Building Connections at Industry Events

Most people freeze when they want to reach out to someone influential. Here’s the 5-step formula I’ve used to connect with the CEO of Scribe, the co-founder of Leland, the content team at Notion, and even creators I admire 👇 1. Follow first. Connect later. Don’t just hit “connect.” Follow them, spend a few weeks learning from their content and activity. Be a quiet observer. 2. Find your entry point. Look for a personal connection - a post you loved, a campaign you admired, a shared background, a comment thread you can join. 3. Create context. Once you find something specific, DM them with a message that shows: → You’ve done your homework → Why this moment made you want to connect → What you admire or learned from them 4. Make the ask polite + specific. Don’t write paragraphs. Respect their time. Example: “Would love to ask you 1 question about your work at [company] – totally okay if now’s not a good time!” 5. Nurture the connection. Even if they don’t reply, keep engaging with their content. Most of my opportunities came weeks after my first message. This method helped me land internships, collaborations, interviews, and lifelong mentors. Try this 5-step system and tell me what worked. #linkedin #network #tips

Stop networking like everyone else. The most connected people do this instead: Everyone's chasing the same playbook. Coffee meetings. Business cards. Conference small talk. But the relationships that actually move careers forward happen differently. Real influence comes from depth, not breadth. 7 unconventional networking moves that actually work 👇🏼 1) Send voice messages instead of texts ↳ 30-second voice note feels more personal than any emoji 2) Share others' wins publicly ↳ Celebrate their successes openly, not just in private DMs 3) Be the person who remembers birthdays ↳ Set a calendar reminder - personal touch in a digital world 4) Create value for their network, not just them ↳ Invite them to events, groups, or opportunities that benefit their goals 5) Be vulnerable about your own challenges ↳ Share struggles, not just highlights - authenticity builds deeper bonds 6) Follow up on things they mentioned months ago ↳ "How did that presentation go?" shows you actually listen and care 7) Choose quality time over quantity meetings ↳ Two meaningful conversations beat ten surface-level coffee chats The best networkers aren't the busiest. They're the most intentional. What's your next step toward meaningful connection this week? Share below 👇🏼 -- ♻️ Repost to help your network build influence through authentic connection 🔔 Follow me Dr. Carolyn Frost for more on professional success with integrity

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.

Someone said "You should teach a transition class at events like these" while at the Air & Space Forces Association annual event in DC yesterday I explained that I have done that before...but attendance at these major events typically fell into 2x buckets: 1 - many of the senior leaders attending weren't even thinking about their transition, so they focused on talking with friends, attending events & industry engagement 2 - the ones in their transition window were hell-bent focused on "finding a job" by going to pitch themselves to every major defense contractor in attendance #quinnsights Going to these booths and saying "I'm the ...." doesn't tell them anything about what you want or can do Companies don't come to these major events to hire (they come to sell and form partnerships) And that events like these (AFA & AUSA) don't typically "get you a job" They give you an entry point (someone to speak to & maybe build a relationship) #militarytransition But the key to every event is FOLLOW UP What should you do? 1 - connect with them on LinkedIn every time Show them your QR code right there and wait for their connection request to come through (sneaky way to ensure they do) 2 - Go into My Network each night and look at your newest connections They are organized chronologically, so they will all be people from the event 3 - Send them a quick note on LinkedIn saying how great it was to meet them at (insert event name) and that you would love to stay in touch for advice This locks in that you met face-to-face in their Inbox...always leaving a reminder there in case either side reaches out (not a cold pitch) 4 - Make a networking spreadsheet that tracks the people you met AND who responded For the ones that responded, asked some simple questions or for a short advice phone call, if appropriate For the ones that didn't - send an additional follow up message one week later to thank them again and add a short easy question (they'll be back from the event & likely have more time) #militarytransition Once you get to the calls, ask questions to learn and listen more than talk to find your success Questions? Is there anything you would add? And will I see you at the AUSA Fireside Chat/Transition Panel on Tuesday Oct 15 from 1300-1500 in Rm 147A/B in the Washington Convention Center?

