Tips for Genuine Networking in 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

We're all told #networking is essential, that most jobs are never advertised publicly and instead are filled through connections and referrals. But what if you're an introvert, neurodiverse, or find networking awkward and transactional? It can feel overwhelming, adding unnecessary stress to an already stressful job or job search. LinkedIn addresses many concerns to build connections without the usual networking anxieties. Here's how: 🔭 Step 1: Find your "expanders" Search using keywords to find people with the positions or lives you aspire to. These are your "expanders" - individuals who inspire you and embody your goals. You can't hit a target you can't see! ❓ Step 2: Reach out with curiosity Instead of asking for a favor, immediately spark a conversation. Ask to learn more about their career path or current role. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets the foundation for a strong relationship. 👂🏾 Step 3: Listen and be present In your conversation, truly listen and express genuine curiosity and interest. This will answer your questions, spark new ones, and build a deeper connection. 🔌 Step 4: Stay connected and nourish the relationship Share relevant articles, resources, or updates about your journey. This demonstrates that you value the connection and keep the conversation flowing. Networking doesn't have to be forced or stressful. 🔊 My Story: Four years ago, I was interested in living a hybrid life in the US and Ghana. Through LinkedIn, I found Jeph, whose profile resonated with my goals. We connected via DM by expressing curiosity and listening to each other's stories. Over time, this genuine curiosity blossomed into a strong friendship. By sharing ideas and updates on our career journeys, I've learned invaluable insights into setting up a business in Ghana. This knowledge has helped me progress towards my initial goal to live and work in Ghana and the US, and it's no coincidence that I was already scheduled to be in Ghana in December, thus being able to attend Jeph's wedding (pic attached)! Networking is about building a community, not just collecting connections. Through focusing on genuine curiosity and connection, I overcame my reservations about networking and cultivated meaningful relationships that have taught me so much in my career and #personalgrowth . #networking #linkedin #introvert #neurodiversity #careergoals #community

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

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending our monthly brunch with ladies from the Young African Professional group. These are extremely accomplished young women from all walks of life and working in all industries and professions. What an amazing experience. Creating these relationships and nurturing them is so worth it. Community is important in this world. Remember your Network determines your net worth. You need to network as much as possible, especially before you encounter that job loss or need the network. Networking can help you find new opportunities, learn new skills, gain insights, and expand your influence. However, networking is not just about exchanging business cards or adding contacts on social media. It is about creating meaningful relationships based on trust, value, and mutual benefit. If you are shy, here are some ways you can go about jumpstarting your network. ✨ Be intentional and strategic. Before you attend a networking event or reach out to someone, have a clear goal and purpose in mind. What do you want to achieve from the interaction? Who do you want to meet and why? How can you offer value to them? Having a specific and realistic objective will help you focus your efforts and make a good impression. ✨ Be prepared and proactive. Do some research on the people or organizations you want to connect with. Find out their background, interests, needs, and challenges. Prepare some conversation starters or questions that show your interest and curiosity. Don’t wait for others to approach you, but take the initiative and introduce yourself. Be confident and friendly, and smile. ✨ Be authentic and genuine. Don’t pretend to be someone you are not, or say things you don’t mean. Be yourself and express your personality, opinions, and passions. Don’t try to impress or flatter others, but be honest and respectful. Don’t just talk about yourself, but listen and show empathy. Don’t just ask for favors, but offer help and support. ✨ Be engaging and memorable. Make your conversations meaningful and relevant. Find common ground and shared interests. Tell stories and anecdotes that illustrate your points. Use humor and emotion to create rapport. Ask open-ended questions and invite feedback. Give compliments and praise. Use the person’s name and make eye contact. Follow up with a personalized message or a thank-you note. ✨ Be consistent and reliable. Networking is not a one-time event, but a long-term process. To build trust and credibility, you need to maintain regular contact and communication with your connections. Keep them updated on your progress and achievements. Share useful information and resources. Refer them to other people or opportunities. Deliver on your promises and commitments. Be responsive and respectful. Which tip will you employ this week? Comment below. Love + Joy, P.S Pic below of the amazing ladies at brunch. Joanne Marime, Career and Confidence Coach

