How to Build Trust Within Professional Networks

True fact: I had no clue about relationship building. Especially one that is organic and effective. Miraculously lucky for me, mentors like Ramit Sethi, Seth Godin, and others taught me things I didn't even know I should know. One of those insanely powerful philosophies is natural networking. After: • Taking 50+ industry leaders & creators for coffee • Building a community of 77k on LinkedIn • Teaching and testing with my mentees... I want to share with you my Mentor Talks strategy. A 5-step strategy to network organically, effectively, and in a way that leaves both parties feeling great. Step 1: Networking Account Philosophy Treat networking like a bank account. Make deposits before requesting a withdrawal. • Engage with posts • Send relevant articles • Share work with context • Highlight similarities • Ask for nothing at first H/T to the Gottman Institute, whose relationship account inspired this for me. Step 2: Select Target People Think in 3 segments: • 50%: Peers • 30%: Decision Makers • 20%: Moonshots This gives you the maximum probability surface area. While giving kismet a chance with a moonshot. Step 3:  Ask for a Mentor Talk Not a favor. Not a job. A conversation. First: • Become familiar • Engage 2–3 times • If there's a connection, then ask Then: • Make it easy to say yes • Be specific • Ask for a short coffee chat • Share a calendar link Step 4: Impress In The Chat The secret? Ask better questions. Pre-chat: • Research recent projects • Create questions that go deeper • Audit questions till you are left with the best ones During the chat: • 2:1 ratio — 2 questions for every 1 story you share • Listen. Paraphrase. Let silences breathe • Be prepared to share your goals with confidence H/T to Ramit Sethi for these strategies. Step 5: Follow up and close the loop Most people skip this. But it builds trust. • Share what you applied • Send a quick update • Offer help or relevant info • Respectfully keep in touch 💡Pro Tips: 1. Give people an out to be respectful 2. Say NRN if there is no action needed 3. If you fear networking, start by building a sandbox. Take friends out for a coffee chat first. My mentee began this way and ended up speaking with leaders from Meta, Google, and other notable companies. __ This strategy works. I've tested it myself, and taught it to professionals from 20+ years of experience to early career folks. It builds real relationships. With zero desperation. And maximum upside. Test it out for yourself. Give yourself a few tries. Respect your and people's time. Good luck 🚀 PS. Liked the cheatsheet and want to download my best cheatsheets (all complimentary)? Instructions to access here:  https://lnkd.in/gR4PkwhX

After interviewing hundreds of professionals on the Social Capital Podcast about building and nurturing relationships, I found 3 critical items are present and consistent in networking: 1) Be your authentic self. I like to say that people can smell fake, and they can. If you show up as your authentic self, you will ultimately attract the type of individuals who align with you. 2) Give First. It's important to show that you are committed to establishing a relationship and if you make the first move by offering value first, that's a huge leap in creating a trusting relationship. 3) Follow-through. 100%, the fastest way to kill a relationship is by not doing what you said you would do. If you tell someone you have a book you are going to give them to read, give them that book and do it quickly. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eVDHAbUX #socialcapital #networking #businessrelationships

How can I build trust and safety quickly with my new team?!? I was working with a client recently that had taken on a new team. From their perspective, the team was in shock after the previous manager had been let go, but the team was also struggling with overwork and burnout. My client was justifiably nervous and preparing for their first meetings with each member. I shared with them the same tools I use when working with clients the first time. 1. Transparency is key. Acknowledge the situation. Acknowledge the feelings. Share your own nerves. 2. Be non-judgemental. Their feelings and history are theirs. There isn't good or bad in them. 3. Be confidential. Team members may be afraid to share something for fear it will hurt them professionally or that it will be shared with HR or someone else. Make your meetings confidential... with caveats for health and safety. 4. Don't do all the talking. Too often a new leader will use the entire meeting time and do all the talking. Don't. Ask open questions and let them talk. 5. LISTEN. Really, and truly listen. Don't attempt to solve issues. Tame the advice monster. Paraphrase back what you heard to make sure you understand and ask follow-up questions. After trust is built, there will be plenty of time to execute on new tasks, give insights and advice, and give critical feedback when needed. When you're first building trust is not that time. Have you ever had to build trust and safety quickly? If so, what worked for you? Is something missing from this list? #leadership #trustbuilding #psychologicalsafety

