Building Community and Relationships in New Environments

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.

Working in corporate tech events can be thrilling! You’re surrounded by innovation, big ideas, and the kind of fast-paced energy that keeps you on your toes. But there’s a quiet truth many of us don’t talk about: it can be incredibly isolating. In corporate environments, especially in events, you’re often the one behind the scenes always on, always delivering, always making sure others feel connected. Ironically, this can leave you feeling disconnected. Add to that the common culture of keeping things “professional,” and suddenly, personal connection gets put on the back burner. It’s fine until life changes. Maybe it’s a layoff, a relocation, a new chapter, or even burnout. Suddenly, the work friends you only see during business hours can’t offer the kind of support you need. And if you’ve poured all your energy into your role (as many of us do), you might look around and realize you haven’t built much outside of work. That’s a hard, lonely place to be. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. Here are 5 ways I started rebuilding community authentically and intentionally: 1. Find Industry Peers Outside of Your Company Join professional associations, local event marketing groups, or niche Slack communities. These spaces are goldmines for connection with people who get what you do but aren’t tied to your org chart. 2. Start Attending Events as a Participant, Not a Planner It’s a shift but showing up to events just to learn and meet people, without the pressure of execution, can reawaken your sense of belonging and inspiration. 3. Be Honest About Where You’re At It’s okay to say, “I’m looking to connect with others in the industry” or “I’m in a season of rebuilding.” You’d be surprised how many people are feeling the same way and how that honesty can open doors. 4. Create What You Need Can’t find the kind of community you crave? Start a small meetup, coffee chat group, or monthly Zoom circle. Lead with curiosity, not perfection. 5. Lean into Identity Beyond Work Reconnect with hobbies, interests, or causes that light you up. Community forms so much more naturally when you’re doing something you love. You’re not alone if you’ve felt isolated in your corporate role especially in tech events, where the work is relentless and the boundaries blur. But life outside your company matters. You deserve connection, support, and community beyond what you produce or manage. If you’re rebuilding right now, I see you. You’re doing brave work. #events #community #burnout #layoff

On Monday, I had my first day at LinkedIn, and I felt some butterflies—the kind that signal you’re stepping into something new, exciting, and a little unknown.  48 hours in, I wanted to share 3 reflections that might resonate with anyone navigating the start of a new job or role. 3 Takeaways for Starting a New Role 1. Get Crystal Clear on the Why, the How, and the What Pay attention to how the company presents its Why (Vision), How (Values), and What (Operations). Words matter—at least they should. Listen closely to how long-tenured employees describe the mission and how the business model supports it. When conversations lean toward abstract concepts, seek to remove ambiguity by asking for concrete examples. (For instance, if someone says, “We want to earn trust,” and it's ambiguous about what that actually means, ask what that looks like in practice at this company.).  You should walk away with a good feel for why the company exists, some concrete examples of what the standard is around a small set of values and – no matter your role – you should understand the company’s business model. Why does this matter?   Because at its core, a company is defined by what its people do and how they do it—a company is not its office space or logo or the award it just won – those are outputs or decisions.  It’s easy to get distracted from the core foundations, don’t miss the opportunity to get clear and concrete on them in your first few days. 2. Start Building Relationships Early The best work happens when relationships are built on trust and an assumption of good intent. I approach my work believing that my teammates are smart and are coming from a positive place, and I hope  that to be reciprocated. This foundation creates the space to engage in honest debate, healthy conflict, and meaningful resolutions. But trust isn’t automatic. Build it by asking questions, finding common ground, and showing some vulnerability. During onboarding, go beyond your immediate team and connect across functions. Be curious and ask for advice—it’s a simple way to learn something, and demonstrate that you value others’ expertise. Vulnerability builds trust and opens the door to authentic connections, which will set the stage for real discussions that get to the heart of the matter. 3. Share Genuine Thanks Many people likely played a role in helping you get here. Before the daily grind takes over, take a moment to express gratitude—to family, friends, mentors, or even folks you met during the interview process. Pro tip: Keep this practice going beyond your first weeks.  On my first day at LinkedIn, I observed how many people—security, IT, cleaning staff—work, often behind the scenes, to make sure my teammates and I can do our jobs better. Recognize their contributions. It’s a reminder of the interconnectedness of different parts of an organization.  How do you approach the first days in a new role? Share your thoughts and tips below—I’d love to hear them!

