Strategies for Networking in a Competitive Environment

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

In a world where your online profile could be your first handshake, the age-old art of in-person networking can feel like a lost relic. Yet, there’s an undeniable magic in the live, human connection that no digital interface can replicate. So, when you're stepping into the arena of face-to-face networking, how do you harness that magic effectively? Let’s break down the strategic play into clear, actionable tactics for making a lasting impact. Invent a Signature Ice-Breaker: Create an engaging question or share an interesting anecdote that’s personal and reflective of your interests. Rehearse it enough so that it feels natural, allowing you to deliver it with confidence and ease. Enter with Purpose: Clarify your intentions before the event. Are you there to find new clients, potential partners, or maybe to scout for new talent? With every handshake and introduction, have a clear objective in mind to drive the conversation. Ask with Precision: Arm yourself with well-thought-out questions that are relevant to current industry trends and individual expertise. Aim to get deeper insights by asking for examples and experiences, not just surface-level information. Listen Actively: Show genuine interest in responses, maintaining eye contact and responsive body language. Build on their replies with thoughtful, engaging follow-up questions. Exchange Value: Go into every conversation with the mindset of what you can offer them—an idea, a connection, or even just an interesting conversation. True networking is reciprocal; aim to provide value in every exchange. Connect and Follow Up: Whether you prefer a classic business card or a digital link, have your contact information readily accessible. Cement new connections with a personalized follow-up message within a day of the meeting. With these tactics in your arsenal, you’re ready to turn every networking opportunity into a strategic stepping stone for your professional journey. Remember, it’s the quality of the connections, not just the quantity, that builds a robust network.

The most effective networkers understand a fundamental principle that distinguishes meaningful professional relationships from transactional interactions: they prioritize contributing value before seeking assistance.   Effective networking strategies focus on mutual benefit:   Pre-Event Research: Identifying attendees and understanding their professional challenges, recent achievements, or industry focus areas where you might offer insights or connections.   Value-Forward Conversations: Initiating discussions around industry trends, sharing relevant resources, or offering introductions to valuable contacts rather than immediately discussing personal career needs.   Strategic Follow-Up: Connecting post-event with thoughtful resources, articles, or introductions that address specific challenges discussed, rather than generic LinkedIn requests.   Long-Term Relationship Building: Maintaining consistent, value-driven contact with your network through sharing relevant opportunities, insights, or connections throughout the year.   This approach transforms networking from a series of favor requests into genuine relationship building that creates reciprocal value over time.   Professionals who consistently offer value before seeking assistance develop networks that actively support their career advancement because those relationships are built on mutual benefit rather than one-sided need.   The strongest professional networks emerge when individuals position themselves as resources for others' success rather than solely focusing on their own advancement needs.   What strategies have you found most effective for creating mutually beneficial professional relationships?   Sign up to my newsletter for more corporate insights and truths here: https://lnkd.in/ei_uQjju   #deepalivyas #eliterecruiter #recruiter #recruitment #jobsearch #corporate #networking #professionalnetworking #relationshipbuilding #careerstrategist

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

I used to come back from conferences with a stack of business cards and zero results. Now I have a system that actually works (and it's simpler than you think): My Pre-Conference Checklist: • I write down 3-5 specific questions I'm struggling with • I find the exact sessions and people who can help • I reach out before everyone's calendar gets crazy What I Actually Do There: I go in with clear intentions. • What do I need to learn? • Who should I meet? • Which tools might solve our problems? I focus conversations on getting specific takeaways I can implement The little things make a difference. • Use sessions for networking, not just sitting • Take notes on who to follow up with and why • Connect with people at the conference, not weeks later I've found that being intentional transforms conferences from expensive trips into valuable investments. ...and sharing what you learn helps the whole team win. ps But if you want to go deeper and missed today's Fraud Friday MRC preview. Grab it here. And you can watch it on the plane to Vegas: https://lnkd.in/ePcJgtvX

I was paid to go to 100 events a year at a past job - I learned how to be ruthlessly effective at networking in-person 12 uncommon tips you can use for more efficient networking at a conference: 1) don’t eat heavy! It will slow you down 2) Don’t be afraid to leave a conversation, even if it feels a tad abrupt, protect your time and stay focused. We're all attendees, we understand. 3) Drink lots of water and bring gum or mints. 4) Ask “what brings you here?” as an alternative to the overplayed question “what do you do” 5) Happy hours involved? Bring an after alcohol aid like Cheers - you need to be at your freshest every morning of the event 6) Everyone says they're bad at remembering names, but a small trick is to repeat someone’s full name when you meet them so you’re more likely to remember it later and people like hearing their name. 7) Use the LinkedIn app on your phone to quickly scan and immediately connect with someone to follow up later 8) take lots of pictures with people, it creates a memory and a positive surface to reconnect later online after the event (I need to get better at this) 9) don’t be silent - if you’re not naturally talkative or “loud” this one is for you: you need to force yourself to speak, even if that means raising your voice in a crowded room, or walking across the room to introduce yourself, it's the only way people will get to know you, a big reason why you're at the event. Break the ice, 95% of people will be thankful you did. 10) know your micro elevator pitch - what’s the 1 sentence version of what you do that is interesting and will “stick” with someone? It takes practice and experimentation to fine tune, especially if you work at a “boring” company but hey, mix it up and you’ll find it. DM me if you want to hear my example for me new company. 11) have fun! Don’t get too self-conscious or take anything too seriously, no one really cares about a pimple or a stain. People remember your energy, not your appearance. 12) controversial one - don’t bring a friend. They might help you avoid some awkwardness but you’ll end up spending 50% of your time talking to them, instead of meeting and talking with new people Agree/disagree with any? What would you add? #inbound24

