Networking Strategies for Proactive Career Growth

True fact: I had no clue about relationship building. Especially one that is organic and effective. Miraculously lucky for me, mentors like Ramit Sethi, Seth Godin, and others taught me things I didn't even know I should know. One of those insanely powerful philosophies is natural networking. After: • Taking 50+ industry leaders & creators for coffee • Building a community of 77k on LinkedIn • Teaching and testing with my mentees... I want to share with you my Mentor Talks strategy. A 5-step strategy to network organically, effectively, and in a way that leaves both parties feeling great. Step 1: Networking Account Philosophy Treat networking like a bank account. Make deposits before requesting a withdrawal. • Engage with posts • Send relevant articles • Share work with context • Highlight similarities • Ask for nothing at first H/T to the Gottman Institute, whose relationship account inspired this for me. Step 2: Select Target People Think in 3 segments: • 50%: Peers • 30%: Decision Makers • 20%: Moonshots This gives you the maximum probability surface area. While giving kismet a chance with a moonshot. Step 3:  Ask for a Mentor Talk Not a favor. Not a job. A conversation. First: • Become familiar • Engage 2–3 times • If there's a connection, then ask Then: • Make it easy to say yes • Be specific • Ask for a short coffee chat • Share a calendar link Step 4: Impress In The Chat The secret? Ask better questions. Pre-chat: • Research recent projects • Create questions that go deeper • Audit questions till you are left with the best ones During the chat: • 2:1 ratio — 2 questions for every 1 story you share • Listen. Paraphrase. Let silences breathe • Be prepared to share your goals with confidence H/T to Ramit Sethi for these strategies. Step 5: Follow up and close the loop Most people skip this. But it builds trust. • Share what you applied • Send a quick update • Offer help or relevant info • Respectfully keep in touch 💡Pro Tips: 1. Give people an out to be respectful 2. Say NRN if there is no action needed 3. If you fear networking, start by building a sandbox. Take friends out for a coffee chat first. My mentee began this way and ended up speaking with leaders from Meta, Google, and other notable companies. __ This strategy works. I've tested it myself, and taught it to professionals from 20+ years of experience to early career folks. It builds real relationships. With zero desperation. And maximum upside. Test it out for yourself. Give yourself a few tries. Respect your and people's time. Good luck 🚀 PS. Liked the cheatsheet and want to download my best cheatsheets (all complimentary)? Instructions to access here:  https://lnkd.in/gR4PkwhX

Thank you to the Vanderbilt University Career Center for inviting me to serve as a panelist for The Black Vanderbilt University (BVU) Career Accelerator Program. Myself along with my fantastic Commodore Colleagues including, Alayna Hayes, Ed.D, Assistant Provost and Senior Director of the Career Center and Sheryl Bonner, Talent Acquisition Consultant, offered insight about networking and informational interviews. A few networking nuggets: -Consider reciprocity. It’s not all about what you can get, it’s also about what you can give. -You’re often playing the long game. The connection may not yield results in the short-term but may do so in the long-term. -See networking as building relationships. -Follow-up with those you meet along the way. Check in on their projects and share information about your professional journey. -Choose a way to get organized so that you can keep track of who you meet. -Practice your elevator speech. If you have a specific interest in a company or connecting with a certain person, be able to articulate your why. Do your research so that you can be specific. -You never know where your next role will come from. Networking is happening around you all the time. One of my colleagues chatted about meeting a woman in Walgreens who offered her a role that led to her current profession. -Continue to network internally and externally once you have an internship or a full-time role. -Use LinkedIn to network intentionally by joining groups, following/connecting with people who are on your chosen path, comment on their posts, share their posts, be a part of the conversation. Remember to use LI as your portfolio and invite people into conversation with you. -Right now you’re networking everyday with classmates who will go on to have careers, own companies, will oversee hiring others, and can make introductions to people you need to know. It’s one of the greatest benefits of college. Stay connected. -Networking is a snowball. Once you meet someone, you can inquire about recommendations for others you should meet. Continue doing that and like a snowball, your network will grow as you pick up connections along the way. Informational Interviews Tips: -Ask about shadowing opportunities. -Inquire about what a typical day is like for someone in your desired role. -In order to learn more and create ease in follow up, ask the interviewee about additional resources including podcasts, books, articles, documentaries that will give your more insight into the profession. When you follow-up, you can use these as a foundation for your outreach. “Oh, I read the book you suggested and [insert thoughts here]…” or “Did you listen to the latest episode of…”? It lets them know that you’re interested and that you’re learning. What nuggets and tips would you add to this list for college students?

