How to Nurture Professional Relationships

People ask me all the time how to network. Here’s a short, tactical guide on how to actually do it - grounded in real data, real results, and 3,500+ jobs found through relationships. 🎯 The #1 misconception Networking is not: “Let me ask you for a job.” It is: “Let me have a real, human moment with someone in this industry.” ✅ What actually works This is how you build meaningful professional relationships - the kind that lead to real opportunities: 1️⃣ Be around. Events, Discords, social posts, games projects, ticket giveaways, community coaching - just show up. Start by being visible. Over time, become memorable for the right reasons. 2️⃣ Don’t pitch. Connect. Ask questions. Be genuinely curious. You’re planting seeds, not harvesting. This takes months and years. There are not shortcuts to building real relationships. 3️⃣ Look sideways, not up. A junior colleague can often help you more than a C-level exec. Build trust, first, with people at your level or just above it. 4️⃣ Follow up like a human. Send messages that matter: “Just played [X] - loved the level design.” “Your GDC talk really stuck with me - thank you.” “Noticed you moved from QA to design - would love to hear how.” 5️⃣ Give before you get. Share insights, leave helpful comments, support others’ work - anything that builds trust and makes you recognizable. 6️⃣ Say hi when there’s nothing to gain. That’s the best time. No stakes, no pressure - it’s when real relationships start. 7️⃣ Don’t just “shoot your shot.” ❌❌❌❌❌ Never reach out with “Can you get me a job?” That closes doors, fast. Lead with curiosity and conversation, not a transactional, cold ask. 🔥 If I wanted to be provocative… I’d say this: Applying to jobs without connective tissue is very inefficient. Particularly for early career and more senior folks. Instead of asking, “What should I apply to?” - ask, “Where can I build a relationship?” Posting about hundreds of applications is understandable, but it misses the point. Focus on how many real connections you’ve made - then work backward to the right applications. 🧠 Avoid the Dream Company Trap Too many people focus only on the one studio they love - and end up pinging the same five people as everyone else. I always ask: Where do I already have network strength? Where can I go that everybody else isn’t going? We track 3,000+ game studios. 1,000+ of them hire. Go outside the top 50. 🪜 Think in ladders and sidesteps Instead of aiming straight at your target studio, look at who owns that studio. Think conglomerates. Think sister teams. Adjacent verticals. 📊 The data backs it up. Across our community: Cold apps: ~1–2% yield Apps with any warm connection: 10–20x+ better odds 🧭 The shift is simple Spend more time building bridges than sending résumés. Relationships are the infrastructure of hiring. Build that first. The first thing I ask anyone who's stuck is: Are you spending 80%+ of your effort building relationships? If not, do that.

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.

Every opportunity that changed my life came from a relationship (not a resume). 6 tips to build a network that actually works for you: 1/ Check In Without Needing Anything ↳ Send "how are you?" texts more often than "can you help me?" emails. ↳ People forget what you said, but they remember that you stayed in touch. 2/ Give Before You Get ↳ The best networkers give help more often than they ask for it. ↳ Share opportunities, make introductions, send useful articles. 3/ Start Building Today ↳ The worst time to build relationships is when you desperately need them. ↳ Your next job won't come from a blind job app. It'll come from someone you know. 4/ Make It Personal ↳ Remember birthdays, kids' names, their big wins. ↳ One genuine conversation beats 100 business cards. 5/ Stay Consistent ↳ Set reminders to reach out quarterly. ↳ Small efforts compound into strong connections. 6/ Be The Connector ↳ Introduce people who should know each other. ↳ Become known as someone who helps others win. The net worth of your network compounds faster than your 401(k). Every promotion, every opportunity, every breakthrough... They all started with a relationship. Your dream job is one conversation away. But that conversation only happens if you've been nurturing relationships all along. Start today. Text someone you haven't talked to in months. Not because you need something. Just because relationships are your most valuable career asset. What's your favorite way to network? Reshare ♻️ to help someone in your network. And give me a follow for more posts like this.