Want to network like senior leaders? Networking often gets a bad rep for feeling disingenuous and selfish. That’s because most of the time we network, it’s because *we* want something: a job, a referral, a client, etc. We go to mixers, set up coffee chats and spend our time trying to impress other people so that we can ask them for one of the aforementioned things we want. We are in a position of asking for something, of taking. To be clear, there’s nothing inherently wrong with this. We all have places in our careers where we feel like we take more than we give. Senior leaders do it differently though and so can you even if you are at the beginning of your career. #trustandsafety professionals, try this 1. Join the thriving slack communities for T&S. I’m a big fan of the Integrity Institute, All Tech Is Human, and Trust & Safety Professional Association channels 2. Go through their ask or questions channel, wherever people ask for advice 3. Scroll back 6 or so months and note every question that you have insight or expertise on 4. Then reach out to the people asking those questions and offer your insight and to talk with them on a call You immediately shift the dynamic from taking to giving. You shift from asking for things and telling someone how valuable you are to *showing* them how valuable you are by helping them solve a real problem. Still ask for referrals or connections when they are relevant, but focus on building those relationships by helping people first and you’ll get *much* stronger endorsements and referrals. What’s your favorite way to network? PS. If you like tips like this and want more, set up time with me using the link in my bio to chat about how I can help you get that #job in trust and safety and tech.

One of the best piece’s of advice I’ve received; “Be a resource, not a sales pitch.” When you focus on being a resource, you’re prioritizing value and relationship-building over immediate transactions. It’s about sharing your knowledge, insights, and even your network, without expecting anything in return. This approach not only positions you as an authority in your field but also fosters genuine connections. In a sea of constant marketing and sales pitches, being someone who offers real, actionable value stands out. It's refreshing. People trust you, look up to you, and rely on you. This trust is the foundation of strong professional relationships. People do business with those they trust and respect, not just those who have something to sell. Becoming a go-to resource creates a ripple effect. Your insights and helpfulness can inspire others to do the same, cultivating a community of professionals who are supportive and knowledge-sharing. This isn't just good for business; it's good for the industry and professional growth across the board. So, the next time you engage with your network, ask yourself: How can I add value today? How can I help someone solve a problem or overcome a challenge? By focusing on being a resource, you’re not just selling a product or a service; you’re building a legacy. And that’s something truly worthwhile.

  Give more than you get.   In any field, this approach is crucial.   Making connections and building relationships requires authenticity.   Giving more than you get has transformed my professional journey. I’ve built a network of invaluable relationships through prioritizing value. I create free privacy content like articles, a weekly podcast, and webinars. I love connecting people and making referrals and seeing magic happen.   When you’re genuine, people see it and respond positively. (and when you’re not it’s so apparent and will tarnish your reputation)   IMAGINE the impact when you prioritize GIVING over receiving.   Your efforts build stronger, more trusted relationships.   People (not computers) buy from those they trust and like.    Here are some simple ways to give more:   Share Articles: > Pass along content others might appreciate without expecting anything in return. > Follow their posts, listen closely to hear what’s important to them.   Buy Coffee: > Treat someone to a coffee just because. People love surprises!   Make Introductions: > Make connections to benefit someone else even if you haven’t received an introduction in return. > It’s not about keeping a tally. > It is creating a mutually beneficial relationship.   Stay Humble: > Recognize the contributions of others and celebrate their successes. > Lift someone else up. It feels SO good!   All of these simple actions are rooted in trust and mutual respect. I have found tremendous fulfillment approaching relationships this way. I think you too will see that generosity leads to greater influence and success.   Start today.   Give more, expect less, and watch your professional network flourish. *** ✍ What can you give someone today? ♻ Repost to encourage more giving