How to Build a Network That Supports Your Career Goals In today's competitive landscape, a strong professional network is more than just a nice-to-have; it's essential for accelerating your career growth.   Your network can open doors to opportunities, connect you with mentors, provide industry insights, and offer support in navigating through your professional journey.  But how do you build an intentionally impactful network? This article will explore strategies to build a network that truly champions your career goals. 1. Define Your Goals Before diving into networking, clarify your career objectives. Are you seeking a promotion, a career change, or to further your existing skills and industry knowledge? Understanding your goals will help you identify the right people to include in your networking plan. 2.  Audit Your Existing Network You likely already have a network in place. Consider former colleagues, classmates, friends, and family members that you may be able to reconnect with. 3. Leverage Social Media LinkedIn is a networking powerhouse. Optimize your profile, engage with industry leaders, and join relevant groups to help you further strengthen your presence. You can also leverage other social platforms to broaden your reach. 4.  Attend Industry Events Conferences, meetups, and workshops are excellent places to connect with like-minded individuals. Don't just collect business cards; make meaningful conversations and follow up afterward. 5. Volunteer & Join Professional Organizations Giving back to your community helps you build a positive reputation and expands your inner circle. Professional organizations tend to offer focused networking, mentorship programs, and valuable resources to guide you through challenges and career development. 6.  Seek Out Mentors  Identify individuals you admire within your desired field.  Reach out and ask if they’d be willing to give you 10-15 minutes of their time to ask for any support or guidance. 7.  Focus on Quality over Quantity Building a strong network takes time.  Prioritize cultivating genuine relationships over building a large number of contacts you hardly contact. Consistently offer value to others and nurture the connections you make. Most of all, remember… Networking is a two-way street. Be willing to help others, share your expertise, and make introductions where possible. A generous approach builds trust and long-term relationships. Building a supportive network is an ongoing investment in your career.  By being strategic, proactive, and genuinely helpful, you'll create a powerful circle that propels you towards your aspirations. 

How to network without being “salesly” (And build genuine relationships) — Networking is hands down one of the most underrated aspects of business. A network built on reciprocity is also one of the BIGGEST assets any founder can call upon 10 tips to grow yours the RIGHT way: 1. Offer help first When reaching out to someone, think about how you can help them before asking for anything in return. This can be through introductions, sharing resources, or providing insights to a post of theirs. The goal is to leave no doubt that you’re not just a “taker” but a “giver”. — 2. Acknowledge milestones It might not mean much to you, but any personal milestone is HUGE inside for someone in your network. - Job changes - Work anniversaries - Professional accomplishments. Show that you CARE about their journey. — 3. Personalized connection requests (I know you’re sick of these fake connect requests as much as I am…) So show some personalization! Mention how you found them, why you want to connect, and a specific common interest or goal. It’s the little extra efforts like this that separate you from others. (p.s. “Let’s find synergies” is making you look like you’re spamming) — 4. Regularly update your LinkedIn profile Keep it current with your: - Skills - Projects - Latest achievements A well-maintained profile makes it easier for people to understand your professional background… Which makes it easier for them to relate to you when you speak. — 5. Open your network to others I’m ALWAYS looking for opportunities to introduce my connections to each other. This not only helps them, but it also strengthens your position as a valuable connector. If you be the person who helps build relationships… They’ll remember you for it. — 6. Follow up Stay in touch with your contacts regularly to maintain your relationships. You don’t have to do this daily or even weekly… But a little check-in here and there goes a long way in showing you care. — 7. Organize networking events Host your own networking events or small meet-ups. (In person or through Zoom) This is another great way to be a connector. Strong networking skills involve being able to bring people together in a meaningful way. — [BONUS] - Become the go-to guy in groups Underrated hack: join LinkedIn groups related to your industry or interests. While in the group… - Share your expertise - Be active in discussions - Connect with group members There’s nothing like chatting with like-minded people. (And most people don’t do it). — By implementing these strategies consistently, you will build authentic and meaningful relationships. The goal is to cultivate and build a network that supports and grows with you. What’s your biggest struggle in terms of networking? — Found value in this? Repost ♻️ to share to your network and follow Ignacio Carcavallo for more!

