Networking for Professionals

Networking changed my life. It helped me secure my first big consulting deal that let me quit my full-time job. Here's how to build relationships on LinkedIn (the right way): Networking can either make or break your career. Do it wrong: You’ll ruin your reputation. Do it right: You’ll have people speaking well of you when you’re not around. Here’s how to network like a pro: 1) Be genuine People can sense fakeness from a mile away. Instead, speak with them to get to know them. Not just because you want something. Besides… There’s no point in building relationships with people you don’t like. 2) Be a friend We want to feel cared for. Reach out once every 3 months to see how they’re doing. • Offer help • Schedule a coffee chat • Ask about their recent trip Don’t build connections. Build friendships. 3) Change your intent Turn your “I want this” mindset into a “I want to help” mindset. Start conversations without trying to sell something. But because you want to help them. Stop asking. Start giving. 4) Think long term It doesn't matter if they can’t help you now. In the long run… …you’ll be able to reach out when you need it. Be there for them now. They’ll be there for you later. That’s a real relationship. 5) Don’t ask for immediate favors This is where most screw up. They’ve barely met someone and immediately: • Ask for a job • Request a resume review • Or want some other big favor You wouldn’t do this to a stranger on the street. Why do it on LinkedIn? 6) Be mutually beneficial Start by building foundations. When/if it makes sense, think of how you can collaborate. Just like in business… This isn’t a one-way street. I help you. You help me. That’s how the world works. 7) Create on LinkedIn You never know who’s watching. Share your thoughts on the feed daily. And give people a glimpse into what you’re doing. You may not realize it… But others are going through the same as you. One of them might just come back with a life-changing opportunity. P.s. - What's one more tip you'd recommend for people networking on LinkedIn? Thanks for reading. Enjoyed this post? Follow Jordan Nelson And share it with your audience.

Introvert-friendly networking tip: Start your event connections before the event begins. If walking into a room full of strangers makes your stomach flip, here’s a quiet strategy that can make in-person events feel less intimidating, and more intentional: 💡 Connect on LinkedIn before the event. Look up the event page, RSVP list, or hashtag. Identify a few people, maybe a speaker, a fellow guest, or someone you admire. Then send a short, friendly note like: 👉 “Hi [Name], I saw you’re also attending [Event Name] this week. I’d love to connect here and hopefully say hello in person!” I’ve used this approach myself, attending events alone and still managing to create real conversations, on my terms. Why it works: - You walk in with familiar faces instead of total strangers. - You have a built-in conversation starter (no forced small talk). - You control the pace of connection—before, during, and after the event. 💜 And here’s a bonus: If you don’t get to meet them in person, you still have the connection to follow up later with a kind note or reflection on the event. You don’t have to “work the room” to network well. You just have to be intentional. And that’s where introverts shine. Have we met? 👋 Hi, I’m Ana, a career coach and strategist for introverts. If you are a professional who wants to improve your LinkedIn presence and become visible to recruiters without spending hours job searching, then follow along! #NetworkingTips #introverts

Most people don’t have a system for in-person networking. Here’s mine. Here’s how I keep track of everyone I’m meeting so that I can follow up and make it worthwhile. At these networking events, I set a goal of meeting 10 people per hour. To do that, I need to get my head out of my phone as quickly as possible. Being on your phone is the universal sign for “leave me alone.” Here’s the fastest approach to get out of my phone while noting what I need to follow up. If I trade LinkedIn info with someone (in-person), I screenshot their profile. If they give me their business card, I take a picture. I then email the image to myself and quickly add the following info. Subject: “Mike Smith - 2” —> the “2” is a priority. I follow up with 1s the same day (unless in the evening), 2s the next day, 3s…well on day 3. Body: 1. Something to remind me about them 2. Something we chatted about that will remind them about me/our conversation 3. Anything I told them I would do or anyone I suggested connecting them with. If I know I’m going to introduce them to someone I work with, I always set that expectation during the initial conversation so that they don’t feel like they’re being handed off. Stay tuned - on Monday, I’ll fill you in on my guaranteed way to meet 10 people an hour. With #saastr2023, #inbound23 and #dreamforce2023 will you give this a try? What’s your system for keeping track of people you meet at networking events? #events #networking 