7 Icebreakers That Actually Work At Networking Events: 1. “What’s Something Exciting You’re Working On?” This is so much better than "So, what do you do?" This shows genuine curiosity and invites people to talk about what matters to them. You’ll often uncover hidden projects, side hustles, or cool trends in their industry. 2. “What Inspired You To Attend This Event?” This question gets past the surface quickly and helps you understand their goals. And that gives you a window to offer meaningful value. This shows genuine curiosity and invites people to talk about what matters to them. You’ll often uncover hidden projects, side hustles, or cool trends in their industry. 3. “How Did You Get Into Your Field?” People love telling their origin story. It gives them a chance to reflect and helps you learn something valuable. Bonus: It opens the door to career path tips or industry insights. Use it to start meaningful convos instead of awkward intros. 4. “What’s A Challenge You’re Facing Right Now?” This one is powerful if asked appropriately. Frame it lightly, “anything you’re trying to figure out these days?” If you can help them solve it or connect them to someone who can? They’ll owe you one big time. 5. “What’s Something People Misunderstand About Your Role?” This sparks a surprisingly fun convo, especially with folks in niche or technical roles. It lets them vent (in a good way) and gives you interesting insights. Plus, it shows you care enough to go deeper than surface-level stuff. 6. “Who Should I Meet Before I Leave?” This is a networking power move. It creates a flywheel where every conversation turns into two. And it helps narrow the focus of your networking to the people who matter most. Bonus: Ask them if they’d be willing to make an introduction! 7. Comment On The Moment If all else fails, comment on what’s around you or a potential shared experience from the event. “Did you try the [insert snack or drink]? Surprisingly good for one of these events.” “Not sure how I feel about these name tags, kind of feel like I'm at prom.” Humor = connection. —— ➕ Follow Austin Belcak for more 🔵 Ready to land your dream job? Click here to learn more about how we help people land amazing jobs in ~3.5 months with a $44k raise: https://lnkd.in/gdysHr-r

It’s fall, and you know what that means: It’s networking season! Many people shy away from networking events because they can be uncomfortable. I understand that - it's normal to feel out of place when you don’t know anyone. But what if you had a strategy to turn every event into a meaningful opportunity? Let me share two simple but effective strategies I use to feel more comfortable and maximize my time at large gatherings: My first tip? Always have a question ready. When you’re at a networking event, people will react positively when you approach them. Everyone’s there to network, right? You can go up to someone and ask something easy like, “What are you most excited about right now?” or “Tell me about you.” These questions open the door to deeper conversations that  take you beyond small talk. When they answer you can pick out something to hook onto to bring the conversation to a deeper level. . The second tip? Have a follow-up plan. As you talk, think about ways you can contribute to the person’s life—a relevant article, podcast, or even a LinkedIn connection. By offering something valuable, you create a natural follow-up that helps maintain the relationship. These strategies help you get value from the event. Networking isn’t just about adding more contacts—it’s about building connections that matter. It’s the difference between feeling like you’re just passing out business cards and walking away with relationships that last. Networking events may be contrived, but with practice they can help you achieve your goals. What’s your go-to strategy for making meaningful connections at networking events? #networking  #strategy  #communication

"I go to parties, but no one ever approaches me. Is something wrong with me?" A friend asked me this recently. She’s smart. Charming. Totally magnetic. But there was a problem: Her body language was screaming, "DO NOT APPROACH." Here's how to fix approachability (whether you’re networking or just want better social connections): 1. Open Your Torso Always keep your torso angled toward the room, not closed off. We instinctively avoid approaching people with: • Crossed arms • Something clutched to their chest • Bodies turned away from the crowd Opening your body physically and subconsciously signals "I'm open to conversation." ____ 2. Use "Croissant Feet" When standing or talking, position your feet like a croissant—slightly open toward the room. This subtle stance shows you're physically available for others to join your conversation. ____ 3. Stand in the Strategic Spot Most people stand by the entrance, food, or bathroom. Wrong. The sweet spot: Right where people exit the coffee station with drinks in hand. They're ready to mingle, relaxed, and looking to engage. ____ 4. Master the Eyebrow Flash See someone across the room you want to connect with? Give them a subtle eyebrow raise. It's a universal silent “hello” that works across cultures. Note: It's brief - just a quick flash, not a sustained raise. ____ 5. Wear Conversation Starters I wear my Ravenclaw Harry Potter shirt to the gym. People constantly approach me to talk about houses, favorite characters, or share their Hogwarts stories. Other examples: • College alumni gear • Unique accessories (I wear red shoes that always start conversations) • Name tags with something interesting (I write "Recovering Awkward Person" under my name) ____ 6. Treat Strangers Like Old Friends The energy you bring to an old friend is warm and welcoming. With strangers, we get reserved and boring. Instead of: "Nice to meet you. What do you do?" Try: "Oh, it's so great to meet you! What’s been the highlight of your week?" ____ 7. Be "Smile Ready" (Not Fake Smiley) Don't walk around with a permanent grin - that's weird. Instead, be ready with an authentic smile when something genuinely excites you. Real smiles reach your upper cheek muscles. Save them for moments like "Oh, you got a new puppy? I love dogs! Can I see pictures?" ____ Remember: Approachability isn’t just for extroverts. It’s a skill anyone can practice. Making small adjustments in positioning, posture, and energy can completely transform how others perceive and approach you.