How do you feel when you walk in a room full of strangers? Are you excited by the idea of making new connections, or does the thought send you to the nearest exit? In my journey, I’ve navigated tough waters of networking events, armed with nothing but a purse full of business cards. Gone are the days of awkwardly exchanging pleasantries and doing small talk. Today, networking is about forging meaningful relationships and providing value—it's not merely about expanding your digital Rolodex. Transfer your networking dread and into networking know-how with these practical tips that won’t have you running out the door:  👊 Show Genuine Interest. Ditch the rehearsed lines. Engage in conversations about the other person’s projects, their passions, or even their pets (I love sharing stories about my pup, CoCo). Genuine curiosity is the ultimate networking tool. 👊 Focus on Quality. Networking isn’t a race to collect the most cards - it’s about building substantial relationships and remaining attentive. Stacy Silver, ISHC, a networking expert, advises to “be present and keep your phone away” to enhance active listening and engagement. Catch more of her insights during her interview with David Kong on DEI Advisors. 👊 Personalize Your Follow-Up: Make your follow-up memorable. Mention specific details like, “I loved hearing about your safari last summer!” When sending a LinkedIn invite, personalize your message to remind them of your interaction, sparing them the guesswork of where you met. 👊 Be a Connector: Introduce your new acquaintance to someone else at the event, or mimic the King and Queen of Networking, Stuart Greif and Rachel Humphrey, and craft a thoughtful email introduction that highlights mutual interests, giving both parties a compelling reason to connect. 👊 Lighten Up - A little humor goes a long way and breaking the ice. Feel free to tell appropriate jokes while remembering to know your audience. Whether your networking novice or seasonal schmoozer, remember every room full of strangers presents potential friends and collaborators. Maybe with a bit of smart networking, your next big opportunity could be waiting for you over a casual chat and a glass of wine at your next conference. What’s your best networking practical tip? Share your insights below! #networking #professionaldevelopment #coaching Pinnacle Enterprises Group | Executive Coaching & Hospitality Consulting

Ever want to introduce yourself but something holds you back? 🌟 We all feel that hesitation sometimes. But connection is the gateway to endless opportunities. I have been invited to speak at Global institutions such as United Nations, Babson College, Purdue University, MAPFRE, etc. And, most have come through because of a connection. I met them. I listened. Shared. And, got offered an opportunity. Let me share a playbook that will help you. 1. Be Genuine: Start with a sincere introduction. Share your passions and what drives you. Authenticity attracts like-minded people. 2. Find Common Ground: Look for shared interests or experiences. Building connections is easier when you have something in common. 3. Add Value: Offer help, share insights, or provide resources. Connection is a two-way street—give as much as you receive. 4. Follow Up: Keep the conversation going. A simple message after an event can solidify a new connection. If possible send a thank you card. 5. Be Brave: Step out of your comfort zone. The most rewarding connections often come from taking that first bold step. You don't need to be the most qualified person in the room. Just have to be the bravest. Building connections isn’t just about expanding your circle. It’s about building meaningful relationships that can shape your future. So, don’t let hesitation stop you. Take a deep breath, introduce yourself, and start a conversation today. Let’s connect and grow together! 🌐✨ #Networking #Introduction #ProfessionalGrowth #Connection #Relationships #CareerDevelopment #Authenticity #Opportunities #NetworkingTips #PersonalGrowth

