Tips for Building a Professional Network During Articleship

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

If you want to build a network in 30 days, read this: Goal: Build a foundation for your professional network by forming genuine connections with 10 individuals relevant to your career goals. Before you start: Define your goals: What do you hope to achieve by building your network? (e.g., career advice, industry knowledge, potential job opportunities) Identify target individuals: Who are the people you want to connect with? Consider their expertise, experience, and potential value in achieving your goals. Days 1-10: Laying the groundwork Utilize social media: Update your LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills and experience. Join relevant groups and follow industry leaders. Start small: Reach out to 2-3 people you haven't spoken to recently or connect with 1-2 new contacts. Personalize your message and focus on value. Attend online events: Look for webinars, online conferences, or workshops related to your field. Participate actively and introduce yourself to others virtually. Identify industry influencers: Research thought leaders and key players in your field. Follow their work and engage with their content online. Volunteer your expertise: Research volunteer opportunities related to your industry. This allows you to give back, network, and build your reputation. Days 11-20: Building connections Follow-up with initial contacts: Send a follow-up email or message expressing your appreciation for their time and reiterating your interest in staying connected. Engage in online communities: Participate in relevant online discussions. Offer your insights, answer questions, and build your online presence. Connect through mutual connections: Research your existing network for potential connections who know people you'd like to meet. Seek introductions and personalize your outreach. Attend local events: Look for industry meetups, networking events, or conferences in your area. Prepare conversation starters and actively connect with new people. Leverage alumni networks: If you're a college graduate, reconnect with alumni in your field through professional groups or university resources. Days 21-30: Nurturing relationships Share valuable content: Share relevant articles, industry news, or resources with your connections through emails or social media. Offer congratulations and support: Celebrate your network's achievements and offer support during challenges. Show genuine interest in their lives and careers. Schedule informational interviews: Reach out to individuals you admire and request informational interviews. Use this opportunity to learn more about their career path and gain insights. Be a resource: Look for ways to help others in your network by offering introductions, sharing opportunities, or providing relevant information. Schedule coffee chats: Invite 1-2 people you've connected with for virtual or in-person coffee chats to deepen your relationships and explore potential collaborations. Source: "Reach Out" by Molly Beck

My best advice for building a network: Network before you need to! What is the #1 cause for ineffective networking? Desperation. And where does desperation come from? Needing a job. Don’t make the mistake of waiting until you need a job or desperately want to leave your current job to start building a network. Those with the most seamless career transitions are always the ones with the strongest networks. Having a strong network can be the difference between getting hired into a new role with zero gap and endlessly applying for six months with no luck. Here are ways to build your network starting NOW: 1. Engage with other companies and employees on LinkedIn and/or social media. One way to get noticed by companies that you like is to engage with their content on LinkedIn or other social sites. Follow companies that you’re interested in or may want to work for in the future. Keep up to date with their progress, growth and initiatives. This goes for employees of the company as well. If companies or people see you consistently engaging with their content, it’s easier to facilitate a conversation with them, so you don’t have to shoot out those cringy, cold messages later. It also gives you great conversational ammunition for later when you may decide to reach out and strike up a conversation with someone at your dream company. They’ll be extra impressed if you’re educated about what is happening at their company. 2. Engage with employees inside your CURRENT company. Building a useful network is not just about using the “grass is greener on the other side” approach. Yes, it makes sense to start building relationships at companies that you may want to work for in the future, but don’t neglect the easiest connections you already have—the ones around you NOW! Ask for LinkedIn recommendations. Go to lunch with a manager or colleague. It’s so easy to just do your work and go home (or log off in a remote role). Building a relationship with people who could potentially help you later is worth the effort. 3. Orchestrate frequent informational interviews. Seek out informational interviews with professionals you admire or individuals working in your target companies or industries. These interviews are not about job openings but about gaining insight into their career paths and industries. Approach these conversations with a genuine interest in learning and networking, not just job-seeking. Remember, building a professional network is an ongoing process. Regularly check in with your contacts, offer support when needed, and be proactive in helping others when you can. By doing so, you'll have a strong and supportive network in place when you need it most, whether it's for job opportunities, career advice, or professional growth.