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

I spent $25K on a dinner last Tuesday. The $10 name tags generated more ROI than any marketing campaign we’ve ever run. We gave out metal name tags. Custom-engraved. Nothing fancy. I almost died of anxiety getting them shipped in time. But by Thursday, people were still wearing them around San Mateo. At totally different SaaStr events. That’s when I knew this wasn’t just another founder dinner. It was something people wanted to be identified with. No RSVP forms. No sales pitch. Just 90 hand-picked founders and product leaders packed into a single restaurant. And here’s what happened organically: - Small-group conversations spilled outside the restaurant until 10pm - A founder told me they solved a product problem during a chat at the bar - Two partnerships were formed between attendees who’d never met before Here’s what we learned about building genuine connections in an industry drowning in “networking events”: 1/ Create a momentary escape We rented out the entire restaurant. No outsiders. No agenda. Just a space for authentic conversation. 2/ Curate ruthlessly We personally invited those who would make the evening better for everyone in the room. 3/ Design for post-event connection Those engraved name tags became conversation starters days later. “Hey, weren’t you at the Recall.ai dinner?” Traditional marketing tracks every dollar. But building genuine community means letting go of immediate attribution. Three different attendees DM’d asked, “When’s the next one?” That’s the kind of community equity you can’t measure on a dashboard. What’s the most meaningful connection you’ve made at an event that wasn’t trying to sell you something?

Introverts, do you cringe at the thought of "networking"? You're not alone. I've had my moments too. But here's the secret: networking doesn't have to be a forced conversation at a loud conference.  Think of it as building connections, not conquering crowds. It's about finding people who share your interests, exchanging ideas, and creating a network of support.  Here are some examples from networking opportunities: ➡ SHARED INTERESTS Jessica Hoffman, CISSP - As tech professors, we enjoy seeing people learn and grow. Jessica is convinced we met before! Mary K. - Our interests in Tech and STEM led us to meet at a Tech summit then again at a Tech networking event. Brittany Jacobs - loved hearing Brittany's story as a Co-Founder of Jersey Shore Women in Tech. We also learned we both enjoy making realistic art over abstract art. ➡ EXCHANGING IDEAS Bobbie Carlton - I learned how to be a better speaker from Bobbie's talk at the Women in Tech Summit and learned about her journey in a one-on-one conversation. Tyler Powell - Tyler asked great questions about product management, and I shared tips on how to get started in the field. Kelsey Spencer - I shared ideas for networking events before Kelsey's internship begins. Jackée Clement, MD - We discussed the cognitive flexibility inherent in pivoting career paths. Nadia Clifford- We shared ideas to visually represent our multidimensional career paths as technology leaders. ➡ CREATING A NETWORK OF SUPPORT Char Mattox and Nefertete Williams, MPH - Attended #WITS24 together to support each other. Muffy Ashley Torres - We learned Sylvia Watts McKinney positively impacted both of our careers. Tatiana Carett, PT, MPH, MBA - We had a serendipitous meeting as fellow Consulting leaders with shared experiences and network connections. Tokunbo Quaye - We're fellow Tech leaders with lots of commonalities and are ecstatic to continue our conversation. Amber Robinson - Our initial conversation covered consulting and wildlife. After, Amber kindly shared positive feedback she heard in a virtual room I wasn't in. ➡ WHAT HAPPENS NEXT Networking is not a one-shot deal. It's about making new friends and building relationships. The above examples provide a basis to keep the conversation going by offering value and learning from each other. The rest will follow organically. What are your networking tips for introverts? #Networking #Introverts #CareerGrowth