Collaborative Networking Techniques

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.

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

"I hate networking." I hear this all the time. And I get it. The idea of walking up to strangers at events, making small talk, and asking for favors feels forced and uncomfortable. But here's the truth: networking doesn't have to feel like networking. Here's how to build genuine connections without being awkward: Start with warm connections. Don't cold message strangers on LinkedIn. Start with: → Former colleagues → Alumni from your school → Mutual contacts who can introduce you → People you've worked with before These conversations are easier because there's already a foundation. Lead with offering value, not asking for favors. Don't start with: "Can you help me find a job?" Start with: "I saw your post about [topic] and thought you might find this article interesting." Or: "Congratulations on your new role! I'd love to hear how it's going." Give first. Ask later. Use LinkedIn to build relationships before asking for anything. Don't send a connection request and immediately ask for something. Instead: → Engage with their posts (thoughtful comments, not just "Great post!") → Share their content when it's relevant → Send a message just to catch up, no agenda Build the relationship over time. When you do reach out, make it easy for them. Don't say: "Can I pick your brain?" Say: "I'd love to hear about your experience at [Company]. Would you be open to a 20-minute coffee chat? I'm happy to work around your schedule." Be specific about what you're asking for and respect their time. Schedule "informational coffee chats" instead of calling it networking. Reframe it in your mind. You're not networking. You're: → Learning from someone's experience → Having a conversation about your industry → Building a relationship with someone interesting Take the pressure off yourself. Follow up and stay in touch; don't just reach out when you need something. After the conversation: → Send a thank you note within 24 hours → Share an article or resource they might find useful → Check in every few months (congratulate them on wins, share updates) Stay on their radar in a genuine way. The best networking doesn't feel transactional. It feels like building real relationships with people you respect. And those relationships? They're the ones that actually lead to opportunities. Save this post so you're ready to network without the awkwardness.

These 3 principles of modern work together helped me compound my influence, impact, and capabilities at Microsoft: You can have all the technology in the world around you, but if you don’t change your behaviors, you don’t realize the value. If you make your work, progress, and thoughts visible and accessible, you will inspire greater collaboration, learning, and growth. #1.  𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗱: • By making your work and progress visible to others, you inspire transparency and collaboration. • This reduces unnecessary meetings and status updates, as people can easily stay informed and provide input asynchronously. • Working out loud allows your colleagues to discover your work, offer help or ideas, and connect with you on shared interests or projects. • This open, networked way of working helps build relationships, knowledge-sharing, and a sense of community within the organization. #2.  𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: • Approaching work with a networked mindset means expanding your capabilities and expertise beyond your core role or team. • You can leverage the skills and knowledge of your wider network, both within and outside your organization, to tackle challenges more effectively. • Working like a network enables you to learn faster, as you can tap into the collective experience and problem-solving abilities of your connections. • This flexible, adaptive way of working helps you stay nimble and responsive to changing business needs. #3.  𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲: • This principle is about shedding light on the complex, implicit, or underappreciated aspects of your work. • By making the invisible (such as processes, dependencies, or tacit knowledge) more visible, you help demystify these elements for your colleagues. • This increased transparency allows people to better understand, improve, and optimize the way work gets done. • When the invisible becomes visible, it empowers everyone to contribute their insights and ideas, leading to more effective and innovative solutions. Collectively, these three principles - working out loud, working like a network, and making the invisible visible - can have a compounding impact on your effectiveness and influence in the modern work environment. They inspire greater collaboration, learning, and continuous improvement, ultimately enabling you to drive more meaningful change and impact within your organization. The beauty of these principles is their simplicity and applicability across a wide range of work contexts, from enterprise social platforms to the future of work and modern work practices. By embracing these principles, you can unleash and unlock new levels of efficiency, agility, and impact in your day-to-day work.