The #constructionindustry is full of people who simply get stuff done. So, I get it when people tell me, “I’m not really into networking.” Here’s the thing, networking WILL grow your career, BUT you don’t have to go to a single “networking event” to do it effectively. Here are 5 ways to naturally grow your career through networking: 1.    Know your network. When we ask for references as construction recruiters, some candidates struggle to provide names of people who know their work product outside of their current supervisors. The reality is that construction managers have a vast network at their fingertips. Subcontractors, architects, developers, owners, former colleagues, former managers, and even former subordinates can fill up a list of references without much thought. 2.    Keep in touch with the people you ALREADY know. While it may be a little strange to reach out to someone you haven’t spoken with in years to get a reference, trust me: this is fine. The goal, however, should not be getting a good reference down the road; the goal should be maintaining relationships. Saving contacts in your phone is a beautiful life hack. Haven’t used a sub in six months but had a great working relationship with them? Call and check in; ask about what they are seeing in the industry. Saw a project go up downtown and realize your college classmate is part of the GC building it? Shoot and text and be curious. Touch base, check in, and you won’t believe what can happen to your network. 3.    Take a lunch. Will you have time for a business lunch every single day? No, this is construction! But, make it a habit to have meals with coworkers and project partners. Everybody eats. You truly get to know people around a table. 4.    Connect others. With networking, assume it is better to give than to receive. Know a subcontractor looking to grow? Put an intro in with your estimator. Know a junior professional trying to pivot from residential to commercial? Connect them with a colleague who has done the same. Have a friend looking for a job? Send them to your neighborhood recruiter. 😉 5.    Follow up. When you have reached out once but haven’t heard back from a former colleague, absolutely give them the benefit of the doubt and try them again. When you meet someone new in the industry, follow up with an email or text. When you have lunch with a trade partner, ping them and let them know their time was appreciated. If you can manage your industry relationships well, you are networking every day. There will absolutely be a compounding effect over your career.

Networking changed my career for the better! I haven’t always been the best at keeping relationships, especially after leaving a role. However, I’ve been networking within my industry for the past several years, and it has changed everything. First, I began to attend events in my field. I joined the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches to continue learning more about resume writing and career coaching. Over time, I began to get to know my fellow peers. I started to reach out and respond to those who contacted me. Sometimes, we messaged on LinkedIn and that was it. Other times, I had Zoom calls. And in a special case, I set up bi-weekly Happy Hours to talk business and share ideas. So why network? - Insights and Knowledge: Interacting with professionals in your field can provide a wealth of knowledge and different perspectives. I’ve learned so much from Denise Bitler, MRW, CPRW, CDBS, CICNC, CIC, Mark Misiano, MBA, CPRW, CDCS, and John Suarez, MBA, CPRW. - Mentorship: Networking can connect you with potential mentors who can guide your career development. Angie M. Callen, CPRW, CPCC became a friend and mentor. We discuss business strategy and how to bring more value to my clients. I’ve evolved countless times since meeting Angie. - Career Opportunities: Often, new job prospects come from within your network. It’s about being in the right place with the right connections. Because I was vocal during webinars, Margaret Phares asked me to lead a webinar series for PARWCC. From there, I later landed a role on the leadership team, developing and administering the CPRW (a resume writing exam). How can you network effectively? - Be Genuine: Authenticity in networking creates meaningful connections. Don’t wait to be laid off from your role. Make connections constantly. - Attend Professional Events: Conferences, seminars, and industry meet-ups are great places to meet like-minded professionals. - Engage in Online Forums: Platforms like LinkedIn groups, industry-specific forums, and virtual webinars offer global connections. - Offer Value: Networking is a two-way street. Think about how you can help others as well. Let’s discuss: How has networking influenced your career? Do you have any tips for effective networking? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below! 💬 #professionalnetworking #careerdevelopment #careergrowth #networkingtips

