Virtual Networking Mindset

🤝 Networking feels awkward? You’re not alone. If the idea of reaching out to someone for “networking” makes you cringe, you’re not the only one. Many of us associate networking with forced small talk, sales pitches, or feeling like we’re asking for favours. But here’s the truth: Networking doesn’t have to feel transactional. When done right, it’s about building authentic, mutually beneficial connections that can open doors and provide value to both parties. Here’s how to make networking feel natural and effective: 1️⃣ Start with Common Ground When reaching out, mention something you genuinely admire or have in common. This could be their work on a specific project, attending the same school, or even shared connections. 👉 Example: “Hi [Name], I recently read about your work on [specific project], and I found it fascinating! As someone interested in [related topic], I’d love to hear about your approach.” 2️⃣ Shift the Mindset from “Getting” to “Giving” Instead of asking for favours, think about how you can offer value. Sharing helpful insights, articles, or even thoughtful comments on LinkedIn posts can create goodwill and start a genuine conversation. 👉 Example: Commenting on their post: “I really appreciate your take on [topic]. It reminded me of [specific example/experience], and I’m excited to apply this in my own work!” 3️⃣ Ask for Advice, Not Favours People love to share their expertise, and asking for advice shows respect for their knowledge. It’s a low-pressure way to connect while learning something valuable. 👉 Example: “Hi [Name], I’m exploring opportunities in [industry/role], and your career journey is inspiring. Would you be open to a quick chat to share advice on [specific topic]?” 4️⃣ Follow Up with Gratitude Networking doesn’t end after one conversation. Send a thank-you note, share how their advice helped, or engage with their updates online to maintain the connection. 👉 Example: “Thank you for taking the time to chat with me! Your advice on [topic] was so helpful—I’ve already started applying it and am seeing progress. Let’s stay in touch!” 💡 Final Thought: Networking isn’t about collecting connections; it’s about building relationships. Approach each interaction with curiosity, authenticity, and a genuine desire to add value, and you’ll find it feels much less awkward—and a lot more rewarding. How do you make networking feel natural? Let’s share ideas below! 💬👇 #NetworkingTips #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalConnections #JobSearch

"I want a small circle" is the most expensive mindset in business. There’s a difference between protecting your energy and blocking your opportunities. I get it... You're intentional with your time. You've got boundaries for a reason. You're tired of energy vampires hanging around. And you might already have a reallly solid network. But here's the thing... You never know where one conversation might lead. Some of my favourite examples: → I chatted with a stranger in my comments about ADHD. She became a long-term client. → I started a convo at an event. He became my best friend and co-founder. → I said 'yes' to networking coffees. They led to podcast features, collabs, partnerships & referrals. → I spoke to someone on a plane. He connected me with a SaaS entrepreneur looking to grow her brand. → I chatted with a guy at my gym. He invited me to a dinner with tech founders from 8 countries. → Networked on LinkedIn 4 years ago. Met for the first time in Bali then shared a villa with that stranger-turned-friend. Every day, I have conversations with people that energise me. I love hearing their stories, knowledge, experience, culture and views on the world. It gives me new ideas and perspectives. Which makes me a better writer, creator and strategist. I wasn't always like this. I used to be the shyest person in the room. An introverted wallflower with social anxiety, who avoided chatting to people at ALL costs. But when I started my business, I had to unlearn that fear. Because your network really is your net worth! And if you want to get ahead, it's not really about what you know anymore... it's who you know. Now, I'll happily talk to anyone online and offline. In comments and DMs on LinkedIn. On planes, in queues, at events, in cafés, at petrol stations in real life. Anywhere there's a human... There's potential for a powerful conversation and connection. You don’t need to become best friends with everyone you meet. But don’t close yourself off completely. • Put yourself in the right rooms and environments • Make sure your energy is actually aligned • Ask thoughtful, inquisitive questions • Listen closely and stay curious P.s. This is also one of my biggest hacks for content ideation. If you're struggling with what to post, don't scroll or stare at a blank doc. Start a conversation with someone: Ask about their story. What they're struggling with. What's keeping them stuck. Their dreams and goals. You might walk away with an opportunity, a perspective shift, ideas & inspiration or just a really good story to tell ❤️ 📸 Me and my fab accountant Yvette Fitzhenry ACCA 🦋 who first chatted on LinkedIn, met IRL at an event in Manchester then spent time together in SE Asia - co-working, recording content & goal setting/ business ideating by the pool.

