Tips for Building Strong Social Connections

I wouldn’t call myself a networking expert. BUT I’ve landed my last 8 clients because of “networking.” Here’s what’s worked for me 👇 A disclaimer before I start: “successful” networking hinges on being as invested in other people‘s success as you’re in your own. It’s NEVER a matter of quantity (“send 20 connection requests a day!”), and always a matter of connecting with like-minded people. 1. Be genuinely nice and helpful — proactively. Someone landed a role at a company you’ve admired or a product you’ve thought is cool? Reach out and congratulate them. Go beyond LinkedIn’s recommend one-liner and add a personal note. Someone’s struggling with a task you could do in your sleep? For example, setting up Monday automations. Send them a voice note with instructions or screenshots. 2. Show up on both sides — people who you can help and people who can help you. It’s not “networking” if you’re only reaching out to people who have something to offer you. Connect with others in your industry, people who have your role in a completely different industry, and people who want to be where you are. 3. Listen before you talk. Listen actively, intently, and empathetically. Seek to understand before you comment or ask for something. Always always ask “how can I support you in your goals?” Give people an opportunity to tell you — unfiltered — what they need from you. 3 “Don’ts” which you…just don’t do pls. It’s gross. 1. Don’t bait and switch: it’s the worst. People don’t hate cold pitches as much as they hate this. With a cold pitch, people might ghost you. But bait and switch and they’ll mentally block you forever. 2. Don’t get emotional in business conversations. I once recieved a follow up where the person went on and on about how they’d stayed up at night waiting for my reply. It was an unsolicited cold pitch. I don’t even remember seeing the email, I was probably too busy. They went on to call me some rather rude names and I … blocked them. Point is, they burnt a bridge for no reason. 3. Don’t fake it till you make it. Don’t exaggerate your credentials. Even if the conversation is successful, you’ll never be able to form a real relationship. It’ll always be superficial. What do you think?

We're all told #networking is essential, that most jobs are never advertised publicly and instead are filled through connections and referrals. But what if you're an introvert, neurodiverse, or find networking awkward and transactional? It can feel overwhelming, adding unnecessary stress to an already stressful job or job search. LinkedIn addresses many concerns to build connections without the usual networking anxieties. Here's how: 🔭 Step 1: Find your "expanders" Search using keywords to find people with the positions or lives you aspire to. These are your "expanders" - individuals who inspire you and embody your goals. You can't hit a target you can't see! ❓ Step 2: Reach out with curiosity Instead of asking for a favor, immediately spark a conversation. Ask to learn more about their career path or current role. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets the foundation for a strong relationship. 👂🏾 Step 3: Listen and be present In your conversation, truly listen and express genuine curiosity and interest. This will answer your questions, spark new ones, and build a deeper connection. 🔌 Step 4: Stay connected and nourish the relationship Share relevant articles, resources, or updates about your journey. This demonstrates that you value the connection and keep the conversation flowing. Networking doesn't have to be forced or stressful. 🔊 My Story: Four years ago, I was interested in living a hybrid life in the US and Ghana. Through LinkedIn, I found Jeph, whose profile resonated with my goals. We connected via DM by expressing curiosity and listening to each other's stories. Over time, this genuine curiosity blossomed into a strong friendship. By sharing ideas and updates on our career journeys, I've learned invaluable insights into setting up a business in Ghana. This knowledge has helped me progress towards my initial goal to live and work in Ghana and the US, and it's no coincidence that I was already scheduled to be in Ghana in December, thus being able to attend Jeph's wedding (pic attached)! Networking is about building a community, not just collecting connections. Through focusing on genuine curiosity and connection, I overcame my reservations about networking and cultivated meaningful relationships that have taught me so much in my career and #personalgrowth . #networking #linkedin #introvert #neurodiversity #careergoals #community

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.

