How to Network Beyond Business Cards

In a world where every executive has a firm handshake and a stack of business cards, how do you become the person everyone remembers after a conference? After attending dozens in the past decade, I've developed a strategy that transforms conferences from transactional meetups into relationship goldmines. ♟️Pre-Conference LinkedIn Strategy The real networking begins weeks before the event. Review the speaker and attendee lists, then connect with key individuals on LinkedIn with a personalized message: "I noticed we’re both attending the Stand & Deliver event. I'd love to connect. See you soon." This pre-conference connection creates a warm introduction and significantly increases your chances of meaningful engagement. 👗👔The Memorable Wardrobe Element In my early career, I blended in at conferences. Now? I'm known for wearing a little more color (often D&S Executive Career Management teal) or patterns that are professional yet distinctive. When someone says, "Oh, you're the one with the great dress," you've already won half the networking battle. 🤝Contribute Before You Collect** Instead of collecting business cards, focus on providing immediate value in conversations. Can you connect someone to a resource? Share relevant research? Offer a solution to a challenge they mentioned? The executives who stand out aren't those who take the most cards—they're the ones who solve problems on the spot. What networking approach has worked for you at recent conferences? Share in the comments below! #ExecutiveLeadership #NetworkingStrategy #ConferenceSuccess #ProfessionalDevelopment

Struggling to turn networking into real, lasting connections? Here’s how you can start building powerful relationships in 7 simple steps! Most people network but fail to stay memorable. True connection isn’t just about exchanging business cards—it’s about creating mutual value. Strong networks open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and friendships. We’ve all been there—attending an event, meeting great people, exchanging info, and then… silence. Days pass, and it feels awkward to reach out again. Sound familiar? I’ve used these 7 practical strategies throughout my 20+ year career in leadership, finance, and operations, and they’ve led to lasting, high-value relationships that have shaped my career. 7 Steps to Build Fruitful, Lasting Connections: 1. Ask Better Questions Forget small talk! Ask questions that show genuine interest. Instead of “What do you do?” try “What’s something exciting you’re working on right now?” 2. Find Ways to Add Value Immediately Did they mention a problem they’re trying to solve? Offer a helpful resource, introduction, or idea—without expecting anything in return. 3. Follow Up Within 24 Hours Send a quick, thoughtful follow-up message. Mention something specific from your conversation to stand out. Example: “I really enjoyed our chat about leadership development. Here’s the article I mentioned!” 4. Be Consistent Relationships fade without consistent communication. Reach out every few weeks with something valuable—a relevant article, an invite, or even just to check in. 5. Leverage Social Media Comment on their posts, share their work, and stay visible. People remember those who engage consistently. 6. Join Their Circle If they’re part of a group or community (in person or online), join in. Shared spaces strengthen relationships naturally. 7. Be Yourself Authenticity is key. People connect with real, relatable individuals, not perfect personas. Don’t be afraid to show your personality. According to a Harvard Business Review study, professionals with strong networks are 58% more likely to find new career opportunities and report 42% greater career satisfaction. Building lasting relationships takes time. Follow these steps consistently over 3-6 months, and you’ll notice a significant improvement in both the quality and depth of your network. I met a fellow executive at a leadership conference. Instead of just swapping LinkedIn profiles, I asked, “What’s one challenge you’re facing that keeps you up at night?” That question sparked a meaningful conversation, and I later sent a helpful resource. We stayed in touch, exchanged ideas, and, over time, became collaborators. Today, that connection is a trusted professional ally. Whether you’re in operations, finance, or leadership development, building a solid network is essential for long-term success. The right relationships don’t just help—they multiply your opportunities.