Are we realising the potential of our networks to make change happen? Most innovation emerges from collaborative projects where teams openly “borrow” & adapt each other’s (often small but powerful) ideas. Many networks & communities of practice could achieve so much more by experimenting together around collective priorities to generate & share new solutions. This is beyond spreading known “best” or “good” practices. It is about innovating to design new solutions collectively. So I appreciated this piece from Ed Morrison about three different kinds of networks: - Advocacy networks are communities that seek to mobilise people, creating pressure to shift policies, priorities or messages in a particular direction. Their aim is to connect & influence rather than to change how they themselves work. - Learning networks are communities of practice. They share knowledge, compare practice & build shared capability. Learning networks often excel at spread & improvement of existing practice, but only sometimes move into structured innovation work. - Innovating (or transforming) networks are communities that combine their assets - ideas, relationships, data, capabilities - to create new value that none could produce alone. They manage collaboration as a process of experimentation: agreeing a shared outcome, running multiple connected tests of change, learning by doing & amplifying what works across the network. https://lnkd.in/edbbexiG. Every learning network has the potential to become an innovating/transforming network. Some actions to enable this: 1. Build a foundation of strong, trusting relationships within the network, understanding each member’s starting point & motivation for change 2. Focus on helping each other to succeed; listen to each others’ stories & plans, co-coach, give advice to each other & build shared inquiry 3. Move from “sharing” or “raising awareness” to some concrete outcomes the network want to change together through collective experimentation 4. Agree some simple norms for the network so that members help each other to make progress, make it safe to try things, fail fast & share incomplete work 5. Encourage multiple, parallel tests of change around similar outcome so projects can “steal with pride” from one another & quickly refine promising ideas 6. Put simple routines in place for noticing patterns (what is shifting where & why), capturing these insights & amplifying them across the network 7. Add additional success metrics including innovations tested, adapted & adopted in multiple places Graphic by Ed Morrison. Content with added inspiration from June Holley.

Want to make networking easier and more productive? Bring a wingperson. Here’s the truth. Most professionals dread walking into a room full of strangers. It can feel awkward, forced, or just like a waste of time. But it doesn’t have to be that way. When you network with a friend or colleague by your side, the whole game changes. Conversations flow more naturally. Introductions happen faster. You both come away with more value. The photo is of John Alfonsi, CPA, Allison Cummins and me working the room at a financial conference. Three professionals. One simple goal. Help each other make meaningful connections. That’s the power of networking in teams. Here’s how you can make it work. First, pick the right partner. Choose someone you trust. Someone who knows your business well. Someone who can speak about you the way you’d speak about yourself. If they can tell a story about how you helped someone, that’s even better. Second, meet before the event. Spend ten minutes reviewing who you each want to meet. Talk through your goals. Share a couple of examples of the ideal introduction. The more specific you are, the easier it will be for your wingperson to help you connect. Third, work the room together. Approach small groups and introduce each other. Let your partner brag on your behalf. Say something like, “You two should meet. John is the guy you call when the numbers matter most.” This kind of third-party endorsement builds instant trust. Fourth, watch for opportunities. If your wingperson is in a conversation that seems like a fit for you, they can loop you in. You do the same for them. You’re each other’s radar for the entire event. Fifth, debrief after the event. Grab a coffee or schedule a call to share the highlights. Talk through who you met and how you might follow up. Thank each other for the support. Offer to make follow-up introductions if it makes sense. Networking becomes easier when you’re not doing it alone. It becomes more fun. It becomes more productive. You’ll meet more people. You’ll have deeper conversations. And you’ll leave the room with more real connections. This works at formal networking meetings. It works at casual events. It even works in a Zoom breakout room. The goal is the same. Show up with someone who has your back and be that person for them too. So next time you’re invited to a networking event, bring a wingperson. Walk in with a plan. Work the room like a team. Then watch what happens. Real relationships grow faster when we grow them together.

Don’t Just Network—Reverse Network Into Cybersecurity Jobs You’ve been told to “network” your way into a job. But let’s be real: Cold DMs don’t work if you have nothing to say. Virtual coffee chats feel awkward when you’re unsure what to ask. Resume drops aren’t building trust—they’re just noise. 💡 Real cybersecurity opportunities don’t come from begging—they come from belonging. Here’s how to reverse engineer relationships that actually lead to jobs: 1. Start With Value—Not the Ask Before you ever hit “Send DM,” ask: What am I contributing? ↳ Comment insightfully on their posts (not just “Great post!”—add perspective). ↳ Share their article with a bold take: “This insight from [Name] changed how I approach risk scoring.” ↳ Tag them when you apply to their company: “Inspired by [Name]’s post on vendor audits—I just applied to [Company]!” 💥 Now you're on their radar with credibility. 2. Create “Collab Conversations” That Stick Want to get a reply? Ask better questions. ↳ Try: “What’s the biggest challenge your GRC team faces right now?” ↳ Then write a short post with your take on solving it. ↳ Mention: “This idea was inspired by a conversation with [Name].” Now you’re not chasing—you’re collaborating. 3. Follow Up With Thoughtful Wins Build the relationship—don’t drop the ball. ↳ “I implemented your advice in my latest portfolio project—thank you for the push!” ↳ “Your GRC webinar helped me draft my first risk matrix—would love your thoughts!” ↳ “After our chat, I mapped my policy draft to ISO 27001—it made so much more sense!” 💡 Every follow-up is a chance to deepen respect and expand trust. 4. Make It a Habit, Not a Hustle Reverse networking isn’t a hack. It’s a practice. ↳ Leave 3 meaningful comments a day. ↳ Create 1 post per week that references something you learned from someone else. ↳ Ask, give, reflect, repeat. You don’t need a huge following. You need meaningful momentum. 📩 Tired of networking that goes nowhere? Let’s plan your reverse networking strategy—DM me or book a session. 🔔 Follow Dr. Esona Fomuso for career momentum that actually works ♻️ Repost if you're done chasing, and ready to start connecting with clarity

