Networking In Social Work

A lot of the value of attending or speaking at a conference doesn’t come from being there. It comes from what you do afterwards. How many times have you come back from a conference or event and thought, “I should’ve done more to maximize that experience”? Not just attending the sessions or showing up at the networking receptions, but turning it into something meaningful for your visibility, your relationships and your business development efforts. Me too 🙋🏼♀️ It’s easy to get caught up in our busy lives, especially after returning from a conference and then move on to the next thing without following up. What you proactively do after the event is what can turn conversations into relationships and visibility into opportunity. Here are some ways to make the most of attending your next conference: ✔️ Prioritize the people you met and follow up with context on LinkedIn or by email, referencing your conversation and suggesting a clear next step ✔️ Follow up with organizers to share feedback and express interest in speaking or getting involved in future programming ✔️ Turn your conference notes into key takeaways and share them as content (LinkedIn post, blog post or short video) connected to your work, your clients or what you’re seeing in the market ✔️ Host your own webinar to recap key themes and extend the conversation ✔️ Interview speakers or attendees whose perspectives stood out and use that content in a webinar, blog post or on social media ✔️ Host an internal recap to share key insights and connect them to your team’s work ✔️ Turn questions or conversations from the event into content or targeted outreach ✔️ Share insights from the event in an email newsletter ✔️ Add relevant new contacts to your email list so you can stay visible with them ✔️ Create a simple system to stay in touch with the people who matter most ✔️ Review the attendee list and reach out to people you didn’t meet ✔️ Follow up with speakers you admired, even if you didn’t connect in person ✔️ Identify one trend or theme you kept hearing across conversations and proactively share that perspective with clients or colleagues You already put in the time and energy to be there. This is how you carry that momentum forward. Which of these ideas resonated most with you? #LegalMarketing #ClientDevelopment #LinkedInTips #BusinessDevelopment #PersonalBrandingTips

I’ve trained in rooms where people speak English, but think in Marathi, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil Same company, same goals, but completely different communication styles. We love patting ourselves on the back for being diverse. But when a South Indian team feels a North Indian manager is "too aggressive," or a Gen Z employee thinks their Gen X boss is "dismissive", we call it a "communication gap." When really it's India's invisible boardroom barrier. Because while communicating, you’re navigating: 🔹 Cultural nuances 🔹 Generational gaps 🔹 Language preferences 🔹 Urban vs regional perspectives And if you're not adapting, you’re alienating. Here's my 3A’s of Cross-cultural communication framework: 1. Awareness: Recognize that your communication style is shaped by region, generation, and upbringing. It's not universal. 2. Adaptation: Match your message to your audience. One style doesn't fit all rooms. 3. Ask: When in doubt, clarify: What does yes mean here? How do you prefer feedback? What's the protocol for disagreement? India's diversity is incredible. But if we are not actively learning to communicate across cultures, not just languages, we're wasting it. P.S. What's your biggest cross-cultural communication struggle? #CrossCulturalCommunication #AwarenessAdaptationAsk #3AsFramework #Awareness #Adaptation #Ask #CommunicationGaps

Attending a conference? To increase the ROI from your time, effort, and money - it's important to 1) prepare ahead of time, 2) craft a game plan, 3) stay engaged during the event, and 4) take proactive steps afterward to maximize professional growth and connections. Below and attached are some key tips and a roadmap of to dos to maximize results from conference attendance. ➡️ Prepare Before Your Go: - Define clear goals for attending the conference, such as networking, learning, or scouting new opportunities. - Review the event schedule and identify sessions, speakers, and networking events relevant to your objectives. - Research attendees and, if possible, reach out for pre-conference meetings or introductions. - Prepare an elevator pitch to describe yourself succinctly and bring business cards, or digital equivalents, for easy information exchange. ➡️ Be Ready to Maximize Your Experience: - To expand your network, attend both formal sessions and informal events, such as coffee breaks, dinners, or social activities. - Attend a variety of session formats to broaden your learning, from workshops to panels and lectures. - To cover more ground, consider distributing your team among parallel sessions and share notes afterward. - Throughout the event, take notes on key takeaways, interesting contacts, and actionable tips. - Use the conference app or social media to connect with other attendees and keep track of sessions and people you meet. ➡️ Network Effectively: - Approach new contacts genuinely and avoid overly sales-focused conversations. - Refer to name tags for personalized introductions and ask follow-up questions to foster meaningful dialogue. - Be a giver: offer assistance to others and share insights from sessions to start conversations. - Be ready to end conversations politely and move on as needed. ➡️ Post-Conference Actions: - As soon as possible after the event, review and organize your notes on sessions and contacts. - Summarize and share insights, key takeaways, and resources with your team or network to extend conference value. - Follow up with new contacts via LinkedIn ASAP, and later via email to continue professional relationships. - Take time to reflect on your original goals for attending and whether attending the conference helped you achieve them, then plan for improvements at future events. - Rest and recharge as needed: balance intense participation with self-care. When approached intentionally and actively, attending a conference is a valuable opportunity for professional development and networking. With solid preparation, engaged participation, and strategic follow-up, anyone can turn a single event into long-term benefits and connections! Please share other tips in the comments. Thx! #businessdevelopment #marketing

