Networking for HR: Creating Value for Others

Most people think networking is how you get ahead - NO. Strategic Project Leaders create value and leaders seek them out; hence, their network grows— that is why they rise. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬, 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐮𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬. Executives and decision-makers are not impressed by flattery or forced small talk. They are moved by : ✔️clarity, ✔️ relevance, ✔️your ability to help them think differently or move faster toward a goal. This is where most professionals get it wrong: They network to be seen, instead of networking to be of service. When you shift your mindset from “How can this help me?” to “How can I create strategic value for this person or organisation?”—everything changes. 🪀Doors open. 🪀Conversations go deeper. 🪀Opportunities multiply. Strategic networking is not about volume—it is about intention. It is not only about visibility—it is about value to others. That is how I built relationships with leaders I once thought were out of reach. That is how you position yourself as someone worth aligning with. 👉Not just a professional. 👉Not just a contact. 👉A catalyst. Want to learn how to create value that builds networks like a Strategic Project Leader? Let’s talk. I will show you how I do it—and how you can too. #FolaElevates #StrategicLeadership #Networking #ProjectLeadership #StrategicElites #CareerAcceleration #ProjectIntelligence ----------------------- Adam Grant, a renowned organizational psychologist, also notes that successful networking is not about climbing the social ladder but creating meaningful, reciprocal relationships. This aligns with research from the Journal of Management Studies, which found that leaders with diverse networks are better positioned to identify and leverage new opportunities.

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

If your networking strategy is “Can I pick your brain?” —think of another ask. That’s not networking. It’s one-way. Years ago, a friend asked to meet with me when I was an executive at a major global company. She didn’t arrive with a list of asks. She arrived prepared. She had accessed a thoughtful report on talent management and leadership development—relevant to my role and current priorities. She listened carefully. Took notes. Asked questions that built on the conversation rather than redirected it. At the end, she thanked me—and handed me the report. I never forgot that moment. Not because she impressed me. Because she honored the exchange. The best networking is mutual. It’s curious, generous, and intentional. It creates value before it asks for it. Before you reach out, consider this: What could I offer that might genuinely be useful? That’s how real relationships begin and endure. Curious how others think about this: What’s the most thoughtful or generous thing someone has brought into a networking conversation with you—something that made you want to stay connected? #networking #2waystreet

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

Stop thinking about “networking.” The word itself is flawed. It suggests collecting contacts, chasing opportunities, or angling for your next job. That mindset misses the point. What you should be asking is where can you deliver value, and where can others help you deliver more? At the level most of us operate, no one creates meaningful outcomes alone. Teams, clients, and partners all depend on shared value creation. When you focus there, the right connections form naturally. I’ve approached my career the same way with clients. My role isn’t about asking what they can do for me. It’s about understanding what they need from me: Deeper knowledge  Sharper execution Clearer guidance That focus on value has consistently driven the next opportunity, not a superficial introduction. Forget “networking.” Start contributing where it matters. That’s how careers advance and businesses grow.

If you're hoping to network with someone you don't know, start by helping them. Here's a list of actions you can take to provide value to a new contact: -Listen to a podcast they were interviewed on and reference the episode. -Read their article or other written resource and mention your takeaways. -Watch videos of their interviews or speaking engagements. -Subscribe to their newsletter, podcast, or social profiles. -Add thoughtful comments on their LinkedIn posts or elsewhere on social. -Share their social media content and include your commentary. -Leave a genuine review or rating on their course, podcast, services page, etc. -Attend their company's next in-person or online event, especially if it's free. -Interview them to provide additional exposure to their ideas and accomplishments that could benefit other readers, viewers, or listeners. -Curate resources and opportunities for them based on their actual interests. The goal is to demonstrate a genuine interest in them by going beyond asking for something or using the same generic pleasantries everyone else does.

Networking isn't just about making connections; it's about creating value for those in your network. A common mistake is to reach out to connections only when you need something. Instead, focus on contributing to your network first. Share useful content, offer help, and make introductions that benefit others. For example, when you connect with someone, research their role and challenges. Share relevant articles or insights that might help them. Ask, "How can I help you?" This simple question can go a long way in building trust and fostering meaningful relationships. Making introductions within your network can also be incredibly valuable and appreciated. Starting early and consistently offering value builds a solid foundation for your network. Your posts, thoughts, and advice not only enrich your connections but also position you as a valuable resource. By focusing on creating value first, you build stronger, more meaningful connections over time. What strategies have you used to provide value to your network? #Networking#ValueCreation #TechLeadership