Most people treat networking like a numbers game. Send 100 messages. Hope one sticks. That’s not how my clients get into Google, Meta, or Stripe. Here’s the strategy I teach and it works because it’s human. 1. Get specific. Pick a few companies you’re excited about. Find people actually working on the teams you want to join. 2. Start the conversation the right way. Don’t lead with “Can you refer me?” Comment on their work. Ask a real question. Share something you’ve learned from their content. Show you’ve done your homework. 3. Make it easy to help you. Once there’s some connection, send a short message explaining why you’re interested and how your background aligns. Keep it tight and forwardable. This is the exact strategy that’s helped my clients land roles in some of the most competitive teams in tech. Because it’s not about chasing people. It’s about building real momentum one thoughtful message at a time.

Forget the free food and swag. The real conference ROI? Stronger relationships. Here's how you do it: Was advising a founder headed to her first conference as an entrepreneur rather than just for fun / to hang out. These events can be intimidating and expensive so you want to make the most of your time and energy. Here's a recap of what we discussed: ◾ Know your goal. You are there to advance your business through relationships and new insights / information. Manage your energy, get enough sleep, don't eat too much of the free food if its junk. ◾ Chat everyone up. Your job is to build relationships with new friends and potential collaborators / customers. If you see people you know, great but don't spend all your time with them—use them to meet other folks "Can I join your group at lunch?" ◾ Small talk matters. Start w/ simple questions like "Is this your first time at XYZ Con?" "When did you get in / where did you come in from?" "What are you most hoping to get out of this event?" And be prepared to answer all those q's for yourself! ◾ Be choosy about the talks. Pick a few of the events you really think will be worth your time and ask a public question during the Q&A. It can make an impression for the speakers and also the audience (people will remember you and maybe start up a convo with you later) ◾ Be ready to connect. Have a QR code or link ready to your company / socials / mailing list. You'll completely forget to do this later and seconds matter b/c people get distracted / bored. ◾ Follow up with people. Do it right away so you don't forget who they were—email or social media DM. Remind them of how you met and share a memory or insight or piece of media that can help cement your relationship. Try to set up a call or at least be friendly on social in the DMs or in comments. ◾ All you need is a few good ones. It can feel overwhelming but if you can walk away from a conference with even just 2 strong relationships (which might happen slowly over time) for a conference to be a great investment. These days I don't attend as many conferences unless I'm speaking but early in my career these events helped me connect and deepen relationships with a lot of amazing people. What are your favorite tips when it comes to a conference?

Recently,, a client shared with our community... “Attachment creates this neediness. Learning to network without a hard agenda shifted everything for me.” So, let’s talk about networking, because so many of you are doing it wrong. Here’s the deal: When you’re an entrepreneur, networking isn’t just about swapping business cards or chasing leads. It’s about building real relationships that add value to both sides. But here’s the irony: The more attached you are to getting something from a conversation, the less effective you’ll be. People can feel the desperation. That “hard agenda” vibe? It repels the very opportunities you’re hoping to create. 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗠𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀: • 85% of jobs and opportunities come from networking, yet only 25% of professionals actually approach it strategically (Source: LinkedIn). • For 72% of successful entrepreneurs, authentic connections are the #1 factor driving their success (Source: Entrepreneur Magazine). If you’re not networking with intention and authenticity, here’s what you’re risking: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗮𝘆 • Strained Relationships: People can smell a self-serving agenda a mile away, and it damages trust. • Missed Opportunities: When you focus only on short-term results, you miss the long-term value of genuine connections. • Networking Fatigue: Constantly chasing outcomes instead of building relationships will burn you out. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼 1) Focus on Connection, Not Outcomes: Approach conversations with curiosity. Ask about their journey, challenges, and goals—not what they can do for you. Example: “What’s been the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately?” 2) Give Before You Ask: Share value first. Introduce them to someone in your network, send them a relevant article, or offer insight. The fastest way to build trust is to help someone without expecting anything in return. 3) Set a Networking Goal: Forget about making 10 shallow connections at a conference. Instead, aim for 2–3 meaningful ones per month—the kind where you’re both excited to stay in touch. 4) Follow Up Thoughtfully: After you meet someone, send a personalized note. Share a resource or insight that’s relevant to them. Relationships are built in the follow-ups, not the first handshake. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 Networking isn’t about collecting contacts or closing deals—it’s about building relationships that compound over time. The more you give without expecting, the more opportunities will naturally come your way. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹? Download the Networking Playbook to learn how to map your connections, build authentic relationships, and create opportunities that last. Comment "PLAYBOOK" below or DM me and I'll get it sent your way.