Tips for Intentional Networking

Most professionals wait until they need a job to start networking. But by then, it feels forced, rushed, and honestly… a little desperate. Here’s the truth: Networking is not about asking for favors. It’s about building genuine relationships before you need them. If you’re trying to shift roles, grow into leadership, or feel stuck where you are, start here: 1. Connect with intention. Reach out to people in roles, industries, or companies that interest you. Not to ask for a job, but to understand how they got there. 2. Make it easy for them to respond. Send a short, clear message. Let them know why you admire their path and ask for 10–15 minutes to learn from their experience. 3. Lead with curiosity, not need. The best conversations happen when you’re genuinely interested—not just looking for an opening. 4. Stay in touch. A thank-you note, an article they might like, a quick update on your progress—relationships grow through consistency, not one-offs. 5. Give before you ask. Share insights, offer help, or simply support their work. Thoughtful connection builds long-term trust. Networking isn’t about being extroverted or strategic all the time. It’s about being present. Showing up. And remembering that people open doors for those they remember for the right reasons. If you’re waiting for the perfect time to start, this is it.

Aimless networking won’t get you an interview: If you’re reaching out to people with: ❌ “Hey, are you hiring?” ❌ “Can you refer me for a role?” ❌ “I need a job—can we chat?” Then, you’re doing it wrong. Networking isn’t about ASKING for a job. It’s about BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS that create opportunities. Here’s how to have networking conversations that actually lead to job interviews: 1️⃣ Start with Genuine Interest and Intention of Building the Relationship After some research on the connections, reach out with curiosity, not desperation. Example: “I admire your career path in [industry]. What are some challenges you’re seeing within this space?” 2️⃣ Focus on Their Experience People enjoy sharing their journey. Ask thoughtful questions: ✔ What expertise have you developed in this role? ✔ What are the 2 biggest challenges you’re working on now? ✔ What skills have been most valuable for finding workable solutions? 3️⃣ Share Your Value—Naturally Instead of asking for a job, share what you’ve been working on (or had success in) that is relatable. Example: “I’ve been leading [specific projects] and applying my expertise in [industry]. Sometimes that experience can be a solution to X (one of the challenges they mentioned). 4️⃣ End with a Soft Ask and offer to be a resource for them. Don’t force a referral—invite guidance. Example: “Based on what I’ve shared, who else in your network would be appropriate to be introduced to?” 5️⃣ Follow Up & Stay Visible Keep the relationship alive—send a thank-you note along with a resource for them. Engage with their content, and if you met with a person they referred,  update them on your progress. The best networking is an exchange. It’s strategic and relational. Networking can be challenging if you view it one way.  Make it mutual. Let me know in the comments if you agree that both parties need to benefit from networking conversations and how you prepare to make that happen.

As an HR professional, I’m often asked about networking and how to approach it effectively. Networking is not just about meeting people—it’s a powerful tool for personal development, continuous learning, and fostering meaningful connections. When done thoughtfully, it opens doors to new opportunities and helps you grow both personally and professionally. Here are three essential tips for successful networking: 1. Be Intentional * Set clear goals: Are you looking for mentorship, exploring new industries, or expanding your support network? Focus on quality not quantity. * Do your homework: Research attendees or speakers in advance and prepare thoughtful questions or talking points to guide your conversations. 2. Lead with Value * Networking is about building relationships, not just seeking personal gain. Shift your focus to “How can I help?” * Look for opportunities to support others—whether by sharing insights, offering resources, or making introductions that could be beneficial. 3. Keep the Connection Alive * After an event or meeting, follow up with a personalized message that references your conversation. * Maintain the relationship by staying in touch over time—share articles, updates, or simply check in to show you value the connection. Conversation Starters Consider these to spark engaging conversations: * "What’s the most exciting part of your current role or project?" * "What inspired you to attend this event today?" * "What’s a professional trend or topic you’re really interested in right now?" And one last tip: Put your phone down! Being fully present shows respect and builds deeper connections. What are your go-to networking strategies? I’d love to hear your thoughts! #Networking #Development #GrowthMindset