“Trust is built when people speak well of you in rooms you’re not in.” I am inundated at the moment with messages offering to find me new clients. A new service, a piece of tech and all usually involving AI. These strangers are after my money! But I know where my next deal will come from, and I don't need to pay a "carpetbagger" to help. For as long as I can remember, my new business has always come from my network, either directly or through an introduction. "𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥. 𝐈'𝐦 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩" But of course, for this approach to work, you must build and maintain a network. You must create trust and clearly express your ask. You must be visible and approachable. You must be trusted. To help you and those in your network, I have written this article, breaking down seven practical steps to optimise your networking, built from years of experience growing global communities through Scottish Business Network and working across international markets. In the article, I focus on what actually drives results: clear intent, relevant connections, adding value, active listening, consistent follow-up, making introductions, and building long-term relationships. If you are serious about improving your networking strategy, personal brand, and business development, this is worth a read because small shifts in how you approach networking can have a disproportionate impact on outcomes. This advice is relevant for the entrepreneur building their business, the undergraduate starting their career and those who have suddenly found themselves losing their job. Please share, and hopefully, between us, we can help someone in need. What will you do differently this week to strengthen your professional network and build relationships that actually create opportunities?

You're at a conference, surrounded by industry leaders and peers. You have two choices. 1. Blend into the background and wait for someone to approach you. 2. Take the initiative and start meaningful conversations. If you chose the second option, you're already on the right path to proactive networking! Why Be Proactive? Being proactive in networking means actively seeking out opportunities to build relationships rather than waiting for them to come to you. It's about taking charge of your career growth and opening doors that you didn’t even know existed. Here's How You Can Do It: 1. Set Clear Goals: Know what you want to achieve from your networking efforts. Whether finding a mentor, learning about new opportunities, or simply expanding your professional circle, having a clear goal will guide your interactions. 2. Prepare Your Pitch: Have a concise and compelling introduction ready. This isn't just about selling yourself but about making a genuine connection. Share who you are, what you do, and what you're passionate about. 3. Attend Events: Be present at industry events, webinars, and meetups. These are gold mines for networking opportunities. Don't shy away from introducing yourself and starting conversations. 4. Follow-up: After meeting someone, send a follow-up message. Whether through LinkedIn or email, a quick note expressing your pleasure in meeting them and a reference to your conversation can go a long way. 5. Give Before You Get: Networking is a two-way street. Offer help, share resources, and connect people who can benefit from knowing each other. Your generosity will be remembered. I once met a senior executive at a casual networking event. I proactively introduced myself, and after a few follow-up conversations, he became a mentor who significantly influenced my career path. This wouldn’t have happened if I had waited for him to approach me. So, step out of your comfort zone! BE PROACTIVE and watch as your professional network grows, bringing new opportunities and experiences your way! Ready to take the first step? Share in the comments how you'll be more proactive in your networking!