I received a call yesterday from a good friend, an executive director at a thriving law firm.  We’ve known each other for years and while we ended up discussing business, it started my wheels thinking about relationships and how they build a business in professional services. After years of focusing the best marketing techniques in professional services, I always revisit one theme. Building strong relationships is key to developing a firm, and growing a practice. While having excellent skills will always be table stakes, the strength of a relationships is also an essential component. One thing is clear: it's all about the relationships we as individuals build and nurture. Here are five tips to strengthen those connections that matter to you. 💡 1.    Lead with Empathy Understanding what your clients or prospects are going through is crucial. It's not just about the business side—it's about seeing the bigger picture of their challenges and successes. When you truly empathize with others, it deepens trust and connection. 💡 2.    Find Common Ground We all have shared experiences—whether it's career paths, mutual interests, or personal milestones. Finding those commonalities can make the conversation more comfortable and genuine, helping to build a solid foundation for the relationship. 💡 3.   Care About Their Success It's not enough to focus solely on your own goals. You have to genuinely care about the other person's business, and that means understanding their industry, their pressures, and their needs. 💡 4.   Show Interest In-Between the Transaction A relationship built solely on a deal or a single litigation (even if the dollars are significant) is transactional, generally with a beginning and an end. Show interest in their life outside of work, and stay in touch with them in-between matters. 💡5.  It’s a Long Game Building strong relationships doesn’t happen overnight and there is no magical system that works the same for everyone. Follow up regularly, stay in touch, and show you’re consistently thinking of them. Relationships need nurturing, and this level of attention proves that you’re not just there for a quick win—you’re in it to support them for the long haul. Relationships are at the core of everything—whether you’re building a practice or growing a larger business.

How does networking turn into a job opportunity? We've all heard it before - networking is crucial for career growth and finding new job opportunities. But how do you tap into your network authentically without coming across as simply using connections? Truthfully build relationships that are built on mutual understanding and value exchange. Networking was never a one-way street and should be done with long-term intentions. Here are a few things I did that allowed me to turn relationships into career opportunities: 1. Provide Value First - Before asking for ANYTHING, see how you can help. This can be done through sharing industry insights, personal contacts, or sharing your expertise on a subject matter pro bono. 2. Express Authentic Interest - It's obvious when you're faking it! Learn their goals, interests, and pain points and ask thoughtful questions to have real conversations about more than just work. 3. Stay Top-of-Mind - Share updates on projects you're working on, milestones you've hit, or just check in periodically. This allows you to stay present in conversation. 4. Pay it Forward - Make intros between connections who could benefit each other, without the expectancy of something in return. Adopt the habit of giving just to give! These tips have allowed me to turn my network into my career superpower, supporting personal and professional goals. Drop some of your tips for building genuine relationships in the comments. #Networking #BlackLinkedIn

Many times I've heard, "Your network is your net worth." Well, if that's the case, then I consider myself immensely rich. I appreciate the extensive and supportive network I've built on LinkedIn over the past couple of years and strive to provide value and support while I get the same back in return. Frequently engaging with and providing value to your network are the keys to building strong, mutually beneficial professional relationships on this platform. Here are some ways to actively engage and give back to your network: 1)     Consistently Engage with Content: Regularly react to, comment on, and share posts from your connections that resonate with you. Thoughtful and insightful comments add value to the conversation and show your support. Active engagement keeps you and the poster visible. 2)     Share Valuable Insights: Post content that provides value to your network, such as industry insights, practical tips, or relevant articles. Sharing your knowledge and experiences establishes you as a thought leader and encourages others to engage with your content. 3)     Join and Contribute to Groups: Participate in LinkedIn groups related to your industry and interests. Engage in discussions by asking questions, providing answers, and sharing relevant content. This helps you connect with like-minded professionals and adds value to the community. 4)     Offer Support and Resources: Be proactive in offering help to your connections. Whether it’s sharing job opportunities, making yourself available for informational interviews, or making introductions, your willingness to support others strengthens your network and builds goodwill. Are there other ways you like to engage with and provide value to your network? Share your ideas and experiences in the comments to help others. #Networking #LinkedInTips #ProfessionalGrowth #PersonalBranding #CareerDevelopment