BEYOND SMALL TALK: NETWORKING WHEN YOU'RE AN INTROVERT Let's bust a myth real quick: Being an introvert doesn't mean you're bad at networking. It means you're wired for deeper connections – and in today's quick-fix culture, that's to your advantage.    Fun fact: Research shows that introverts typically process information through a longer neural pathway, leading to deeper analysis and more meaningful interactions. Translation? While extroverts might excel at making fast connections, your brain is literally built for the kind of substantive relationships that drive real business growth.   Here are some ways to approach those “dreaded” social interactions your work likely requires.    🎯Go Deep, Not Wide  Forget the outdated metric of success where the size of your rolodex is what mattered. Focus on having one genuine conversation instead of ten shallow ones. Your natural ability to listen deeply and ask thoughtful questions is what builds real professional capital. In coaching, we call this "holding space" – and it's a rare skill in our hyperconnected world.   💡 Choose Your Arena Skip the noisy networking mixers and shine in smaller settings. Think intimate coffee chats, focused workshops, or online communities where you can contribute thoughtfully. The psychological concept of "environmental mastery" suggests that controlling your networking environment directly impacts your effectiveness and authentic presence.   🤝 Lead With Curiosity, Not Elevator Pitches Instead of relying on the old standard of "so what do you do?" conversations, get curious about others. Ask about their challenges, their wins, their insights. Research in interpersonal psychology shows that asking follow-up questions increases likability by 40% – and it's something introverts naturally excel at.   ⚡Share Your Work, Not Your Card Create content, share insights, or contribute to discussions in your field. Let your expertise do the talking. This approach leverages what organizational psychologists call "passive networking" – building relationships through value creation rather than direct outreach.   Remember: Networking isn't about becoming someone you're not. It's about leveraging who you already are.    Now I'm curious: What's your favorite way to connect that honors your introvert energy? Drop it in the comments! 👇

In my early career, I thought networking was all about building as many connections as possible. But I quickly learned that effective networking isn't about the quantity of your connections—it's about the quality. Throughout my career, the connections that have truly made a difference weren’t the ones where I just asked for help—they were the ones where I made it easy for others to want to help me. If you want to make others genuinely want to help you, it’s crucial to move beyond simply asking for favors. Instead, focus on creating value and building relationships where both parties benefit. So, how can you do the same? Here are four tactical tips to help you network effectively: ✅ Do Your Homework Before reaching out, research the person or company you’re interested in. Understand their work, challenges, and how you can add value. For instance, instead of asking a connection for job leads, do your own research first. Identify specific roles and companies you’re targeting, and then ask if they can help with an introduction. This approach shows initiative and respect for their time. ✅ Be Specific in Your Ask Whether you’re asking for an introduction, advice, or a referral, be clear and concise about what you need. For example, instead of asking, “Do you know anyone hiring?” say, “I noticed [Company Name] is looking for a [Role]. Would you be open to introducing me to [Person]? I’m happy to send you my resume and a brief write-up you can pass along, too.” This shows that you’ve taken the initiative and makes it easier for your contact to say yes. ✅ Offer Mutual Value When requesting a meeting or advice, frame it as a two-way conversation. Instead of saying, “Can I pick your brain?” try something like, “I’d love to exchange ideas on [specific topic] and share some strategies that have worked for me.” This not only makes your request more compelling but also positions you as someone who brings value to the table. ✅ Follow Up with Gratitude After someone has helped you, don’t just say thank you and disappear. Keep them in the loop on how their help made an impact. Whether you got the job, secured the meeting, or just had a great conversation, let them know. This closes the loop and makes them more inclined to help you in the future. Your network is one of your greatest assets—nurture it well, and it will be there for you when you need it most. What’s one networking tip that’s helped you build stronger connections? *** 📧 Want more tips like these? Join Career Bites - free weekly bite-sized tips to supercharge your career in 3 minutes or less: lorraineklee.com/subscribe 📖 You can also get behind-the-scenes stories, updates, and special gifts for my upcoming book Unforgettable Presence: lorraineklee.com/book

𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠. If someone tells you, “Just get out there and network more,” smile politely… Then run. 🏃💨 Because most networking advice? It’s DEAD WRONG. — Let’s unpack this 🔍 Most “networking experts” will tell you: ✖︎ Show up to more events ✖︎ Hand out more cards ✖︎ Pitch yourself with a 30-second elevator spiel ↳ None of that builds REAL relationships. ↳ And in sales, 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞-𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬. 💰 Here’s what works instead: ✅ 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 ⇢ Stop aiming to be seen by everyone ⇢ Start focusing on making one person feel truly seen ✅ 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 ⇢ Share a tip ⇢ Make an intro ⇢ Leave a meaningful comment (yes, even on LinkedIn posts like this one 😉) ✅ 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞 ⇢ The best clients and referral partners often come from seeds planted months—sometimes years—ago — 🔥 Here's what this looks like in action: I once met someone at a small business mixer. No pitch, no push. Just asked what was going well in their world. Months later, they messaged me: “You actually listened. I need help. Can we talk?” 👉 That deal closed. 👉 That client referred 4 more. 👉 THAT is networking done right. — So the next time someone tells you to “just network more,” ask yourself: 💬 Am I trying to be interesting… or am I showing genuine interest? Sales pros, your time is precious. Don’t spend it chasing empty connections. 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤. 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞. 𝐁𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧. — 💥 Let’s flip the script. Tell me in the comments 👇 What’s the WORST networking advice you’ve ever received? Let’s call it out—and rewrite the playbook together. 💬🔥