As an introvert, networking hasn’t always come naturally to me. Even now, the thought of walking into a room full of strangers or striking up a conversation with someone new can still be daunting. However, I’ve come to realize that the value of building authentic relationships far outweighs the initial discomfort, and with practice, I’m getting better at it. A pivotal moment in my career was in 2008 when I transitioned from recruiting mortgage professionals nationally back to my finance and accounting roots recruiting in Atlanta. This shift required me to build a whole new network from scratch. BONUS: I met my amazing wife, Amanda Stanzione, MBA during this time. Then, in 2010, I transitioned again to corporate recruiting and met too many great people to mention. Each of these transitions was challenging, but networking played a crucial role in finding mentors who guided me, colleagues who supported me, and opportunities that I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. In 2021, when I started 360 Talent, I leaned into my network once again for new business, assistance when I have needed it, and (most importantly) friendship. Building authentic relationships has been key. It’s not just about exchanging business cards or connecting on LinkedIn. It’s about genuinely getting to know people, understanding their stories, and finding ways to support each other. Here are a few Monday / Tuesday tips that have helped me along the way, even though it’s still a work in progress and I’m continuously learning: -Be Genuine: Approach networking with the intent to build real relationships, not just to gain something. Show interest in others' journeys and be authentic in sharing yours. -Be Present: Whether it's an industry event or a casual coffee meeting, be fully present. Listen more than you talk, and remember that quality interactions trump quantity. -Give Before You Get: Offer your help and support without expecting anything in return. This creates a foundation of trust and reciprocity. -Stay Connected: Networking doesn’t end after the first meeting. Follow up, stay in touch, and nurture your relationships over time. As I continue to push myself out of my comfort zone, I’ve found that networking has opened doors I never imagined and has been a cornerstone of my professional growth. It’s through these meaningful connections that I’ve found new opportunities, partnerships, and lifelong friends. If you’re an introvert like me, remember that networking is a skill you can develop over time. Start small, be patient with yourself, and focus on building genuine connections. Also, here is an AI generated pic of me getting caught in the pouring rain on my Saturday morning hike. Enjoy! What are your experiences with networking? How has it impacted your career? Let’s share our stories and learn from each other. #Networking #CareerDevelopment #Mentorship #ProfessionalGrowth #Relationships #IntrovertLife

Networking isn't just about exchanging business cards; it's about connecting, learning, and growing. As a CEO and entrepreneur deeply immersed in personal development, I've found that authentic connections can be the catalyst for both personal and professional growth. Here are three networking tips that have transformed my approach: 1. Be Curious: Genuine interest in others fosters deeper connections. Ask insightful questions that go beyond the surface. It's not just about what someone does, but why they do it. 2. Provide Value: Networking is a two-way street. Think about how you can help others before considering what they can do for you. Share knowledge, offer assistance, or connect them with someone in your network. 3. Follow Up: The magic happens after the event. Reach out with a personalized message referencing your conversation. This demonstrates attentiveness and sets the stage for a lasting relationship. Now, I pose this question to you: What networking strategies have you found most effective for creating meaningful professional relationships? Engage with this post by sharing your insights in the comments. If you find these tips useful, give this post a like or pass it on to help others in your network. Let's learn from each other and expand our collective networking prowess. #Networking #Growth #Strategy

(Marketing students to non-business students) "Do you guys ever think about making a LinkedIn?" One important lesson I learned from my classes at The University of Texas at Dallas + early on myself was networking & growing a personal brand. A huge misconception is that "networking" is connecting with as many people as you can ❌ But in reality, it's the small things like: - Forming genuine relationships + friends online 💙 - Asking people online certain questions (ie. how did yall figure out what you wanted to do after college?) 🤔 - Coffee chats with new faces ☕ - Figuring out what the day-in-the-life is like at your dream job 💻 One of the *best* relationships you can form from "networking" IRL/online is finding a mentor! 👇 I'd consider Rita Beatriz Landells as one of my personal + professional mentors for the past few years. From working at OpTic Gaming + Complexity Gaming together, I recall the first week she started at Optic I asked if she wanted to get lunch together one day during work... we found out we actually lived 2 blocks away from each other and started carpooling + having mentor chats on the way to/from work! Over 2 years later, consider her one of my best friends, colleagues, and mentors ever. 💙 Finding a mentor and growing a personal network/connection with people can help you so much in the long run, not to mention you get to share countless memories, memes, and laughs together with them. 🤍 You might've seen it a few times already on LinkedIn, but simply thinking of this platform more as a social media platform vs. job application platform will allow you to form genuine friends, faces, and connections in the industry (and for any industry you work in!) 💡 ➡ Takeaway: So if you're new to LinkedIn or have had a LinkedIn for years but haven't found a huge benefit from it yet - start sending personal messages to professors, colleagues, or even new faces in your industry and start making friends (on/off the platform)! This platform is as useful as you make use of it to connect with others. 💙 #LinkedInMarketing #CareerAdvice #CollegeAdvice #Genz #GenzMarketing #NetworkingTips