Build relationships and not a network. "Networking" is cringeworthy for many, especially those who feel it is selfish, wrong, or uncomfortable. The good news is that nobody wants to be at the receiving end of your networking efforts too. If you are trying the same old networking tips that promise to boost your connections but leave you feeling more disconnected than ever, that is because networking is killing relationship building. Stop networking and build genuine relationships. You can do that by thinking about a few things. ➡️ Be genuinely curious - Be interested in learning more about the other person in the conversation. ➡️ Find commonalities - Find common topics like books, kids, dogs, and food but remember that while discussing such common topics can be a good icebreaker, relying solely on these surface-level interests can hinder deeper connections. Dig a little deeper into shared passions or experiences to foster a more meaningful bond. ➡️ Relationships over transactions - Don't treat networking as a transaction. Look for ways to help others genuinely without expecting an immediate return or any return. Building a network based on mutual support and generosity fosters authentic connections that go beyond mere self-interest. ➡️ Notes of gratitude vs. genuine appreciation - Sending notes of gratitude can be powerful, but they lose their impact if they become a routine gesture. Instead, express genuine appreciation when someone has truly made a difference. Personalized and heartfelt acknowledgments go a long way in building lasting connections. ➡️ Public networks vs. personal connections - Investing in public networks can widen your reach, but don't neglect the importance of personal connections. Balancing both public and private networks ensures a well-rounded and authentic approach to relationship building. Remember fostering genuine relationships is important. By avoiding the common pitfalls of networking and focusing on authentic connections, you will be building a network that truly matters.

Wrapped up my first SaaStr.ai event this week. And it got me thinking of something we rarely talk about as founders: networking is both essential and unnatural. Especially for those of us who find walking up to strangers somewhere between awkward and exhausting. Here’s what helped me navigate the room (insights shaped by trial, error, and a bit of Jeffrey Pfeffer’s realism about power and influence) 1. Accept the discomfort Networking isn’t supposed to feel natural. It’s a learned skill, not a personality trait. The first step is to stop waiting until it feels comfortable, because it never does. Also, if it does for you, please share your secret. 2. Treat every conversation as an exchange, not a pitch You’re not “selling yourself” You’re connecting information, ideas, and people. Ask smart questions. Be curious. People remember being listened to. 3. Prepare two sentences One about who you are. One about what problem your startup is solving. Having that ready helped skip the anxiety of improvising when someone asks, “Cool name - What does Data Dumpling do?” 4. Use the environment Standing next to the coffee line? Comment on the queue. Sitting in a session? Ask the person beside you what they thought. Small moments open big doors. 5. Follow up fast Momentum fades. Drop a short message that says something specific about your conversation. It shows intent and differentiates you from those who “meant to follow up.” I’m not an extrovert, I need to reset after social interactions. And my biggest learning is that networking isn’t about being charismatic. It’s about showing up (again and again) until you’re part of the flow. That’s the real hustle.

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

People ask me how I make valuable connections at events. My secret? I stopped treating networking like a 'checkbox task.' People ask me how I leave events with leads—not just a stack of cards. My secret? I focus on meaningful conversations, not just 'weather' talk. People ask me how I turn a simple intro into future collaborations. My secret? I show up with intention, not just for attendance. But the truth is… There is no secret. Just genuine effort and curiosity. 😊 To build relationships that actually matter, you get out of networking what you choose to invest in it. 5 things that changed me from a hearing-aid-wearing introvert to a well-networked business owner: → 𝗚𝗼 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲. Who do you want to meet? What kind of conversations do you want to have? Don’t just “see what happens.” → 𝗔𝘀𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. Instead of “So, what do you do?” try “What has you excited to work lately?” → 𝗕𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴. Listen more than you talk. People remember how you made them feel, not your elevator pitch. → 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁. The real connection happens after the event. Send a message, set up a coffee, or simply thank them for the conversation. → 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 > 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆. One meaningful connection beats ten forgettable chats every time. Want to get more out of networking? Show up for connection, not just attendance. The best relationships I’ve built didn’t happen in the room—they happened because I stayed intentional after I left. __ If you’re new here, I’m Andy Milligan 👋🏻 I design + build brands that return on the investment, and I’m sharing my journey building MMG Design along the way.

