually works: 1. Stop pitching, start helping. I spent months just asking "What can I do for you?" instead of "Can you invest in me?" 2. Quality over quantity always wins. Better to have 10 people who actually know your story than 100 LinkedIn connections who forgot your name. 3. Online networking is your secret weapon. 5-10 meaningful DMs per day, genuine compliments about their work, asking thoughtful questions about their business. Track everything in a simple spreadsheet. 4. Offline events are relationship accelerators. Sit next to strangers, ask "What brought you here?" and actually listen to their answers. Your best intros come from other builders, not always from formal networking events. 5. Share your work daily. Not pitches - actual progress, lessons learned, behind-the-scenes moments. People want to help founders they're following along with. 6. Follow up within 24 hours. Most networking dies here because founders collect contacts but never nurture relationships. The uncomfortable truth about startup networking: it's not about what you know or who you know - it's about who knows what you're building and believes in your ability to build it. Your network becomes your net worth, but only if you approach it like relationship building, not lead generation. Start today. Reach out to 5 people, offer value first, ask questions second, pitch never.

Most founders think networking is about pitching to everyone they meet. Wrong approach. After connecting hundreds of entrepreneurs through the Bombay Founders Club, I've seen what actually works: → Listen before you speak The fintech founder who landed a major partnership? He spent his first conversation asking about the other person's challenges. Not selling his solution. → Tell stories, not features Your vision becomes memorable when you paint the picture of the problem you're solving and the impact you're creating. → Follow up with value Skip the generic "nice meeting you" message. Share something useful based on your conversation. → Build relationships before you need them The strongest connections happen when there's no immediate ask. → Show up consistently Whether it's events or online communities—consistency builds trust and familiarity. The most successful entrepreneurs in our community understand this: Meaningful connections come from creating collaborative ecosystems where everyone wins. Your network becomes your net worth when you focus on empowering others first. What's been your most effective networking strategy as a founder? #founder #startups #networking

Want to know how networking got me leads worth ₹3,00,000? Here’s the thing: Networking is not about collecting connections like Pokémon cards. It’s about the follow-up. At TechSparks, I didn’t just shake hands and walk away. I followed up strategically, and here’s what made all the difference: 1. Personalized follow-up: A generic “nice to meet you” email? Nope. Each follow-up was tailored, referencing our conversation, shared interests, or how we could potentially collaborate. That made it personal and valuable for them, not just me. 2. Timing is key: Don’t wait for days or weeks. I reached out within 24 hours of meeting them. It showed I was serious about keeping the conversation going—and that I valued their time. 3. Be clear on the value you offer: I didn’t just follow up for the sake of it. I made it clear why continuing the conversation would benefit them, whether it was insights I could share or ways we could collaborate. 4. Stay consistent: One follow-up is great, but I didn’t stop there. I stayed in touch, continued the conversation, and nurtured those relationships over time. The result? 7 quality calls and leads worth ₹3,00,000—all because I didn’t let those connections go cold. Here’s the truth: Not every contact you make is going to convert into cash overnight. But the ones you nurture with genuine intent will strengthen your network and, eventually, your opportunities. Every email, every DM, every touchpoint is an investment in your future success. Pro tip: Follow up like you’re building a relationship, not closing a sale. That’s how you create value for both sides. 💡 If you want to know how I consistently turn networking into real business growth, let’s connect and talk about how I can help you do the same.

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

After too many years in this game, I've spotted a pattern that is painfully obvious to everyone in your network The 24-Month Pop-Up. - That person who only reaches out when they need something. - That person who leads with what they want, not what they can offer. - That person who disappears the second they land a role, then, 24 months later (when the new job fizzles or a layoff hits), they reappear, desperate. Look, I get it: If you need a job right now, you have to hedge your bets and cast the net wide. However, the people landing high-profile roles at the moment don't do this. They learn how to master the art of non-transactional connection (google it) 📌 Asking, "What are the biggest challenges you're tackling right now?" opens 10x more doors than "Are you hiring?" 📌 Even when they are the ones needing help, they still bring a helpful article, a relevant intro, or a genuine compliment. Here's how you can quickly reset this: Start building a network out of genuine curiosity. - Pick 3 people you haven't spoken to in 6+ months and send them something useful. ✅ An article relevant to their industry. ✅ A "Congrats on the win!" message regarding a recent company announcement. ✅A simple, "Thinking of you, saw this and thought of your work." NO ASK. JUST VALUE. That’s how you build a network that's there when you need it, and it's a hell of a lot less stressful than waiting for the next emergency. What is the most memorable piece of unsolicited value you've received from someone in your network? Share it below! 👇 Join over 3,000 senior leaders reading The Briefing Room for insights on leadership, hiring, and executive growth: https://lnkd.in/gzSpKjjm

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)

𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 💰💰💰 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗲 The business world likes you to put things in neat little boxes. You must have this or that label, leading to us not thinking with depth or understanding. I often get asked, “Can you give me a menu of your options.” 𝗡𝗢!!! 🎯 The problem with the menu is that while it is okay for a restaurant, it is not the same for most professional services businesses.  In making such a request, you forget to value the expertise and resources you’re engaging with to tell you what you can’t see. The extra way you would benefit. People come with a preconceived idea of your product or service, so 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙨. You need to avoid these frustrations of being put in a box:    ❌ Drop-down menus on forms that never truly cover your business    ❌ Generalist labels that assume and cover up depth and uniqueness    ❌ Lack of attention to the brilliance of what you do to make what you offer possible. Recently, I chatted with Susan Toft on my 𝗕𝗶𝘇 𝗕𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, and the most fascinating part of the discussion was about what you can’t see: the tech that makes her business happen. We 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗧 regularly talk about our hidden value, or it will remain that way. What aspect of your business would you like to '𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵' so people know there is more than meets the eye? If they know this, you’ll be worth paying more for, or better still, they will know more about your additional value that will attract 💲💲💲. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀. Do you agree? What are you doing about it? Try one of these this week:    🔊 At a networking meeting, instead of a pitch, tell a brief story about something you did that they would not expect you to do.    🔊 Write a post about the strategy or mechanics of your business that you can share learnings with, so it is not directly about your end business product or services.     🔊 Put your hand up to be on a podcast to share the stories behind the business. 🔔 So have a quick FREE win that is easy and immediate to action; 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄 to let everyone know what you think they don’t know about the additional or hidden value you offer. #sales #podcasting #networking #business #Entrepreneurship