If you are a grad student, this post may help you. If you don’t know how to network at a conference or an event, these are a few tips from my limited experience. 1- It’s not always clear how to approach people or start conversations, and many of us in academia lean toward the introverted side. So if you feel nervous, that’s completely normal. Don’t push yourself to talk to everyone at once, pace yourself and take breaks if you need to. Specially at a conference, you may not get a chance to meet everyone right at the beginning. Take your time! You will get a chance to talk to them. 2- One thing that makes networking easier is preparation. Most conferences share their program in advance, so take some time to look up keynote speakers, session chairs, speakers, or workshop organizers. Sometimes attendees even post on social media that they’ll be there. Having a few names and topics in mind gives you a natural way to start a conversation. It is always interesting to meet someone to know our work, so use this! 3- When you do approach someone, keep it simple and genuine! Don’t focus on trying to impress them. For example, you can say, “I really enjoyed your presentation,” or “What do you think about that last session?” The best time to do this is often right after their talk, when you can reference something specific they said. Of course, this means you must be present and listen carefully! 4- Focus on quality over quantity. You don’t need to connect with 50 people, a few meaningful connections are far more valuable. Of course, you’ll likely speak with many people throughout the event, but the real goal is to find those with whom you can build deeper relationships or collaborations. 5- Pay attention to social cues. If someone says, “I need to grab a drink,” or “I have to meet someone,” it’s usually their way of wrapping up the conversation. Respect that and don’t push further. Seriously they don’t like it! On the other hand, if you’d like to keep talking, it’s perfectly fine to ask for instance “We’re going to dinner later, would you like to join?” 6- If you’re attending with your supervisor or a senior colleague, don’t hesitate to ask them to introduce you to people. They might be caught up in their own networking and won’t always think to do it unless you ask. 7- Finally, be patient. Your network will grow over time AND often exponentially. One person introduces you to someone else, who introduces you to others, and it builds from there. Focus on doing good work and being genuinely engaged. Over time, people will notice and opportunities will come. Not a tip but just a caution: you can always hang out with your friends and have beer with them but you rarely get a chance to see another researcher from another continent. Don’t use this limited time for something you can do easily another time. If you’re a senior researcher and/or have additional tips, please share them in the comments so that young researchers can benefit from your experience.

Me: "Relationships in China are vital!" A potential client who thinks they know best: "Sure 🙄, like everywhere" Me: "Not quite.." We are all human and social animals, yet relationships and bonding with others have particular characteristics in Chinese culture. In my experience living and working here for 14+ years, there are three levels of relationships. 🎯 Core (immediate family): - Trust is high by default - Lower levels of politeness needed - Solid bonds even in adult age between generations 🎯Network - 关系 guānxì (extended family, colleagues, business partners, clients, etc.): - Trust needs to be built slowly through socializing over time - The level of politeness is relatively high depending on the status and relationship between people - It's essential to consider giving face / avoiding losing face - Bonds can be formed and broken and created again (with effort) 🎯Strangers (anyone else that has no connections with the network): - No trust or active miststrust - Low level of politeness required - Can enter the network only if referred by someone inside the network This seems complex and unrealistic, yet it drives all interactions in China and many cultures that share similar elements of hierarchy, trust, connection, in particular in APAC. In China in particular, these 3 levels of connection are the reason why wining and dining with clients is essential, but people are wary of helping others in the street to avoid being sued for damages. For most people, relationship building happens mainly at the Network level, which is crucial for business and personal success. In global virtual teams, there will be people who hold similar views on relationships and people who will find all this unnecessary and burdensome. Yet, they will need to form bonds with each other to work effectively. The only way to do so is to talk about differences (in this case on how to build strong and lasting relationships) and find what works. How do you build relationships across cultures? --------------------------------------------------------- 🌏 I coach cross-cultural global teams and their leaders. 💬 Here I talk about leadership, coaching, culture, change, entrepreneurship and more. If you want more: ➡ Visit my profile ➡ Click the 🔔( and /or connect with m

Imposter syndrome, social anxiety, the networking ick. Conferences can be super overwhelming. The inner monologue is real. Some of the most common stuff I hear: → How do I walk into a room where I don't know anyone? → How do I introduce myself, what do I even say? → Everyone here is so accomplished. I feel like a fraud. I'm heading to Skoll Foundation World Forum this week. I’m excited, but there’s also always a bit of the angst and ick too. If you're going to be there, or any other conference, make the most of it. Here's what works for me, and the key strategies I share with clients. 1️⃣ Set 1-3 clear objectives. “Go network” is not precise enough. I aim for one learning, one community/social, and one business development goal. My learning goal this week is I want to learn how AI is being used in fundraising. 2️⃣ Don't overbook yourself. You cannot and will not attend everything. Be intentional and show up fully to fewer things (aka don’t check your emails on your phone during 6 sessions a day). And please, please unsubscribe from events you know you can’t attend. There is someone on that wait list, I guarantee it. 3️⃣ Protect blank space. Some of the best connections don't happen in a conference room. The random chat on the bus, the coffee shop conversation, the walk between sessions. Leave room for those. 4️⃣ If you find yourself panicking in a room full of strangers, it's okay to just walk up to someone and say hello. Seriously. Most people are relieved someone else made the first move. And if someone strolls up to you, be generous. See someone standing alone in the corner like a deer in headlights? Go talk to them, bring them into your conversation. We have all been on both sides. Be a good human. 5️⃣ Starting a conversation is easier than you think. You don't need a clever opener. Genuine curiosity is enough. Try: "What's the one conversation you're hoping to have this week?" 6️⃣ Learn how to exit one too. This is THE most underrated skill in networking. Some of my faves: "I don't want to monopolise your time, it's been great to meet you." Or, "I promised myself I'd be brave and meet three new people today. You've been a highlight." 7️⃣ Forget the pitch. Instead of preparing a perfect elevator pitch, prepare one sentence about what you're curious about right now. Curiosity is more magnetic than credentials. 8️⃣ Skip the business cards. Use your LinkedIn QR code instead. We all have one. Open LinkedIn → tap the search bar → tap the QR icon. Scan theirs, share yours. Done in seconds. 9️⃣ Follow up within 48 hours. You will forget who's who. That's why connecting on LinkedIn in the moment is brilliant, you're already linked, and you can add a quick note while the conversation is still fresh. 🔟 Keep a running list. I use WA and jot down name, where we met, what we talked about, any follow-up. Takes 30 seconds and makes follow up easy. What would you add to the list? TheSidebar & Marmalade Festival (UK) Festival (UK)

