Networking for Professionals

My candidate landed a ₹15 LPA offer at a top MNC without even applying. No resume drop. No job portal. How? ✅ She unlocked the hidden job market that most candidates never see. So, how did she do it? Not with luck. But with a strategy anyone can use: 1. She built her brand before she needed a job. She shared her wins, projects, and insights on LinkedIn consistently. Example: Every Friday, she posted a carousel breaking down a real-life analytics problem she solved at work, tagging teammates and sharing key takeaways. This made her visible as a problem-solver in her field. 2. She reached out to industry peers, not just HR. No generic “Hi, can you refer me?” Instead, she started real conversations about trends, challenges, and solutions in her field. Example: She messaged a data scientist at her dream company, commenting on a recent paper he’d published: 👇 “Hi Raj, I loved your article on predictive analytics in retail. I’ve been working on similar models for FMCG clients and would love to exchange notes!” This led to a meaningful chat, not a cold request. 3. She gave before she asked. She offered feedback on others’ work, shared resources, and celebrated others’ milestones. Example: She congratulated connections on promotions, shared helpful webinars in group chats, and offered to review a peer’s resume before asking for any help herself. 4. She followed up, politely and persistently. After every conversation, she sent a thank-you note: 👇 “Thanks for your insights, Priya! I’ve already started applying your advice. Hope we can catch up again soon.” She stayed top of mind, not just top of the inbox. You don’t need a massive network. You need genuine connections, a clear story, and the courage to show up before you need help. If you’re still waiting for the “perfect” job post to appear, you’re already late. The best opportunities are shared in DMs, whispered in meetings, and offered to those who are already visible. Start building your presence, your relationships, and your reputation today. #jobsearch #jobopportunities #jobinterview #careergrowth

Stop (only) applying for jobs. I'm serious. While everyone will help, here is what actually works: ✅ Spend that time building relationships with people at companies you want to work for. Here's the math no one talks about: 100 applications = 2-3 callbacks (if you're lucky) 10 genuine connections = 5-7 opportunities How do I know? Hiring and getting hired are very similar. So far, all my hires were referrals and introductions. All my clients came through the same. I've placed hundreds of designers. The ones who got hired fastest? They weren't the ones with the most applications. They were the ones who: → DMed designers at target companies about their work (I've hired people who did this at Miro) → Commented thoughtfully on posts from hiring managers → Asked for 15-minute coffee chats, not job talk at first → Built relationships BEFORE they needed them (that's the actual gold here) Real example from last week: The designer spent 3 months engaging with the design lead's content. When a role opened up? She got a DM: "We have something perfect for you." Never even posted publicly. Meanwhile, 847 other designers are fighting over the LinkedIn posting 👹 But here's the part no one teaches you — WHO to reach out to: ✓ Someone I aspire to get to know ✓ Someone's career I aspire to have ✓ Someone who works where I'd like to work ✓ Someone who may be going through similar challenges ✓ Someone I will have lots to talk about And here's how I prioritize companies and roles: First, I map out my network: → Find all my previous colleagues — where do they work now? → Find all open roles — what's relevant and what sounds like the best fit? → What can I see about those environments from JDs and career websites? This gives me a targeted list of: ✨ Companies where I already have warm connections ✨ Roles that actually match my skills ✨ Environments I'd thrive in (not just survive) Smart networking > no applications > successful hires. Every. Single. Time. The best jobs aren't advertised. They go to people already in the conversation. So stop being application #248. Start being the person they think of first. Your time is better spent building one real connection than sending 20 applications into the black hole. Trust me on this one. 💬 How did you get your last role: application or connection? Tell me and let's do some market research together ⬇️