𝟱 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗗𝗼 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱? It’s hiring season again (and yes, I’m not ready :), which means everyone is rushing to network to maximize their opportunities. But let’s face it—networking isn’t just about sending a cold email or having a virtual coffee chat. Maintaining long-term connections can be tough. I struggled with this until I figured out these levels of networking: 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝟭: You send a cold email, get a connection accepted, and chat virtually. Great start, but now what? Many stop here, letting the relationship fade over time, because it’s hard for people to remember you after just one virtual meeting. 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝟮: Step up your game by meeting them in person. Attend their workshop, catch them at a conference, or have a real-life coffee chat if you’re in the same city. Trust me, it's exciting like preparing for a date. I remember nervously scanning an AWE workshop to find my favorite role-model product manager, Lani, whom I spotted by her unmistakable hair color :) We finally had a great in-person meeting after many virtual talks. Another time, while I was at a conference, I received a LinkedIn message saying, “I think I saw you,” from Alessio, a talented AR prototype engineer I had just had a virtual chat with a few days earlier. I looked up and saw him stood there waving :) 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝟯: Consult them on solving a problem, like a project direction or portfolio review. Pay attention and take note of how they think through solutions rather than just the answers they give, like why they suggest choosing DFS over BFS for your project. 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝟰: Create a win-win relationship. Find out if they’re working on projects or hackathons where your skills could be valuable. Even if you feel unprepared, there’s always a way to contribute. In my first talk with Yukun, I was new XR, but hearing he wanted to build an XR community, I offered to help since I had some experience in building communities. Or it can be simple as recommending a great book or introducing them to someone who’s a big deal in their industry. 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆: Congrats, you’ve reached the friend zone! Cheer on each other’s achievements and milestones and check in occasionally. Levels 2, 3, and 4 can be revisited as needed. Why know your networking level? The most common mistake is asking for too much help too soon.  An employer is more likely to respond to a message from a stranger if they ask, “Can I ask about the tech stack you used in project X?” rather than “Can you refer me to this position?” Identify your relationship level first, then match your request. Ultimately, successful networking isn’t just about landing that dream job. It’s about making great friends and building a supportive network that helps you grow. So, which level of networking are you rocking? Thank you Tung N. for inspiring these ideas through his insightful writing on networking #Networking #internship2025

Community is necessary, but the hype cycle will make you feel like community building is easy and the solution for every problem. I talk to brands all the time who want community but don't look at it as the long-term initiative it is. They don't see all the moving pieces that will drain your time, your energy, and your resources. That's why I've built out this Community Readiness Guide. It's a self-check for anyone thinking about building community. 1. Why Do You Really Want to Build a Community? - Is this coming from a place of service, connection, curiosity—or pressure to “build something”? - Are you craving connection yourself, or do you see a genuine gap for others? - Could your goal be met through something simpler—like content, events, or a group chat? 2. Who Are You Gathering—and Why? - Who are the people you feel drawn to connect? Be as specific as possible. - What unites them? A shared experience, identity, aspiration, or challenge? - What will they get out of coming together with each other (not just with you)? 3. Are You Willing to Build With Them, Not Just For Them? - Will you involve others in shaping what this becomes? - Are you open to your original idea shifting as people show up with their needs? - Do you value co-creation, or are you looking to lead from the front? 4. Do You Have the Time, Energy, and Patience to Sustain This? - Community takes time to build—especially trust and engagement. Are you ready for the long game? - How will you show up consistently without burning out or resenting the work? - What boundaries will you need to protect your energy? 5. What Does Success Actually Look Like for You? - What would make this feel worth it? - Is it a certain number of people? A vibe? A deeper sense of purpose? - What are you not willing to compromise on? 6. Are You Ready for the Emotional Labor of Holding Space? - Are you comfortable with silence, slow growth, and invisible impact? - Can you hold space for different opinions, needs, and personalities? - What support do you need to stay grounded as a community builder, not just a content creator? 7. Gut Check - If you built this community and no one “important” noticed, would it still feel meaningful to you? Take the self-check and let me know if this helped you realize whether building a community is right for your needs.