Event Season Insights: How to Elevate Your Follow-Up Game 🚀 I'm back from an incredible week at SaaStr and there's something I couldn't help but notice 👀 Many companies are missing a golden opportunity when it comes to event follow-ups Too often it's just a race to scan badges, hand out swag, and move on. But here's the thing Sending out templated, soulless emails saying "Hey, I saw you at our booth" just doesn't cut it. It's like sending a message that screams I don't remember you but I have to do this 🙅♂️ So here's a game-changer for your event strategy 🔑 Don't just scan badges; connect and build relationships. Find 1 to 3 unique things about each person you meet. It could be their goals, their thoughts on the event, or anything else that sparks a real conversation. For example I met Tom at our booth. Instead of just scanning his badge, I had a chat with him. I learned about his goals, his event experience, and even what kind of swag he liked. Then I made sure to jot this down in our CRM. Fast forward to the follow-up I could reach out to Tom and say, "Hey Tom, great meeting you at the booth. Sarah mentioned you were interested in XYZ. By the way, hope you liked those awesome socks! 😉 This approach isn't about sending hundreds of templated emails and hoping for the best. It's about personalizing your follow-up and showing that you care. 🤝 It's time to change the game. Next time you're at an event remember It's not about collecting names. It's about making meaningful connections. Drop a 👋 if you're ready to level up your event follow-up game! And if you are at Dreamforce come say Hi! I'm here! It's my 1st one lets go 💪😎

Send your nice-to-meet-you emails! Recently, I was reminded of the importance of sending a follow-up email after meeting a potential client at an event. It took me about 30 seconds to draft and proofread the message. Later the same day, a colleague of the person I met sent a quote request for a significant project. While we might not get the order, we’re now on their radar as a potential supplier. Here are four tips to consider for your follow-up messages: 1. Be concise. Short and sweet is best. 2. Include something specific from your conversation. 3. Offer to connect again for a deeper dive. 4. Carefully proofread your message before sending it. Follow-up emails are a terrific way to remain top-of-mind and build connections. Make sure you send one the next time you meet someone new.

Do You Want to Make Meaningful LinkedIn Connections? We all know the importance of networking on LinkedIn, but have you ever found yourself really wanting someone to accept your connection request? Building meaningful connections is very important, and here's an approach that I've found effective in these few months. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Before hitting "𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭," engage with their content. Like, comment, and if possible, share their posts with your thoughts to genuinely connect with their ideas. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: Commenting is a fantastic way to start/connect. Share your thoughts, ask questions, or simply show your appreciation for their content. 𝐀 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: Now, when you send that connection request, add a personal note. Express why you want to connect. Mention that you've been following their content and find it inspiring/useful. 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: If they accept, keep the momentum going. Engage with their posts and build a real relationship over time. And remember, not everyone accepts your request, but that should not stop us from trying! Over the past three months, I've been amazed at the connections I've made. These have been some of the best days of my life so far! I never thought it was possible, but I've come to understand that it can be done with time, genuine interest, and effort. The connections I've made are not just professional contacts; they are friends now. LinkedIn is more than just a platform; it's a network of potential collaborators, mentors, and friends. Networking is a process, it can't be done overnight! So, how do you approach making connections here? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments! #linkedin #connections #jobsearch #dataanalysis #networking

I landed back in Los Angeles after a 4-day legal convention in Vegas and realized something: People are great at networking in the moment, but struggle to follow-up and keep relationships after an event like a major convention. To make sure all of the connections you made are sustained long-term, here's a step-by-step guide to effectively follow up post-convention: 📝 Personalized Note Writing: Always begin with a personalized note. Thank your new contacts for their time and highlight specific topics or moments you shared. A handwritten note can make a deep impression in today's digital world, signaling thoughtfulness and genuine interest. 📲 Organize Contact Details: Compile a database of the addresses, emails, and other contact details you've gathered. Tools like Microsoft Excel or CRM platforms like Salesforce or HubSpot can be great for this. This not only helps with immediate follow-up but aids in long-term relationship management. 🤳🏻 Engage on Social Media:   Connect with your new contacts on platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, IG, Facebook and TikTok. Engage with their posts to foster online rapport, but ensure your interactions are meaningful. 📩 Newsletters:   If you have a newsletter, consider adding your new contacts to the mailing list (with their consent). This keeps them updated on your activities, insights, and the latest happenings in the legal field. 🔄 Share Your Work: If you've written books, articles, or other publications, share them. It not only positions you as an expert but provides value to your contacts. ✅ Regular Check-ins:   Set reminders to touch base periodically. You could share relevant articles, wish them on holidays, or update them about significant milestones in your career. 👏🏼 Tips and Insights: Offer helpful tips or insights from the convention or from your experience. It’s a non-invasive way to remind them of the value you bring to the table. 🤝 Long-Term Relationship Building Relationships are not about transactions but genuine connections. Ensure your interactions are not always business-focused. Learn about their interests, congratulate them on personal achievements, and be there during challenging times. 📚 Recommend Books: If you've come across insightful books (including ones you've written), recommend them. It's a subtle way to showcase your expertise and share knowledge. 🎉 Events and Reunions: Consider organizing or attending reunion events for convention attendees. It's a way to rekindle connections and stay updated on each other’s progress. Remember: post-convention networking is an art. It requires genuine interest, persistence, and patience. By investing time and effort into nurturing these relationships, you'll not only grow your network but also enrich your professional journey. Remember, it's not about how many contacts you have, but the depth and quality of those connections. #networking #lawyer #success #relationshipbuilding