The saying “It’s not what you know, but who you know” still holds true for career progression, but for women, building those all-important connections comes with extra hurdles. Research published in the Academy of Management Journal, highlighted by Harvard Business Review, shows that women face greater barriers than men when it comes to forming high-status networks. One striking finding? Women are 40% less likely than men to form strong ties with senior leaders after face-to-face interactions. Traits like assertiveness and confidence—often linked with leadership—are judged through a traditional gendered lens, which means women's and other marginalised genders contributions can be overlooked. So, what’s the solution? Women can leverage third-party introductions, which often carry implicit endorsement and help sidestep these biases. In fact, the research shows women are more likely than men to succeed in building high-status networks through shared contacts. Organisations also need to step up by creating network sponsorship programmes, where leaders don’t just mentor women—they actively advocate for them, opening doors and making introductions that help women advance. It’s time for organisations to rethink how they approach networking. By fostering more inclusive, proactive strategies, we can break down barriers and create a level playing field for women to build the connections that will drive their careers forward. Let’s turn "who you know" into an opportunity for everyone. #Networking #GenderEquity #ThreeBarriers

12 ways to network your way into a new role (Without sending annoying cold DMs) Everyone talks about networking into a new role. But you don’t have to send spammy LinkedIn DMs: “Hey, I’m applying for a job, can you refer me?” It's a big ask to someone you don’t know. Real networking is a powerful tool. Here’s 12 ways to build your professional network: 1/ Join alumni committees ↳ Active members get first job referrals 2/ Connect your connections  ↳ Value multiplies through introductions 3/ Find conversations everywhere ↳ The hair salon or barbershop is a connection spot 4/ Attend industry events  ↳ Real connections happen in smaller spaces 5/ Build your board of directors ↳ Offer to help at their events/workshops 6/ Join non-business groups  ↳ Life interests create stronger bonds 7/ Create micro-communities  ↳ Small groups drive deeper connections 8/ Volunteer strategically ↳ Join committees where decision-makers serve 9/ Host mini-meetups ↳ Bring 3-4 professionals together for coffee 10/ Attend a public talk ↳ Find others who are similarly aligned 11/ Online professional communities ↳ Informal Slacks, Discords, & masterminds 12/ Professional associations ↳ Give you an immediate shared starting point Focus on building genuine relationships. One meaningful connection a week is 52 a year. Build a network before you need a job. How are you going to build your network this week? ♻️ Repost to help your network 🔔 Follow Ashley Couto for career growth

In my early career, I thought networking was all about building as many connections as possible. But I quickly learned that effective networking isn't about the quantity of your connections—it's about the quality. Throughout my career, the connections that have truly made a difference weren’t the ones where I just asked for help—they were the ones where I made it easy for others to want to help me. If you want to make others genuinely want to help you, it’s crucial to move beyond simply asking for favors. Instead, focus on creating value and building relationships where both parties benefit. So, how can you do the same? Here are four tactical tips to help you network effectively: ✅ Do Your Homework Before reaching out, research the person or company you’re interested in. Understand their work, challenges, and how you can add value. For instance, instead of asking a connection for job leads, do your own research first. Identify specific roles and companies you’re targeting, and then ask if they can help with an introduction. This approach shows initiative and respect for their time. ✅ Be Specific in Your Ask Whether you’re asking for an introduction, advice, or a referral, be clear and concise about what you need. For example, instead of asking, “Do you know anyone hiring?” say, “I noticed [Company Name] is looking for a [Role]. Would you be open to introducing me to [Person]? I’m happy to send you my resume and a brief write-up you can pass along, too.” This shows that you’ve taken the initiative and makes it easier for your contact to say yes. ✅ Offer Mutual Value When requesting a meeting or advice, frame it as a two-way conversation. Instead of saying, “Can I pick your brain?” try something like, “I’d love to exchange ideas on [specific topic] and share some strategies that have worked for me.” This not only makes your request more compelling but also positions you as someone who brings value to the table. ✅ Follow Up with Gratitude After someone has helped you, don’t just say thank you and disappear. Keep them in the loop on how their help made an impact. Whether you got the job, secured the meeting, or just had a great conversation, let them know. This closes the loop and makes them more inclined to help you in the future. Your network is one of your greatest assets—nurture it well, and it will be there for you when you need it most. What’s one networking tip that’s helped you build stronger connections? *** 📧 Want more tips like these? Join Career Bites - free weekly bite-sized tips to supercharge your career in 3 minutes or less: lorraineklee.com/subscribe 📖 You can also get behind-the-scenes stories, updates, and special gifts for my upcoming book Unforgettable Presence: lorraineklee.com/book

𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬, 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 Does the thought of networking make you feel like you're just selling yourself? It's time to flip the script. Here’s how to network effectively without feeling 'salesy': 📍Seek Depth, Not Numbers Forget about amassing contacts. Harvard Business Review suggests that meaningful, in-depth conversations are far more beneficial than a vast network. 📍Become a Master Listener Effective networking is less about talking and more about listening. Show genuine interest in others' stories and challenges. This approach not only builds stronger connections but also makes your interactions more engaging. 📍Lead with Value Always offer help before asking for anything. According to LinkedIn, 80% of professionals believe that networking is most effective when both parties gain something from the exchange. 📍Customize Your Connections Skip the generic connection requests. Reference specific details about how you met or a topic you discussed. This personal touch transforms your approach from transactional to meaningful. 📍Make Memorable Follow-ups After meeting someone, follow up with something relevant from your discussion. Whether it's an article related to a topic you spoke about or a simple congratulation on a recent achievement, personalized follow-ups make you stand out. 📍Engage Thoughtfully Online Interact with your connections' content by sharing insights or thoughtful comments. This keeps you visible and valuable, enhancing your network's strength without overt selling. 📍Embrace the Long Game Remember, effective networking builds over time. Stay consistent and patient—American Express reports that 40% of executives credit networking for their success. 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙍𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩: 𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩, 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙨. 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙢𝙥 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙚𝙨. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜—𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙢𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨. ---------------------------------- Follow Surya Vajpeyi for more such content💜 #EffectiveNetworking #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalNetworking

Starting over can feel lonely. Especially when everyone else seems connected already. And the advice you'll find online? "Just put yourself out there." "Go to events." "Reach out to people." As if the problem was never knowing that. The real difficulty is showing up when your confidence is still catching up with you. When you don't have a clear answer to "so what are you doing now?" When the version of you that networked easily feels far away. That's the part nobody writes about. So here it is. 10 ways to network when you're starting over: 1️⃣ Reach out to old contacts ↳ Message former colleagues, classmates, or friends ↳ Familiar connections are often easiest to rebuild 2️⃣ Let people know you're starting a new chapter ↳ People can only help when they know your direction ↳ Share where you are and what you're working towards 3️⃣ Ask for conversations, not opportunities ↳ Seek advice, perspective, or lived experience ↳ Strong relationships start without an agenda 4️⃣ Join communities that match your interests ↳ Find groups where people share similar interests ↳ Common ground makes conversations flow easier 5️⃣ Focus on one connection at a time ↳ Build one meaningful relationship before the next ↳ Depth creates more value than large numbers 6️⃣ Follow up after meeting someone ↳ Send a message while the conversation feels fresh ↳ Mention something specific you spoke about 7️⃣ Offer value whenever you can ↳ Share resources, introductions, or useful ideas ↳ Strong networks grow through mutual support 8️⃣ Stay visible and engaged ↳ Join discussions and share your perspective ↳ Consistent interaction strengthens relationships 9️⃣ Don't wait until you feel ready ↳ Confidence usually follows action, not waiting ↳ Start before you feel fully prepared 🔟 Remember networking is about relationships ↳ Focus on trust, not collecting contacts ↳ Genuine connections create lasting opportunities You don't need a polished story to reconnect. You just need the courage to start the conversation. Everything else can come later. If this helped, pass it on ♻️ And follow me, Lauren Murrell, for more like this.