“Networking is awkward.” You know what’s more awkward? Graduating in May 2025 and applying to 127 jobs with… zero callbacks. Let’s fix that with networking ideas no one’s talking about. and I mean actionable.. 1. “Reverse Research” Your Way Into a Conversation Instead of asking people what they do, show them what you know about what they’ve done. How to do it: Find someone on LinkedIn in your target company/role Read their posts, podcasts, or panels they’ve been on Then send this message: “Hi [Name], I came across your [talk/article/post] on [topic]—your point about [insight] made me think differently. I’m researching [industry], and would love to hear your take on [specific follow-up]. Would it be okay to connect?” That’s conversation built on respect. 2. Book Club for Industry Geeks Start a virtual book or podcast club for your industry. Invite professionals to speak at the end of each cycle. How to do it: Pick 3 peers + 1 book or podcast Create a simple calendar (4 weeks = 4 touchpoints) End with a “Wrap-Up” Zoom chat—invite a guest Post your takeaways on LinkedIn and tag them Because learning together? Is the strongest way to network. 3. Write A “Public Thank You” Post on LinkedIn You probably learned something cool from someone recently. Now imagine you posted it publicly, gave them a shoutout, and showed how you applied it. How to do it: Tag the person Share what they taught you Share what you did next Ask your network, “What’s something YOU learned from someone this month?” You just gave free visibility, created a loop, and 10 people will want to talk to you after. 4. Turn Informational Chats into Co-Creation Networking chats often stop at “thanks for the time.” What if it didn’t? What to do: After the call, send a note: “Hey [Name], based on our chat about [topic], I drafted a small idea to build on your advice. Would love your thoughts!” Create a graphic, short write-up, or project plan (just 1 page!) Now you’re not just a student. You’re someone they collaborated with. That’s relationship-building, not just networking. 5. The 5-5-5 Strategy Most people get stuck on who to reach out to. Here’s a weekly formula: 5 People You Admire (Founders, creatives) 5 People From Your School Network (Alums, professors, guest speakers) 5 Peers Who Are Also Job Hunting (Build a support circle, swap leads) Message all 15. Repeat weekly. That’s 156 conversations in 3 months. You don’t “find” jobs—you build the path to them. Reminder: Networking isn’t about who has the fanciest title. It’s about who remembers you when an opportunity comes up. Be the person who listened, learned, shared, and followed up. If you’re reading this and job searching— try one new method this week. Not next month. Not when it feels “less scary.” Now. You’re not late. #May2025Grads #NetworkingTips #CreativeCareerMoves #JobSearchStrategy #InternationalStudents #GradJobHunt #BeyondTheResume #HumanConnection #Topmate

Networking Advice That Actually Works: Most people approach networking like a checklist. More events. More cold messages. More random connections. But real opportunities don’t come from volume. They come from relationships built slowly, without pressure. After years of working with founders, engineers, clients, and mentors, These are the habits that quietly created the strongest connections for me: 1️⃣ Start With Interest, Not an Agenda → Ask what they’re working on. → Listen to what’s hard, not just what’s impressive. → People relax when they don’t feel “pitched.” 2️⃣ One Thoughtful Message Beats Mass Outreach → Skip copy-paste intros. → Mention something specific you noticed. → Personal effort is rare and memorable. 3️⃣ Remember People Beyond the Chat → Jot down small details after conversations. → A role change. A project. A goal. → Follow up months later. That’s where trust begins. 4️⃣ Offer Value Before You Need Anything → Share a useful link. → Make an introduction. → Help without expecting a return. → It always comes back, just not immediately. 5️⃣ Spend Time in Smaller, Relevant Circles → Big rooms create small talk. → Niche spaces create real conversations. → Go where people actually engage. 6️⃣ Close Conversations With Care → Don’t disappear after a good exchange. → A simple “Great talking today” goes a long way. → Follow-through builds credibility. 7️⃣ Be Selective With Your Energy → You don’t need to meet everyone. → One meaningful connection beats ten surface-level ones. → Protect your focus. 8️⃣ Stay Present Even When Nothing Moves Fast → Relationships grow in layers. → Keep showing up for the same people. → Momentum builds quietly before it shows. Networking isn’t a performance. It’s a practice. Real interest. Small gestures. Long-term thinking. Treat people like people, not opportunities. The doors will open, often when you least expect them. Which habit has helped you the most? Drop it in the comments ⬇️

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 🙏🏼