Most advisors think virtual networking is second-best. They're wrong. An advisor I coach was scanning the attendee list for a virtual wealth summit. He saw something that stopped him cold. A daughter's name. Not just any daughter. The 28-year-old daughter of a $50mm prospect he'd been courting for months. He sent a LinkedIn message. Started a conversation about impact investing. Three weeks later, she introduced him to her father. At an in-person event? She wouldn't even be there. I've coached advisors in the HNW space for 25 years. Virtual networking isn't inferior. It's access to relationships you can't reach any other way. But most advisors blow it. Two ways: They skip virtual events entirely. Or they attend with cameras off, multitasking, half-listening. Both leave massive opportunities on the table. The advisors who dominate virtual networking do something different. They treat every event like intelligence gathering. They capture insights. Market trends. Regulatory updates. Investment themes. Then they share those insights with clients and prospects who didn't attend. Not a generic summary. Specific takeaways that matter to each relationship. "John, you asked about ESG trends. Here's what the CIO at Goldman said yesterday..." This positions them as the advisor who's always learning. Always connected. Always adding value. Virtual networking isn't about replacing face-to-face. It's about accessing conversations that matter. So I'm curious: What virtual events are you attending this quarter? Follow Matthew Curran for topics that resonate with wealth management executives

Most people walk into networking situations with the same question in mind. They quietly wonder who in the room might be able to help them advance their career or create an opportunity. When everyone approaches networking with that mindset, the room fills with people trying to extract value from each other. The people who build the strongest networks think about it differently. They focus on how they can help first. They make thoughtful introductions, share useful insights, and stay connected with people even when there is no immediate benefit to doing so. Over time people remember that. Those relationships become stronger and opportunities appear naturally through the trust that was built.

Networking is NOT a Favor Factory -> Networking is not about collecting contacts to cash in favors later. -> It’s not about figuring out who can be “useful” to you or sizing people up based on what they can do for your career. That’s not networking, that’s manipulation, and frankly, it won’t get you far. Real networking is about sharing resources and creating mutual value. It’s not about keeping score or looking for quick wins, it’s about being curious, collaborative, and willing to exchange ideas, insights, and opportunities. When you focus on contributing what you know, connecting others, and being a reliable source of support, you build trust and credibility. Over time, these authentic relationships naturally lead to growth and opportunities for everyone involved. If your first thought when meeting someone is, “What can they do for me?” you’ve already lost. Shift your mindset to how can I be valuable to them? That’s how you build a network worth having.

“I Need to Network More” – The Fastest Way to Repel People. We’ve all heard it. Maybe we’ve even said it. Typically when in a jam or transition… But let’s be real—no one wakes up thinking, “I can’t wait to be someone’s networking opportunity today.” When your mindset starts with “I need,” it’s already transactional. It’s all about you. - I** need more connections. - I** need to meet more people. - I** need something from others. And people can feel it. The best networking isn’t networking at all. It’s curiosity. It’s contribution. And It’s community. Instead of “I need to network,” try this: ✅ “I want to learn from people who challenge my thinking.” ✅ “I want to help others solve interesting problems.” ✅ “I want to build relationships that actually matter.” People don’t connect with “networking.” They connect with people. And Intentions matter.

Networking isn’t about collecting contacts — it’s about cultivating collaborators. Too many people treat networking like trick-or-treating: knock on enough doors, and someone will give you something sweet. But the best relationships — the ones that lead to opportunity, insight, introductions, and friendship — are reciprocal. Here’s the truth most people gloss over: You must give value to earn value. If you want someone’s time, attention, or help, show that you can offer something too — perspective, a connection, encouragement, insight — anything that signals you’re interested in exchange, not extraction. Do your homework. Before you rush into someone’s inbox, spend 5 minutes learning about their world. Follow their content. Like and comment thoughtfully. Understand what matters to them. You’d be amazed how far a simple: “I read your post about building culture — this line really stayed with me…” …will go compared to: “Can I pick your brain?” Real networking is IRL. Virtual is great — but it’s just an invitation. Move it into real life: coffee, a quick Zoom chat, a handshake at an event. Relationships grow when you step out from behind the keyboard. And yes — be persistent. People are busy. Calendars overflow. It often takes 3–4 attempts (sometimes more) before you actually connect. Networking is not a transaction — it’s a slow burn. A long game. A mutual investment. Stay thoughtful. Follow-up with grace. Bring value, not just an ask. That’s how you turn networks into relationships — and relationships into opportunity. #networking #bestpractices #reciprocity