More than 70% of jobs are never posted. They’re filled through conversations, referrals, and relationships. When I first started job hunting in the U.S., I did what most people do: submit resumes through job boards and wait. But over time, I realized that the most powerful tool is not the application—but the connection. So I wrote this article to help others who are navigating similar paths: 🔗 “Job Searching Is More Than Just Submitting Resumes: How Proactive Networking Unlocks Hidden Career Opportunities” Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ How to map and activate your existing network ✅ A 30-second elevator pitch structure that actually works ✅ How to lead better coffee chats using the A.I.R. model ✅ Networking tips for introverts (yes, it’s possible) ✅ Follow-up messages that lead to real opportunities ✅ My weekly networking action plan template This guide is especially helpful if you are: 🔹 Job hunting in biotech, life sciences, or tech 🔹 Switching careers or transitioning from academia 🔹 Building your network as an introvert or international professional 📬 I’ve also included free templates for your networking profile and thank-you notes. Feel free to leave a comment or DM me—happy to share! 👇 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e8_qnq9V #Networking #JobSearch #CareerDevelopment #BiotechCareers #InformationalInterview #CareerTips #BiomedicalScientist #CoffeeChat #LinkedInTips

How does networking turn into a job opportunity? We've all heard it before - networking is crucial for career growth and finding new job opportunities. But how do you tap into your network authentically without coming across as simply using connections? Truthfully build relationships that are built on mutual understanding and value exchange. Networking was never a one-way street and should be done with long-term intentions. Here are a few things I did that allowed me to turn relationships into career opportunities: 1. Provide Value First - Before asking for ANYTHING, see how you can help. This can be done through sharing industry insights, personal contacts, or sharing your expertise on a subject matter pro bono. 2. Express Authentic Interest - It's obvious when you're faking it! Learn their goals, interests, and pain points and ask thoughtful questions to have real conversations about more than just work. 3. Stay Top-of-Mind - Share updates on projects you're working on, milestones you've hit, or just check in periodically. This allows you to stay present in conversation. 4. Pay it Forward - Make intros between connections who could benefit each other, without the expectancy of something in return. Adopt the habit of giving just to give! These tips have allowed me to turn my network into my career superpower, supporting personal and professional goals. Drop some of your tips for building genuine relationships in the comments. #Networking #BlackLinkedIn

Networking can help you make ANY career transition ↔️ I've made a handful of small/minor career pivots myself, and I have friends & family who have made even BIGGER career pivots. There is one common element that helped each career pivot/transition story, and that is NETWORKING ✨. This Forbes article by career expert Caroline Castrillon captures this element perfectly and discusses how strategic networking efforts can help you make a career change or pivot! Remember, networking should be a consistent effort, almost like a habit. Don't just start when you need a job or when you have some obvious agenda. When you try to network with an alternative or hidden agenda, it comes across as inauthentic and disingenuous. With that said, here are the high-level of Caroline's five tips for networking for a career transition and my take on them + real stories of how they actually work 💁🏻♀️ ~ 1️⃣ Give contacts a chance to help. Reach out to people you already know and let them know that you're transitioning, or even make a post about it on LinkedIn! Let the world and the universe know your status and what you're up to! You'd be amazed at the people that come out of the woodwork and want to help you. When I started putting it out into the world that I wanted to do more speaking engagements, opportunities started coming my way! Just try it and see what happens! 2️⃣ Get valuable career advice. When my Dad realized that law school was something of interest, after a full engineering career (30+ years, 2x PE & MBA), he talked to lawyers he knew, including one of his former colleagues at his previous job. A good question to ask, specifically if you're making a career change, is, "If you were just starting out, what actions would you take to kickstart your career?" 3️⃣ Meet other career changers. Talk to other people who have transitioned into your target career, and if you can, find someone with a similar path/trajectory i.e SWE ➡️ PM. This way, you can learn about proven, tested strategies that have actually worked for people. 4️⃣ Practice your transition statement. I like to think of this as an edited, curated version of your "elevator speech," and remember to frame it as a story. Storytelling is crucial in interviews, and when you're making a career change, it's important to tell that story in a compelling way. 5️⃣ Build confidence. I think Caroline captured it perfectly when she said, "...confidence is not an innate, fixed characteristic. It’s a skill that can be developed." When my mom was transitioning from civil engineering to real estate sales, she built her confidence by working under another broker and building her resume. I built my confidence through a product fellowship and 2 product management internships! TL;DR Build confidence through experience and projects! https://lnkd.in/gA8ihBtu