🚀 Lots of events coming up over the next 10 days. So I thought I'd share a few tips when it comes to relationship building at events. 🛩️ Think of networking at events like an airplane. There's 5,000 planes in the air and everyone's flying around. Be the person that lands the plane and takes the conversation from surface level to problem solving levels. 🛬 Here's how you land the plane (and build friendships): 1. Ask Questions: When you're looking to meet people and make an impression, the best way is to ask about them. Rarely talk about yourself. Don't interrogate, but ask questions in a way that make people feel that you genuinely want to know about them. • What are you working on right now? • What problems related to growth are you facing? (S/O to Landon Ainge for sharing these with me) 2. Connect Connections & Solutions: Based on the answers you get to those questions, look to solve their problems by connecting them with other people at the event (that you've met) that could solve their problem. Ex. 1: I'm talking with someone looking to scale operations and hire new team members. I walk them over to my friend Garrett Blood and say, "Garrett, this is my friend Steve. He's building a company doing XYZ and needs to hire someone in XYZ Role. You two should chat and see how Kajae can help." Ex. 2 I'm talking to someone that owns a brand and they're talking about how shipping is a pain and they need to lower costs. I'd walk them over to Travis T. and say "Meet Travis, he can solve your problem with shipping." 3. Identify the Magnets: Struggling to know where to start in meeting new people? Find the person in the room that seems to be the attention magnet and tell them this exact script: "Hi, my name is {name}. I'm not so great at this whole networking thing and you seem to be a magnet of attraction here. People seem to love chatting with you. I was wondering if you'd be willing to introduce me to someone you met here tonight that you think would be a good person to meet." These three things are things I've tested at 100+ networking events this year and I can without a doubt say they'll impact how you gauge your event marketing "success" levels moving forward. At the end of the day, it's all about friendships and relationships. 👇 If you have any other event networking tips, share them below! 🏔️ See you all at Silicon Slopes Summit next week! #Utah #Networking #Events #RelationshipBuilding

Are you an Introvert? Do you want to grow your network or community, but are uncomfortable with group interactions? I work with a number of professionals who feel the same way, and my goal is to provide optional action steps that can guide you and support you as you create your personal brand & network. Here are a few things that I hope may help you if you connect to this post: 1-Use LinkedIn for all of its value. This is the place to be for professional growth and networking outside of in-person events. 2-Think of LinkedIn as your public resume. Make sure that your work, education and volunteer work is up to date. 3-Remember that YOU get to decide how much to share. That means YOU are in control of your profile, your narrative and who you connect with. 4-Start off slowly. 1 post a week that reflects your expertise. That can be your own thoughts, sharing an article or a post from an organization in your industry. 5-Interact with others by commenting on 2-3 posts from your network each week. You will be surprised how your network may grow from others reaching out to you based on what you commented. 6-Join 1 or 2 LinkedIn groups per month that fall into your expertise, passions or hobbies 7-Invite at least 1 person a week to connect. DO NOT send an empty connection. Connect with a message that tells them why you are looking to link with them. "We have a number of connections in common.... We both work in the XYZ industry.... I really loved your post on XYZ topic." Remember that you would not walk up to a person, hand them your business card without a word and walk away. Virtual connections are the same way. As you follow the items above, you will grow a comfort level and can begin to increase the posts, comments and sending LinkedIn connections to others. To start, feel free to send me a connection request 😊. I'm happy to be a support as you get comfortable and grow your network #linkedin #networking #branding #personalgrowth #introvert #beautyandbeastinbusiness #frasco

Build relationships and not a network. "Networking" is cringeworthy for many, especially those who feel it is selfish, wrong, or uncomfortable. The good news is that nobody wants to be at the receiving end of your networking efforts too. If you are trying the same old networking tips that promise to boost your connections but leave you feeling more disconnected than ever, that is because networking is killing relationship building. Stop networking and build genuine relationships. You can do that by thinking about a few things. ➡️ Be genuinely curious - Be interested in learning more about the other person in the conversation. ➡️ Find commonalities - Find common topics like books, kids, dogs, and food but remember that while discussing such common topics can be a good icebreaker, relying solely on these surface-level interests can hinder deeper connections. Dig a little deeper into shared passions or experiences to foster a more meaningful bond. ➡️ Relationships over transactions - Don't treat networking as a transaction. Look for ways to help others genuinely without expecting an immediate return or any return. Building a network based on mutual support and generosity fosters authentic connections that go beyond mere self-interest. ➡️ Notes of gratitude vs. genuine appreciation - Sending notes of gratitude can be powerful, but they lose their impact if they become a routine gesture. Instead, express genuine appreciation when someone has truly made a difference. Personalized and heartfelt acknowledgments go a long way in building lasting connections. ➡️ Public networks vs. personal connections - Investing in public networks can widen your reach, but don't neglect the importance of personal connections. Balancing both public and private networks ensures a well-rounded and authentic approach to relationship building. Remember fostering genuine relationships is important. By avoiding the common pitfalls of networking and focusing on authentic connections, you will be building a network that truly matters.