Networking was a nightmare in my 20s. Because I misunderstood it! College / early career is supposed to be a great time to connect with seniors, alumni, and other awesome people in the field. And there I was, an introvert with heart palpitations, canceling calls last minute, or hoping people didn’t turn up. I avoided connecting with new people with a vengeance for almost a decade even though I thrived in informal meetups! 😓 All the while seeing others networking effortlessly.. Here’s what helped me finally: 1️⃣ Removing the pressure of “networking” 2️⃣ Connecting with people I genuinely found interesting. What do I want to learn from them? (no spamming). 3️⃣ Personalizing my message. What’s my WHY? (short and specific). 4️⃣ Following up twice if I didn’t hear back (people aren’t ignoring me, they are busy). 5️⃣ Listening more, talking less. Be curious. Ask questions. If networking makes you nervous, remember you are not alone. Do it your way. Do it at your pace. And do it to GROW ✨ It’ll be a gamechanger. Trust me! What’s a tip you’d add? LinkedIn #OneThingToKnow #networking #community #careers #mindset

You meet a prospective client at a conference and hit it off. They suggest their company may need your legal services, and invite you to follow up with them. You're excited about the opportunity, so the day after you get home from the event, you craft and send a thoughtful email expressing how great it was to meet the person and suggesting dates for a call. And then...crickets. I often work with clients who experience something like this. What seemed like a surefire business development opportunity becomes radio silence. When faced with a situation like this, the key thing to remember is to not get discouraged nor make assumptions. There are all kinds of reasons—other than you getting ghosted—that may explain why you didn't hear back: - Your email got missed amid the onslaught of other messages the prospective client received while away at the conference. - The opportunity may be real, but not ripe. - They caught a cold at the conference and they're triaging their inbox because they're not feeling well. - They have every intention of responding, but just not yet. - And a multitude of other potential reasons. Give it some time. Be patient. And work other opportunities to build your pipeline. Don't be the person who sends an email to a prospective client on a Friday and then follow up on Monday. But do follow up—with empathy and understanding of what it's like to stand in the other person's shoes. In some cases that may mean waiting a couple of weeks, and sending an email that doesn't even mention setting up a call. Think back to the conversation you had, and what questions were asked, or pain points and objectives discussed. Send a helpful resource that addresses a problem the prospective client is facing. This demonstrates that you're interested more in their success than your own business development. And you may have to send several other such emails and resources over the course of months—or even years—before you get the response you're looking for. Legal demand is unpredictable—as is the personal or business circumstances faced by someone you're reaching out to at any given moment. Be persistent and helpful—not pushy. More often than not, if there is a real opportunity to be had, this patient approach will pay off.

ADHD brains hate networking—7 tips that work: (built for follow-through, not overwhelm) Let’s get real for a second. You don’t need another “just reach out!” list. You need something you can come back to after opening 6 tabs and forgetting what you were doing. I’ve got you, fam 👇 ️1. Focus on giving, not taking. ↳ Think: "How can I help or support this person?" ↳ Provide value first to build trust. 🧠 ADHD tip: Keep a list of ways to add value: sharing an article, introducing someone, or just listening. 2. Every conversation = an opportunity. ↳ Stay curious and ask thoughtful questions.  ↳ A single chat may lead to a job lead or advice. 🧠 ADHD tip: Jot down notes immediately after the conversation to remember key points. 3. Your network evolves with you. ↳ As your career shifts, your network should too.  ↳ Connect with folks in your industry or space often. 🧠 ADHD tip: Schedule a monthly "check-in" day to identify who to connect with or where to focus. 4. Quality > quantity. ↳ Don't aim to connect with everyone.  ↳ Spend more time with people who fit your goals. 🧠 ADHD tip: Make a "Top 5" list of key connections and check in with them regularly. 5. Follow-up makes connections stick. ↳ The magic happens after the first chat.  ↳ Send reminders for follow-ups or helpful articles. 🧠 ADHD tip: Use tools like calendars or apps (e.g., Todoist) to remind you to follow up within a week. 6. Show up online. ↳ Stay visible on platforms like LinkedIn.  ↳ Share insights and engage with others genuinely. 🧠 ADHD tip: Set a daily timer for 10 minutes to comment, post, or message someone consistently. 7. Consistency beats perfection. ↳ Networking takes time – no quick wins here.  ↳ A little effort often > bursts of energy or long gaps. 🧠 ADHD tip: Pick a recurring day (e.g., Fridays) for networking—it's easier to stick with when it's routine. You don't need to 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 networking. You need a rhythm that fits how your brain works. — One message ➝ opens a door — One follow-up ➝ builds momentum — One check-in ➝ reminds them you exist That’s how real relationships grow. Slow. Steady. Human. —— ➕ Follow me David Hannan for more ♻️ Repost to help someone stuck at ‘just reach out’