I have worked at Apple, MediaTek and Qualcomm. Coached over 200 people, built a community of 45,000+ people, and gotten tens of speaking gigs. How?  Simple reason being I learned how to build relationships on LinkedIn. ~~But Roshni, building relationships is time-consuming and sometimes so overwhelming. Well, that’s true, but it’s far more rewarding than just sitting behind your laptop and blindly applying. You never know the person you just spoke to might not be able to help you now, but 5 years down the lane could be your colleague. So what’s the most important ingredient of building relationship? Well, it's CARING.  No, for real. Don't just pretend to care. Actually, give a damn about people on LinkedIn.  Surely focus on your agendas, but keep them second. Just start doing this for one week and you’ll see wonders happening around. Here's how I do it: 1. When you connect, skip the robot talk. Mention something from their last post. Understand their career. Show you actually looked at their profile. - Make them feel seen and heard. 2. Endorse skills when you connect with them - best way to start a relationship. 3. Share stuff that helps others grow. That Harvard Business Review article on leadership? Share it. See a job post for a "Senior Developer at Google"? Tag a friend who got laid off. Sharing referrals and resources is an easy way to build trust. 4. Be a super-connector - Introduce people who could help each other out. It takes nothing from you but adds a ton of value to other people’s life.   5. Post interesting comments- Jump into conversations like you would at a party. And please, don't just comment "Great post" or "Interesting." Actually say something interesting. Remember: LinkedIn's just a digital mirror of real-world networking. Bring the same energy you'd bring to a face-to-face event. What else would you add to the list?

🎯 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

I am sharing one networking tip a day this week to make networking less scary. My day 3 tip is to be a connector. What is a connector? It's basically exactly as it sounds, but in this context I don't mean professionally; I mean connect people in all aspects of your life. We all know and adore these people. The ones who seem to always know someone who can help at the drop of a hat or the perfect tour guide for your upcoming vacation. Former associate starting a family and needs childcare recommendations? Help her find a nanny and connect her with other soon-to-be parents in her neighborhood. Colleague expresses an interest in working out more? Connect them with your trainer or suggest a group fitness class you like. Friend expresses that she needs a new hobby? Introduce her to your book club or to that other friend of yours that started a pickleball team. The possibilities for making these personal connections between people are endless and all around us every day. The other benefit is that if you're early in your career, you might not have as many professional contacts as you want but you have a host of friends (HS, college, law school) where you can make personal connections. It's an easy, low stress, an enjoyable way to organically grow your network. Professional connections are great, but it's in making personal connections between other people where you really expand your network and build the trust of those around you.

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

Great networkers focus on relationships, not connections. Networking isn’t just about connecting — it’s about building relationships that matter. Recently, I worked with a senior software manager who wanted to level up their network and open new doors. Within a month, we were able to build them three valuable connections that provided something valuable. Here’s the strategy we used to make it happen: 1️⃣ 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 We identified contacts who would bring real value to their network, focusing on industry leaders, former colleagues, and people in aspirational roles. 2️⃣ 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘀 No more generic “let’s connect” messages. We crafted thoughtful, genuine introductions that spoke to shared interests or experiences. 3️⃣ 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 Each message included something of value — like a resource or a helpful insight. This showed commitment to mutual benefit right from the start. 4️⃣ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄-𝗨𝗽 Building relationships means staying engaged. We set reminders to check in, keeping the conversation alive and authentic. Want to transform your network into a support system that actually opens doors? Give these steps a try.