Networking without a why is just another meeting. I recently reconnected with someone I hadn’t talked to in years — and now, they’re a successful HR leader. What struck me wasn’t just how much they’ve grown, but how intentional our conversation felt. We weren’t just “catching up.” We both came into it with a why: to learn, to share, and to see where our paths might intersect again. That’s the part people often overlook about networking — it’s not about collecting contacts. It’s about creating connections with purpose. So before your next call or coffee chat, ask yourself: Why am I reaching out? What do I hope to give or gain? And if you’re not sure how to frame that, here are a few prompts you can use to guide follow-up conversations: 🔹 “I’d love to hear how you navigated [specific challenge/transition].” 🔹 “What skills or experiences have been most valuable in your career journey?” 🔹 “What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone who wants to grow in this field?” 🔹 “Are there ways I could add value to the work you’re doing?” 🔹 “Who else would you recommend I learn from or connect with?” Networking done well isn’t about having the perfect pitch — it’s about showing up with intention and leaving the other person better for having spent time with you. How do you prepare for your networking calls? Do you go in with a why, or do you keep it open-ended?

Tis the Season to Network! I've said and written it a thousand times, and I will write it once again. Networking is not just randomly reaching out to hiring managers online after applying for jobs. While it may work occasionally, it’s far more likely to create a negative impression. There is an HR buffer there for a reason. True networking is about building long-term connections with the intent of mutual support, not just asking for favors. Yes, it’s okay to reach out to a hiring manager if you’ve been introduced or have an established connection, but the best way to start is by simply building a proactive network from the ground up. Start Simple: Reach out with something friendly like, “I’m building my network and would love to connect. I promise not to abuse the privilege!” Begin with People You Know: It doesn’t matter what they do or how you know them. These familiar connections make it easier to get comfortable with outreach and refine your approach. Say Thanks: Once someone connects, send a quick thank-you message. That’s it—no pressure to ask for anything right away. Track and Engage: For those you want to reconnect with later, keep a list and monitor their activity. Engagement doesn’t have to be immediate; just keep them in your orbit. Your Initial Goal? 500 connections. And what better time than the holiday season to start reaching out? A simple message wishing them a happy holiday season is a great way to keep your network warm and active. Remember, networking isn’t about asking for favors—it’s about creating meaningful, long-term relationships where you can support each other over time. Start small, stay genuine, and watch your network grow. Happy Networking and Happy Holidays!

I didn’t know a single person working in research, policy, or international relations. No network. No referrals. Just late-night Google searches, LinkedIn deep dives, and a lot of awkward messages sent into the void. But somehow… ✅ I landed research roles my field ✅ Won a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship to study in the UK ✅ Attended global conferences hosted by Harvard and UNDP I didn’t crack networking. I built it, slowly, quietly, without pretending to be someone I’m not. And here’s are some things I wish someone had told me earlier: 1. Show up before you feel ‘ready’. I started posting when I had no big wins to share, just thoughts, reflections, questions. That built more trust than polished highlight reels ever could. 2. Network like a researcher, not a job-seeker. Before messaging anyone, I’d read what they wrote, watch what they said, and think about what I could learn, not what I could get. 3. Create proof of interest, not just intent. Instead of saying “I’m interested in xyz” I wrote about it. Posted about it. Took up projects around it. That way, when I reached out to people, they already knew I meant it. 4. Don’t just meet people, map them. I kept a check of people I admired: what they worked on, where they moved, what fellowships they did. Not to copy but to learn the terrain. 5. Add value, quietly. I’ve shared links. Introduced people. Given feedback on essays. Never expected anything in return. And months later that generosity came back in surprising ways. 💬 What’s a networking tip you swear by or one you’re still figuring out? LinkedIn Guide to Creating LinkedIn News India #LinkedInNewsIndia #Networking #research