I'm tired of hearing PR = traditional media. Most agencies are getting it wrong too. 🙃 It isn’t… The NY Times The WSJ  <Insert any other big-name publication> people get excited about Even if you land in a top-tier publication, chances are people will read about it like you are right now - on their LinkedIn feed - rather than the actual media platform where it was published. These traditional platforms may provide varying degrees of credibility, but they don't provide distribution. Today, EVERYTHING is media. Here’s what that might look like: Targeted Content: - Niche Podcasts: Identify the specific podcast your ideal CIO (Chief Information Officer),  CMO (Chief Marketing Officer), or whoever listens to based on their industry and interests. These podcasts are GOLD for moving prospects from awareness to consideration. - Curated Newsletters: Seek out targeted Substack newsletters relevant to your niche, not just "gems." Think "Bankless" for crypto enthusiasts or "The Information" for tech insiders. - Engaging Collaborations: Partner with influencers who genuinely understand your audience and know how to engage them on platforms like Instagram Live. Look for influencers who spark conversations and promote meaningful interactions. - LinkedIn Fireside Chats: Host live-streamed chats with industry leaders and your CEO, and top clients. This adds credibility and attracts a wider audience. - Leveraging Trends: Create TikTok accounts or tie into those that creatively engage with relevant trends and topics specific to your industry. Interactive & Community-Driven: - Virtual Conferences: Participate in or host virtual conferences that attract your target audience, offering valuable content and networking opportunities. - Twitch Streams: Consider live-streaming on Twitch for real-time interaction, especially if your target market is tech-savvy or in the gaming industry. - Reddit AMAs: Host Reddit AMAs (Ask Me Anything) on relevant subreddits to directly engage with your audience and answer their questions in an informal setting. - Pinterest Boards: Create curated Pinterest boards around themes your target market actively searches for, showcasing your brand's expertise and visual appeal. Content with Reach & Impact: - YouTube Channels: These channels have content optimized for search, and one interview alone can drive targeted traffic. - Data-Driven Insights: Prioritize creating content backed by data and industry insights that your target market craves, like reports, white papers, or infographics. Remember: If you aren't seeing the results you want with PR, it's almost ALWAYS one of two things. Either your definition of media is too narrow (and hence, strategies are outdated and underperforming), and/or you don't have a distribution plan to go with it. #pr #publicrelations #strategiccommunications #marketing #tech #b2b

Many of my female #coaching clients struggle to build and leverage powerful social networks, which can limit their career opportunities. Many women feel uncomfortable "bragging" about their accomplishments, preferring instead to rely on good performance as a primary career strategy. Furthermore, research shows that when they do talk about their accomplishments, doing so has a less positive impact than when men do the same thing. This new research from Carla Rua-Gomez, Gianluca Carnabuci, and Martin C. Goossen shows that women are well served by building high-status networks through shared connections. Women are about one-third more likely than men to form high-status connections via a third-party tie. "Third-party ties serve as bridges, connecting individuals to a high-status network that might otherwise remain out of reach. Such ties help both men and women forge valuable professional connections. But why are third-party ties especially beneficial for women? Because they are not mere connections; they are endorsements, character references, and amplifiers of capability. They carry the implicit approval and trust of the mutual contact. When a respected colleague introduces a woman to a high-status individual, that introduction comes with a subtext of credibility. It signals to the high-status connection that the woman has already been vetted and deemed competent by someone they trust. This endorsement can be a critical factor in gaining access to circles that might otherwise remain closed off due to conscious or unconscious biases." #careerstrategies #women #networking https://lnkd.in/eDBqbQcG

Networking can feel difficult, but it doesn't have to be. Following a few simple guidelines can 10x your results. The primary reasons most people struggle with networking is because: - They focus on the wrong people - They make it all about their own needs If you want better results from your networking? 1. Talk To People You're Genuinely Excited To Engage With Don't just reach out to someone because they might be able to help you get a job. Reach out to people who will help you level up no matter what. Reach out to people who are doing things you're genuinely interested in. That will make things much more authentic. 2. Give 3+ Times Before You Ask Don't get stuck on the number 3. The lesson here is to focus on giving value or making it about the other person first. The more you do that, the more social capital you build. That makes you more likely to get a "yes" when you do ask. 3. Engage In Ways That Create Energy For You Networking doesn't have to be a 30 minute Zoom call. It also doesn't need to be a boring email. Networking can be: - Engaging with LinkedIn content - Connecting with someone at a virtual event - Going for a walk while you chat with them on the phone - DMs on a social platform - Etc. You'll be most effective when you do this in ways that feel good to you. 4. Always Open The Door For The Next Interaction Way too many people finally land that networking convo, but have no idea what to say after to keep things going. Make a point to have a few questions or strategies that keep the door open. One of my favorites is to ask for a small piece of advice. Then you can act on it and follow up with your results. 5. Thank Everyone Who Helps You Not just the people who refer you in. Not just the people who actually got on a coffee chat with you. Thank the people who replied, who introduced you, who offer small pieces of advice, and everyone in between. Thank them when they initially help you. Then thank them again when you land that job. A small thank you note goes a long way.