Stop Networking, Start Connecting Today's The Wall Street Journal by Rachel Feintzeig dives deep into something I'm very passionate about -- power of genuine connections over traditional networking. If you’re tired of awkward introductions or feeling like you’re just collecting business cards, this is for you. Here are few key takeaways I shared in the piece: -Give Before You Ask: One of the most effective ways to build meaningful connections is through a pay-it-forward mentality. Instead of starting a relationship by asking for a favor, find ways to offer value first. Ending a conversation with “Is there anything I can do to help you?” can open up new opportunities down the line. Remember: relationships thrive on reciprocity. -Craft the Perfect Intro Email: Making the right introduction is an art. A great introduction is warm, crisp, and direct. I always recommend including this phrase when asking if people are open to connecting: “no guilt, no obligation.” It signals that the other party can decline without feeling pressured, fostering a positive interaction. Also, make sure to describe why you’re connecting the two, highlight the potential mutual benefit and provide LinkedIn profiles for easy reference. -Be a Connector, Not Just a Networker: True connectors create those "aha" moments where new possibilities emerge for others. It's about more than just exchanging contact information—it's about curating relationships where both parties can gain. It’s a little like music, where the right notes create a melody that benefits everyone involved. Being that kind of connector can make you the go-to person in your network and, yes, it comes back to you. -Make It Less Awkward—Add Food: If you want to take connecting to the next level, try adding a personal touch. Food has a way of breaking down barriers and sparking real conversations. Think about hosting a gathering next time you want to connect people in your circle. Connecting isn’t just about what you can get—it’s about creating value for others. Whether through a thoughtful email introduction or simply asking how you can help, making those connections more meaningful will ultimately enrich your own network. Curious to hear how you build connections! Share your favorite tips or stories below. I hope you like my tips in the piece! #Networking #Connections #Leadership #WSJ #PayItForward #CareerGrowth

Networking changed my life. I made friends I wouldn't have met otherwise, built business partnerships that bring us millions, and landed book deals I never imagined. Here’s my 5-step system to network better: Step 1: Make Two Strategic Lists List 1: People you already know who you want to deepen relationships with: • Friends of friends you'd like to know better • The VIP in your office you see at holiday parties • That colleague you want to move from professional to friendship List 2: People you want to meet (can be specific names or types) • "The sales director at X company" • "Someone in renewable energy" • "A startup founder in my city" Being specific makes it infinitely easier to take action.  ____ 2. Schedule a “Connection Hour.” Every week, I block one hour just for relationships. For me, it’s Tuesday happy hour. I fill that time slot with: • A new contact • A coffee catch-up • A LinkedIn message to someone on my list Without time on the calendar, connection never happens. ____ Step 3: Ask Goal-Oriented Questions Stop asking "How's work?". Start asking questions that spark deeper conversations: • "What gets you up in the morning?" • "What goals are you working on this year?" • "What's the biggest project you're excited about?" These questions make people think deeper, give you something memorable to follow up on, and transform small talk into real connection. ____ Step 4: Adopt the "Offer Mentality" Flip the script from "What can I get?" to "What can I offer?". Simple ways to help: • Write a LinkedIn recommendation • Share a relevant article or opportunity • Introduce them to someone in their target industry • Send vacation recommendations if they're planning a trip The more I give, the more trust I build - and the more people want to stay connected. ____ Step 5: Follow Up Like Your Grandmother Remember when grandmothers used to mail newspaper clippings they thought you'd find interesting? Do the digital version. Powerful follow-up strategies: • Send relevant articles • Forward interesting links • Send birthday messages • Write LinkedIn recommendations • Share opportunities you think they'd love I’ve shared these 5 steps with hundreds of people, and they’ve seen real results. Now it’s your turn.