Thank you to the Vanderbilt University Career Center for inviting me to serve as a panelist for The Black Vanderbilt University (BVU) Career Accelerator Program. Myself along with my fantastic Commodore Colleagues including, Alayna Hayes, Ed.D, Assistant Provost and Senior Director of the Career Center and Sheryl Bonner, Talent Acquisition Consultant, offered insight about networking and informational interviews. A few networking nuggets: -Consider reciprocity. It’s not all about what you can get, it’s also about what you can give. -You’re often playing the long game. The connection may not yield results in the short-term but may do so in the long-term. -See networking as building relationships. -Follow-up with those you meet along the way. Check in on their projects and share information about your professional journey. -Choose a way to get organized so that you can keep track of who you meet. -Practice your elevator speech. If you have a specific interest in a company or connecting with a certain person, be able to articulate your why. Do your research so that you can be specific. -You never know where your next role will come from. Networking is happening around you all the time. One of my colleagues chatted about meeting a woman in Walgreens who offered her a role that led to her current profession. -Continue to network internally and externally once you have an internship or a full-time role. -Use LinkedIn to network intentionally by joining groups, following/connecting with people who are on your chosen path, comment on their posts, share their posts, be a part of the conversation. Remember to use LI as your portfolio and invite people into conversation with you. -Right now you’re networking everyday with classmates who will go on to have careers, own companies, will oversee hiring others, and can make introductions to people you need to know. It’s one of the greatest benefits of college. Stay connected. -Networking is a snowball. Once you meet someone, you can inquire about recommendations for others you should meet. Continue doing that and like a snowball, your network will grow as you pick up connections along the way. Informational Interviews Tips: -Ask about shadowing opportunities. -Inquire about what a typical day is like for someone in your desired role. -In order to learn more and create ease in follow up, ask the interviewee about additional resources including podcasts, books, articles, documentaries that will give your more insight into the profession. When you follow-up, you can use these as a foundation for your outreach. “Oh, I read the book you suggested and [insert thoughts here]…” or “Did you listen to the latest episode of…”? It lets them know that you’re interested and that you’re learning. What nuggets and tips would you add to this list for college students?

Are you looking to grow professionally through networking? Here are some expert tips to help guide your efforts: 1. Start by defining your objectives. Determine your goals before expanding your network. Having clear objectives will guide your networking efforts. 2. Focus on clarity when communicating with others. Avoid trying to impress with jargon or titles. Instead, focus on being understood quickly and easily. 3. Prioritize building relationships over collecting business cards. Add value to your network by asking how you can support others. This fosters trust and mutual support. 4. Help your network connect with each other. Introduce contacts who can benefit from each other's services or expertise. This adds value to your network and strengthens relationships. 5. Attend events that genuinely interest you, rather than just following the crowd. This allows you to be yourself and engage more authentically. Especially if you have a limited budget. 6. Networking is not just an event; it's a mindset. Be interested in others, ask powerful questions, and listen deeply. This approach helps build trust and lasting connections. 7. Schedule regular touch-base calls or meetings with contacts. This keeps relationships fresh and helps you support each other's work and career development. 8. Instead of focusing on what people do, get to know their motivations and passions. This deeper understanding can lead to more meaningful connections and longer lasting relationships. 9. Have a plan when attending networking events. Know who you want to meet and what you hope to gain from the event. This preparation can increase your chances of success. Pre-event planning. 10. Be attuned to the body language and vocal delivery of others. This awareness can help you interpret their intent and respond appropriately. 11. After networking, follow up with new contacts. Keep your promises and maintain the momentum of your relationships. Deliver some complimentary tips, ideas or recommendations. Remember, networking is a skill that requires time, effort, and patience. Building a strong professional network is an ongoing process that can open doors to new opportunities and enrich your professional and personal life.

Why you're not getting support from your network contacts + how to fix it RIGHT AWAY 85% of professionals find networking to be crucial to their career growth, yet many still struggle to get the support they need from their network contacts. Frustrating, isn't it? You spend time and energy, only to be met with silence or even rejection when you reach out for help. Here are my top tips when seeking support from your network, so you can start getting the responses and assistance you need, right away: 1. Make the ask low risk: Avoid asking for favors that would require the person to put their credibility on the line, especially since they don't know you well. Instead, ask for something that doesn't involve a significant commitment from them.            ✅ "I noticed you have experience in the field I'm interested in. Would you mind sharing your thoughts on the industry trends?"  ❌"Can you vouch for me and recommend me to your company without knowing my work?" 2. Make the ask reasonable: Don't request more than what the person might be willing or able to provide. Stick to what's within their capacity or expertise.            ✅"Would you mind introducing me to your colleague at XYZ company?"  ❌"Can you get me a job at XYZ company?" 3. Make the ask precise: Be specific with your request to avoid confusion and make it easier for the person to help. ✅"Could you review my resume and provide feedback on the 'Experience' section?" ❌"Can you help me with my job search?" 4. Do your homework: Before reaching out, make sure you have checked available resources, such as job boards, and that you understand the person's background and expertise. ✅"I've looked through the company's job board and found a position that aligns with my skills. Given your experience at the company, could you share some tips on the application process?"  ❌"I want to work at your company. Can you help me find a job?" 5. Be direct with your intent: Clearly state the reason for your request and what you hope to achieve. ✅"I'm reaching out because I'd like to learn more about career opportunities in the AI field."  ❌"I was hoping to chat with you about your work." 6. Be mindful of their time: Keep your message concise, and be aware of the time it may take for them to read and act on your request. ✅"I understand you're busy, so I've attached a brief summary of my background and what I'm looking for." ❌"Can we schedule a two-hour call to discuss my career plans?" 7. Be grateful: Show appreciation for their time and any assistance they can provide. ✅"Thank you for considering my request. I truly appreciate your time and any insights you can share." ❌"I hope you can help me out." What am I missing? Comment down below 🔁 Repost if this is useful. ----- Follow me, tap the (🔔) on my profile Omar Halabieh You will be notified the second I post. Let's unleash your leadership potential and fast-track your career 🚀 #leadership #career #management #networking