Most people tell you to network, but they don’t teach you how. Here’s what you can do: 🔹 Quality Over Quantity: Before attending, study the event's attendee list and identify 2-3 people you want to meet. This focused approach can lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations. I’ve recently done this myself at a TED event. 🔹 Adopt a Giving Mindset: Offer to share your expertise or resources. For example, if someone is working on a project you have experience with, volunteer to provide insights or introduce them to someone who can help. This shows you're invested in their success. 🔹 Research Smartly: Look into their recent projects or publications. If your contact has recently published a paper or given a talk, read it and mention specific points you found intriguing or valuable. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart. 🔹 Make the First Move: Send a message acknowledging a challenge they mentioned in a public forum or LinkedIn comment. For example: "Hi [Name], I saw your post about the challenges of remote team management. I've faced similar issues and found that regular virtual coffee breaks helped. Would love to share more if you're interested. Best, [Your Name]" 🔹 Build a Habit: Set a weekly reminder to engage with your network on social media. This could be liking, commenting on, or sharing posts from your contacts. Regular engagement keeps you top of mind and builds a foundation for deeper connections. Tomorrow’s newsletter is packed with actionable insights to turn casual contacts into valuable connections. ➡ Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eE-aFmFy 💜 Career Well-being is the best work-life newsletter, according to my readers! Join us! #NetworkingTips #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #careerbutterfly #CareerWellbeing

High performers beware: I just had a coaching call with someone who consistently gets high marks at work, but recently received feedback that they weren’t working as hard on building relationships with their coworkers. Here’s what I told them: ▶ Praise in public: Take every opportunity to raise up the people you work with. I have been known to use memes, songs, movies, and more to show a team member how much I appreciate them. ▶ Be vulnerable: The best way to get to know someone is to get someone to know you. Take the lead in sharing your own personality and interests with the people you work with and see who reciprocates. ▶ Keep a personal file: I use a “Personal CRM” to track the names, contact info, and significant details of everyone in my professional network. I even keep contingency plans in case they go rogue (joking. maybe.) ▶ Master the dreaded Zoom call small talk: Put yourself in the mind of a host or emcee. You don’t need a stand-up routine, but even some light conversation to open up / close the call puts everyone in a better mood. ▶ Model successful behavior: Find the few people in your office known for having a great presence, and learn from them. Success leaves clues. ▶ Take full advantage of the office: If you do have the opportunity to work in an office, take advantage of slow moments to have conversations with others. Working in an office doesn’t mean working remotely at your desk. Get moving! These are a few quick tactics we ideated on during our call that may seem small, but a relationship is the culmination of small things, done over time. Good luck out there, and let me know of any tactics you’ve developed at work to make connecting with your coworkers a little easier!

🎯 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

Hey there, fellow executive assistants! 👋 Let's chat about something that can seriously supercharge your career: your professional network. Trust me, I've been there – your network can be your secret weapon in this fast-paced world of ours. 🚀 So, how do you build a network that's not just big, but powerful? Let me share some game-changing tips: 🎭 Get out there! Industry events aren't just for free pens (though those are nice). They're goldmines for meeting people who get what you do. Don't be shy – your next big opportunity might be just a handshake away. 🤝 Have you heard about the EA Social Club? It's not just another professional group - it's a one-of-a-kind organization dedicated to fostering supportive, nurturing relationships between executive assistants. Joining this community can expand your network with like-minded professionals who truly understand the intricacies of your role. It's a place where EAs come together to share experiences, offer support, and grow professionally side by side. 💻 LinkedIn isn't just for job hunting. It's your digital rolodex on steroids. Connect, engage, and join groups. Your next mentor or collaborator could be a click away. 🎁 Here's a secret: be a giver. Share that cool productivity hack you just learned. People remember those who add value to their lives. 📞 Follow-up is where the magic happens. A quick "Hey, how's it going?" can keep doors open for years. Make it a habit. 🧙♂️ Find your Yoda. Having a mentor who's been in your shoes can fast-track your growth like nothing else. 🦸♀️ Be someone's hero. When you help others, the universe has a funny way of returning the favor. 🌈 Don't just stick to other EAs. Branch out! That marketing whiz or IT guru might be your ticket to your next big career move. 🤲 Volunteering isn't just good for the soul – it's networking gold. Plus, you get to make a difference. Win-win! 🏆 Quality beats quantity every time. One solid connection trumps a hundred business cards gathering dust. Remember, networking isn't about collecting contacts like Pokémon. It's about building real relationships. Be genuine, be helpful, and watch your career soar. 🌟 What do you think? Ready to take your network to the next level? Trust me, your future self will thank you! 😉 #ExecutiveAssistant #NetworkingTips #CareerGrowth #EASocialClub #MakeKnowledgeSharingYourBitch