Networking changed my life. It helped me secure my first big consulting deal that let me quit my full-time job. Here's how to build relationships on LinkedIn (the right way): Networking can either make or break your career. Do it wrong: You’ll ruin your reputation. Do it right: You’ll have people speaking well of you when you’re not around. Here’s how to network like a pro: 1) Be genuine People can sense fakeness from a mile away. Instead, speak with them to get to know them. Not just because you want something. Besides… There’s no point in building relationships with people you don’t like. 2) Be a friend We want to feel cared for. Reach out once every 3 months to see how they’re doing. • Offer help • Schedule a coffee chat • Ask about their recent trip Don’t build connections. Build friendships. 3) Change your intent Turn your “I want this” mindset into a “I want to help” mindset. Start conversations without trying to sell something. But because you want to help them. Stop asking. Start giving. 4) Think long term It doesn't matter if they can’t help you now. In the long run… …you’ll be able to reach out when you need it. Be there for them now. They’ll be there for you later. That’s a real relationship. 5) Don’t ask for immediate favors This is where most screw up. They’ve barely met someone and immediately: • Ask for a job • Request a resume review • Or want some other big favor You wouldn’t do this to a stranger on the street. Why do it on LinkedIn? 6) Be mutually beneficial Start by building foundations. When/if it makes sense, think of how you can collaborate. Just like in business… This isn’t a one-way street. I help you. You help me. That’s how the world works. 7) Create on LinkedIn You never know who’s watching. Share your thoughts on the feed daily. And give people a glimpse into what you’re doing. You may not realize it… But others are going through the same as you. One of them might just come back with a life-changing opportunity. P.s. - What's one more tip you'd recommend for people networking on LinkedIn? Thanks for reading. Enjoyed this post? Follow Jordan Nelson And share it with your audience.

The secret to networking that actually works! A few years back, I attended a conference determined to "network." I handed out business cards, shared my elevator pitch, And left with zero meaningful connections. Sound familiar? The problem? I was collecting contacts, not building relationships. The next event, I tried something new: 1. Quality over quantity: Instead of meeting everyone, I focused on truly connecting with 3 people. 2. Ask first, share later: I listened to their goals and challenges before talking about myself. 3. Follow-up like a pro: A quick "great to meet you" message with a personalized touch kept the connection alive. Fast forward, and two of those connections turned into clients. One even referred me to a major partnership. Networking isn’t about selling; it’s about investing in relationships. PS. How do you approach building meaningful connections? Let’s share👇 #networking #coach

🎯 5 Networking Tips to Build Authentic Relationships in 2025 As many of you know, I’m being extremely intentional about networking and building relationships this year. Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards! it’s about creating genuine connections. Here are 5 tips to help you thrive at your next networking event: 1️⃣ Come Prepared: Know who’s attending and do a little homework on the people you’d like to connect with. Have a goal in mind—whether it’s to meet 3 new people or find someone with a specific expertise. 2️⃣ Find Common Ground: One of my favorite ways to strike up a conversation is by noticing something interesting about someone or giving a sincere compliment. For example, yesterday, I complimented a woman’s stylish glasses, and we started chatting. Turns out, she also lived in NYC for a few years, and we hit it off! 3️⃣ Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of small talk, dive deeper. Ask things like, “What brought you to this event?” or “What’s been the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately?” People love sharing their stories! 4️⃣ Be a Connector: Sometimes the best way to network is by connecting others. If you know someone who can help the person you’re talking to, make the introduction. It’s a powerful way to add value. 5️⃣ Follow Up: Networking doesn’t end when the event is over. Send a LinkedIn request or a quick email saying how much you enjoyed meeting them. Relationships are built through consistency. ✨ The key to great networking is authenticity! Show up as yourself, be curious, and look for ways to create meaningful connections. 🌟 Bonus tips: wear something unforgettable, colorful, sparkly or a funky fashion piece that helps you stand out from the crowd that could be a conversation starter!! 💎 I love my sparkly Rhinestone Betsey Johnson Boots 💎 What’s your favorite networking tip? Let’s build relationships together this year! Drop your thoughts in the comments. 👇 #NetworkingTips #RelationshipBuilding #ProfessionalGrowth #Authenticity #Leadership