Networking, let's get this straight, isn't a game of how many business cards you can collect; it's about sowing seeds for relationships that bear fruit over time. It's not about who you know, it's about who wants to know you. Here's how you do it: 1️⃣ Dive into the virtual world. Attend webinars, online forums, or any digital gathering where industry leaders are speaking. Don't just be another name in the attendee list. Ask questions, engage in the chat, follow up with speakers or participants afterward. Make your presence felt. 2️⃣ But don't stop there. Physical presence still counts. Hit up local industry meetups, conferences, or seminars. When you're there, don't just hover around the snack table. Introduce yourself, start conversations, listen more than you talk. Be genuinely interested in what others are doing and find common ground. 3️⃣ Let's talk about informational interviews – a grossly underutilized tool. Reach out to professionals, not for jobs, but for insights. Ask them about their journey, the challenges they face, the trends they see. This is not about you asking for favors; it's about understanding their world. And here's the kicker: people love talking about themselves. Let them. ➡ ➡ ➡ But here's the crucial part: offer value in every interaction. Don't be a leech, sucking information and connections without giving anything back. Share your insights, offer your help, maybe connect them with someone in your network. It's a two-way street. And remember, the time to build your network isn't when you're desperate for a job. It's now. When you're not asking for a job, but for advice, connections, and insights. By the time you need your network, it should already be there, strong and waiting. Networking is a long game, play it wisely. #networking #linkedin #linkedinconnection #linkedinhacks

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.

How to network without being “salesly” (And build genuine relationships) — Networking is hands down one of the most underrated aspects of business. A network built on reciprocity is also one of the BIGGEST assets any founder can call upon 10 tips to grow yours the RIGHT way: 1. Offer help first When reaching out to someone, think about how you can help them before asking for anything in return. This can be through introductions, sharing resources, or providing insights to a post of theirs. The goal is to leave no doubt that you’re not just a “taker” but a “giver”. — 2. Acknowledge milestones It might not mean much to you, but any personal milestone is HUGE inside for someone in your network. - Job changes - Work anniversaries - Professional accomplishments. Show that you CARE about their journey. — 3. Personalized connection requests (I know you’re sick of these fake connect requests as much as I am…) So show some personalization! Mention how you found them, why you want to connect, and a specific common interest or goal. It’s the little extra efforts like this that separate you from others. (p.s. “Let’s find synergies” is making you look like you’re spamming) — 4. Regularly update your LinkedIn profile Keep it current with your: - Skills - Projects - Latest achievements A well-maintained profile makes it easier for people to understand your professional background… Which makes it easier for them to relate to you when you speak. — 5. Open your network to others I’m ALWAYS looking for opportunities to introduce my connections to each other. This not only helps them, but it also strengthens your position as a valuable connector. If you be the person who helps build relationships… They’ll remember you for it. — 6. Follow up Stay in touch with your contacts regularly to maintain your relationships. You don’t have to do this daily or even weekly… But a little check-in here and there goes a long way in showing you care. — 7. Organize networking events Host your own networking events or small meet-ups. (In person or through Zoom) This is another great way to be a connector. Strong networking skills involve being able to bring people together in a meaningful way. — [BONUS] - Become the go-to guy in groups Underrated hack: join LinkedIn groups related to your industry or interests. While in the group… - Share your expertise - Be active in discussions - Connect with group members There’s nothing like chatting with like-minded people. (And most people don’t do it). — By implementing these strategies consistently, you will build authentic and meaningful relationships. The goal is to cultivate and build a network that supports and grows with you. What’s your biggest struggle in terms of networking? — Found value in this? Repost ♻️ to share to your network and follow Ignacio Carcavallo for more!