Stop updating your pipeline. Start updating your coffee budget.☕️ Many see their pipeline as names in a CRM – digital ghosts collecting dust in forgotten folders. But here's the thing: Your real pipeline isn't trapped in that database. It's thriving in every relationship you've built, one conversation at a time. Every genuine conversation, Every "Let me help you with that," Every moment you chose connection over conversion... That's where your real wealth lives. It's not about growing your list. It's about awakening what's already there. How? Not through automated sequences. Not through "touching base" emails. But through showing up as yourself, consistently. By bringing value before asking for any. By celebrating others' wins as your own. By being radically authentic. To your network, supporting you isn't a transaction. It's a natural response to the value you've created. They want to see you win. But first, they need to see you – the real you. Because business moves at the speed of trust. And trust flows through relationships. Not contact lists. But real, human bonds. Your network isn't just a list of names. It's the foundation of every future deal you haven't even imagined yet.

Networking isn't transactional It's deeply human. 𝟯 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗜 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸: 1️⃣𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙮: A former founder & CEO reached out to share the sad news of a colleague’s passing. He thought of me specifically, knowing our mutual connection. It felt meaningful, someone cared enough to inform and connect. This led me to reconnect with others, sharing stories and memories, amplifying the empathy. ⭐Human connection matters, especially as AI becomes more prevalent.   2️⃣𝙀𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘼𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙀𝙭𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙨: A new CEO network connection started a company aligned with a niche topic. Knowing how intimidating starting to do video on social media can be, I shared authentic examples of a successful influencer doing casual, low-key videos on their topic. It sparked inspiration. ⭐Sometimes the best encouragement is simply showing what's possible with real examples. I met this person at an event I was doing, to help another connection. 3️⃣𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙇𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙛𝙨: I sent an inspiring article about a European company's success to a few European CEOs who often doubt their potential without being US-based. Success stories that resonate directly address self-limiting beliefs. I offered to make an introduction to the CEO of the company the article was about. ⭐The article gives another point of validation and helps to make an introduction 'more' relevant to at least one of the parties. ✔Tip on making introductions https://lnkd.in/gR9Edfug 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄, 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹. I hope this gives you real life examples of what it means to build and cultivate a high impact network as part of your overall value as an executive and gives you ideas and inspiration.    𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙠?

It's Not an Event. It's a Way of Life... When most people hear the word networking, they think of name tags, conference halls, LinkedIn connections, and polite small talk over canapés. But real networking is far more powerful—and far more personal—than that. Networking isn’t an event. It’s a way of showing up in the world. You are networking every time you make a genuine connection, express interest in someone else’s journey, or offer value without expectation. Weddings. Funerals. Church. School functions. Even a neighbor’s BBQ. You don’t need to wait for a “networking event” to build your network. Life is full of opportunities to connect—if you’re paying attention. How to Network Without Calling It Networking 1. Do more listening than talking. The best networkers are not smooth talkers. They are curious listeners. People open up when they feel heard. When they feel seen. Make it your goal to leave every interaction knowing more about the other person than they know about you. 2. Focus less on what you want to get. Pour more into what you can give. Ask not, “What can this person do for me?” but, “What can I do for them?” Sometimes that’s an introduction, a compliment, a resource—or just showing up and caring. It’s a shift from extraction to generosity. 3. Never show up empty-handed. Whether it’s a boardroom, someone’s home, or a casual meet-up—bring something. Small gestures leave deep impressions. This doesn’t always mean a gift you buy. It could be a kind word, a thoughtful question, or a helping hand. Relationships Are Not One-Size-Fits-All 4. Use emotional intelligence. Not everyone wants the same kind of connection. Some people thrive on regular contact. Others prefer a quiet, respectful “keep-warm” relationship. Pay attention. Let your EQ guide how and how often you engage. 5. Build bridges, not just ladders. A strong network is not made up only of the most powerful people in the room. Sometimes the most helpful person is the least expected. Be intentional about cultivating both vertical and horizontal relationships—mentors, peers, juniors. Diversity brings strength, creativity, and resilience. 6. Play the long game. Networking isn’t about quick wins. It’s about planting seeds and nurturing them over time. Be consistent. Be genuine. One small interaction today might become a transformative opportunity tomorrow. In the end, networking is just another word for community. It’s how we lift each other up. How we grow. How we give. And it’s happening all around you—if you learn to look for it. So the next time you go to an event—or to a dinner, a party, or any social gathering —don’t ask, “What can I get from here?” Ask instead: “How can I be of service?” That’s where real networking begins. Stay blessed 🙏🏼