In today's interconnected world, virtual networking has become an essential tool for professionals seeking to expand their horizons and forge meaningful connections. As we navigate through digital spaces, the ability to make a great first impression is more important than ever. So, how can you ensure that you leave a lasting impact in the virtual realm? Let's delve into some strategies that can elevate your professionalism and make you stand out in virtual networking events. Before diving into any virtual networking event, take the time to curate your digital persona. This encompasses everything from your profile picture to your bio and even your background. In virtual networking, active engagement is key to making a memorable first impression. Take the initiative to introduce yourself to others in the event, utilizing features such as chat boxes or breakout rooms to initiate conversations. Remember to actively listen to what others have to say, offering meaningful contributions and fostering authentic connections. One of the most effective ways to make a great first impression in virtual networking is by showcasing your expertise. Share valuable insights, industry knowledge, or relevant experiences that highlight your unique perspective and capabilities. The true value of virtual networking lies in the follow-up. After the event, take the time to follow up with individuals you connected with, whether it's through a personalized email, LinkedIn message, or virtual coffee chat. Lastly, remember mastering the art of virtual networking requires a combination of preparation, engagement, expertise, and follow-up. By implementing these strategies, you can make a great first impression that resonates with your audience and sets the stage for fruitful relationships and professional growth. So, the next time you find yourself in a virtual networking event, seize the opportunity to showcase your professionalism and leave a lasting impact. Your future self will thank you for it. #virtualnetworking #professionalism #networkingtips #expertiseshowcase #careergrowth #businessnetworking National University of Singapore

Let’s be clear, when it comes to business success, one truth stands tall: Your network is your net worth. But you and I both know, networking is no longer about collecting business cards at events or sending cold messages on LinkedIn. It’s about leveraging the right platforms and opportunities that put you in front of the right people—consistently and impactfully. And that’s where the power of strategic networking comes in. Because Visibility is Not Just About Being Seen—It’s About Being Remembered. Let's say, you might be an expert in your field, have years of experience, and offer incredible value, but if people don’t see you, hear you, and experience what you bring to the table, you’re the best-kept secret in your industry. So, how do you make sure you’re not just another name in the crowd? The key…leveraging the right networks, BUT where are they? In a world that has changed and is changing, constantly, traditional networking events, while still valuable, are no longer the only way to build relationships that lead to business growth. My discovery of Virtual Expos, which I’ve experienced as living, breathing networking and expertise presenting spaces where you’re not just showing up for an hour, or a day, but where you are creating an ongoing presence—available 24/7 for the right people to see and connect with you. Think of it in this way: Instead of hoping someone remembers you from a fleeting networking or speaking event, your expo booth offers deeper levels of connection, building familiarity and trust. Instead of spending time and money traveling to conferences, you can connect globally without leaving your office. Instead of one-time interactions, the expo creates multiple touchpoints—people see your videos, book calls, attend your live presentations, and keep engaging with you. So, for example, let’s say you’re a Nutrition Expert and you’re looking for more recognition in new ways. You’re helping women balance their hormones and feel their best, here’s how you’d leverage the expo platform: - Host an interactive workshop on “How to Eat for Energy & Hormonal Balance." - Offer a free assessment where visitors get personalized tips. - Display downloadable PDF’s and success stories inside your booth. - Use live networking sessions to connect with potential clients or partners—other exhibitors and they may not even be within your industry. So, you see, traditional networking is like throwing a business card into a room full of people, hoping it lands in the right hands. While being and exhibitor at a Virtual Expo is like setting up a powerful, interactive business hub that does the heavy lifting for you and you’re part of a network of high-value connections. If this resonates and you’d like to explore if there’s a seat at the table of my May Virtual Expo, DM me today and we’ll check how you can leverage this opportunity. …and if you’ve not attended a virtual expo yet, what questions do you have, now that you read my post?

This week a student at UCI asked me about networking events. To him, even the ones among students feel awkward. People don’t act natural, he said. They just show up and brag about themselves.   As we talked, it became clear that events weren’t the only issue. In his “Zoom generation,” as he put it, everything is scheduled. There is a time for this and a time for that. In each setting, you are expected to do certain things. The structure makes you feel bound by certain standards of conduct, real or assumed.   I shared with him two thoughts:   First, people are people. Meeting them at a networking event isn’t much different from other social activities. They may act tense and oddly formal, because they are uncomfortable. But if you act natural yourself, it may help them loosen up. Bring the energy you want, and often it will be reciprocated.   Second, go beyond the structured activities. You may meet them at a networking event or on a virtual call. But take it offline. Continue the conversation outside. Meet them for lunch or coffee. Go biking or play basketball together. You will see each other as people – even as friends – not just titles and labels.   Networking is not just about events or scheduled activities. It’s a mindset in how we engage with others. #networking #ElementsofNetworking #highered