Conferences & Networking: How I make it worth my time 🎤🤝 (my little hack list for you) For me conferences are a lot! Even with a fair bit of being extrovert I already feel stressed before a conference. It’s always a lot of time commitment, it often includes traveling, and takes massive social energy. To balance out the commitment, I’ve found a few hacks that increases the chance between a “meh” and “wow this was cool” conference. So here’s my simple how to list (that might work you as well): 1. // 📝 Before the Conference ✅ I review the agenda & build my personal one (talks, meetings + break slots) ✅ I research speakers or attendees I’d love to (re-)connect with (Sometimes: I reach out upfront, so its easier to meet up) ✅ Hidden gem: Know why I’m going. Clear purpose = better conversations 1. // 🤝 At the Conference ✅ I make a quick note after each relevant convo: name, topic, next step ✅ I share why I’m here - people connect better when they know my intent ✅ I try to make sure I drink enough water and have a healthy lunch to keep my energy level high 1. // 📬 After the Conference ✅ I follow up within 24h - not next week (best on my travels back home) ✅ I making sure that I integrate rest (early sleep time, nourishing food, yoga session, no early meeting the next day) ✅ And rereading my notes and learnings from the talks and conversations to find ways to integrate them What’s your favorite conference/networking hack? P.S.: My most favourite and interesting connect in 2025 was with Hans Reitz trough Naïs Désirée Graswald 📸 #Networkingtips #Conferences #ConnectWithPurpose #howtohacks

You know that feeling when you leave a conference exhausted, slightly overwhelmed and wondering if it was actually worth taking the day out? I don't! lol. I love conferences. I've been attending, speaking at and organising events across continents for almost two decades and conferences are one of the best ways to grow your network. But why should you need to grow your network now? Because the best time to build your network is before you need it. The K in my #UROCKframework is about kindling meaningful relationships before you need them. Not collecting contacts. Actually tending to the connections that will hold you when your career gets uncertain. Conferences, when approached intentionally, are one of the best places to do exactly that. Here are my 6 tips for before, during and after every conference: 1. Find your tribe - Research who is attending in advance and connect on LinkedIn before you arrive. Get there early, seek them out and go deep with two or three people. One real conversation will always outlast a dozen surface level exchanges. 2. Be present - Put the phone down. Resist the pull to check emails mid-session. Being fully present helps you spot what you have in common with those around you. 3. Share openly - There is no use pretending everything is fine. Share your challenges and honest perspective, mindful of your organisation's NDAs of course. The solution to your challenge could very well be in the room. 4. Be kind - Spark joy. Be kind to organisers and fellow attendees. Be kind to the person whose question runs a little too long. The communications world is smaller than you think. The person you dismiss in the coffee queue might be the hiring manager or the peer who recommends you for your next opportunity. People always remember how you made them feel. 5. Manage your energy -  Conferences are genuinely exhausting. You do not have to attend every session. You do not have to say yes to every dinner. You cannot speak to everyone and you should not try. Zone in on a few meaningful connections you can actually nurture. 6. Stay connected - This is the step most people skip and it is the one that matters most. Make sure your phone is charged and while it is out, connect on LinkedIn on the spot. Then follow through with a message the next day, whether that is a comment on something they said that stayed with you or an article that connects to your conversation. These tips have helped me build relationships I genuinely did not see coming. I hope they do the same for you. Swipe to see some of these in action at the IABC EMENA Strategic #CommunicationLeadershipSummit in Brussels beautifully put together by Mike, Ruxandra-Laura and Orla. Are there any tips I have missed? Let's continue to make the most of conferences and grow our networks. And I will see you at the next one, soon. 📸 Alexandru Marin 😍 | Lillo Mendola | Romain Triollet 💕 #Impact