Networking for Entrepreneurs: Dos and Don’ts

Do not confuse networking with sales. Reaching out to someone you just met and asking for a job, referral, or mentorship is not networking (it's a bad sales pitch). How to network the right way: 1/ Be a partner, not a taker (offer something -- share your expertise, a helpful connection, or at least a curious ear) 2/ Ask honest questions (people like to share their work with someone genuinely interested) 3/ Avoid corning yourself (too many people only reach out or connect when they need something fast...others can smell it a mile way and it can be a turn off) Asking someone who does not know you well to give you something of value (e.g. their trust, reputation in a referral, time) is no different than asking for free money. Yes, some people will generously help, but long term you need to be an equal partner and give something yourself (ideally give first). Network by giving, not by needing.

Startups and nonprofits are struggling with the same problem: Bad networking. It’s not: → A “sales problem” for startups → A “fundraising problem” for nonprofits → That people don’t care about your mission or product It is: → Pitch-slapping everyone you meet (asking too soon) → Treating relationships as transactions → Focusing on short-term wins instead of long-term trust Simply put: → People buy from people they trust. → Donors give to missions they believe in. → And no one likes being treated like a wallet on legs. So, how do you fix this? You do what great leaders in both spaces already know: → Build genuine relationships before asking for anything → Share your story without a hard sell → Invest in giving value first It’s not: → Spamming cold DMs with your pitch deck or donation link → Assuming your product or cause “sells itself” → Asking before earning trust It is: → Fostering real, human connections → Learning what others value before making your ask → Building a reputation as someone worth knowing Remember this holiday season: →Startups and nonprofits both thrive on trust. → Your “success” depends on relationships, not just revenue or donations. → And if you don’t fix this, you’ll always be chasing, never growing. Start today: Build a connection without asking for anything in return. Trust takes time, but when you get it right, everyone wins. With purpose and impact, Mario

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?

🙅♂️ The 5 Biggest Networking Mistakes (and How to Fix Them): Most people struggle with networking because they only reach out when they need something. Networking has been instrumental to my career—breaking into tech sales, securing referrals, and helping others land jobs at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Snowflake, Databricks, and Microsoft. Here are five common networking mistakes and how to avoid them: 1. Reaching Out Only When You Need Something The best networking happens when there’s no immediate ask. Engage with people’s content, share insights, and offer help before ever making a request. 🔹 Who to follow: Nick Cegelski, Jen Allen-Knuth, Justin Welsh 2. Sending Generic Connection Requests If your request says, “I’d love to add you to my network,” you’re doing it wrong. Mention a shared interest, a mutual connection, or why their work stands out to you. A simple, “Really enjoyed your post on [topic]—would love to connect” goes a long way. 🔹 Who to follow: Ashleigh Early, Carole Mahoney 3. Neglecting Follow-Ups One conversation isn’t a relationship. Following up can be as simple as, “Thanks for your advice on [topic]. I applied it and saw [result].” Most people don’t do this, which makes you stand out. 🔹 Who to follow: Jeff Bajorek, Anita Nielsen, Amy Volas 4. Not Leveraging Your Existing Network Your next opportunity is more likely to come from a former classmate, ex-colleague, or past interviewer than a stranger. Stay in touch, reconnect, and don’t just rely on cold outreach. 🔹 Who to follow: Todd Caponi, Christine Rogers, Josh Braun 5. Not Setting a Networking Goal Networking shouldn’t be random. Set a simple habit: One new connection per week One virtual coffee chat per month One industry event per quarter 🔹 Who to follow: Amy Franko, Lori Richardson, Jason Bay The best opportunities come from who you know AND who knows you. 💎 What’s the best networking advice you’ve ever received? Drop it in the comments. #Networking #CareerGrowth #TechSales #LinkedInTips

Networking can open doors…or close them. Avoid these 7 mistakes to make the right impression. 1. Only networking when you need something ❌ Don't: Wait until you're job hunting to build connections ✅ Do: Regularly engage with your network and build relationships before you need them 2. Neglecting to follow up on advice ❌ Don't: Take someone's advice and disappear ✅ Do: Take action on their suggestions and circle back to share your progress. Show them their time mattered 3. Dominating the conversation ❌ Don't: Dominate conversations with your own achievements ✅ Do: Ask thoughtful questions and practice active listening. Aim for 30% talking, 70% listening 4. Rushing to ask about jobs ❌ Don't: Don’t rush to ask about job openings right away ✅ Do: Focus on learning about their experience and building genuine rapport first 5. Ignoring online networking ❌ Don't: Treat LinkedIn as just a resume database ✅ Do: Engage meaningfully by commenting on posts, sharing relevant content, and celebrating others' milestones 6. Forgetting to add value ❌ Don't: Focus solely on what you can get from the relationship ✅ Do: Learn about their goals and actively look for ways to help them succeed 7. Letting connections fade ❌ Don't: Let valuable connections fade away ✅ Do: Create a simple system to track check-ins and send quick, personalized notes about their achievements The key to successful networking isn't just about making connections. It's about nurturing them. Reshare ♻ to help others in your network. And follow me for more posts like this.

Don’t DM people in your network just saying help me get a job. Don’t reach out asking if a recruiter is hiring and what would you would be a fit for. TELL them what reqs they have that you have skills for. That’s not their job. Don’t ask a hiring manager if you can “pick their brain” ewwww Don’t send a 4 page narrative on your life and career story and expect a response. DO…. Reach out with a personal email that’s clear, concise and shows that you know something about the person/company/job and can relate it to YOU. DO have specific jobs, titles, skills in mind and continue to discuss those DO send a note and ask about a specific opportunity. DO give 2 or 3 lines about who you are, and your ideal job. DO reach out to people who have similar jobs or hiring managers at companies who may not be hiring and explain you’d like to work for them or do what they do, and would like 20 minutes DO prepare for networking sessions like you would an interview and some with specific asks, specific questions, or specific updates. Show your value. Be bold. But don’t take the lazy way Be a good human

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.

You see other entrepreneurs getting tagged in viral posts, name-dropped on podcasts, and invited into exclusive rooms. Meanwhile, you're stuck sending cold DMs that go unread. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵? 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲. Most people fail at networking because they do it backwards. They ask before they give. They show up only when they need something. But real networking is about building relationships before you need them. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝗻 𝟱 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀: 👠 𝘛𝘢𝘱 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘌𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴 – Find the gatekeepers: podcast hosts, event organizers, and community builders. Instead of building a network from scratch, plug into one. 👠 𝘓𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘉𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 – Stop pitching. Instead, ask: What’s your biggest goal this year? What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing? Then shut up and listen. 👠 𝘚𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘴, 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘖𝘸𝘯 – Want to be remembered? Help people win. If you can solve their problem, do it. If you know someone who can, make the intro. 👠 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐𝘵 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 – Follow up when they land a big deal, hit a rough patch, or even on their birthday. The best networkers don’t just connect—they stay connected. 👠 𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘠𝘰𝘶 – The highest level of networking? Having people come to you. If you’re not posting, you’re invisible. Build a reputation before you even walk into the room. Most people treat networking as a transaction—but relationships compound. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸: 1. Pick one person you admire. 2. Engage with their content. 3. Get on a call. 4. Ask what they need help with. 5. Find a way to help. Do this consistently, and in 12 months, your network will be unrecognizable. DM me after a week and LMK how it's going! #Entrepreneurship #Networking #BusinessGrowth #Founders #Startups

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!

Does networking feel like an exhausting chore? Here’s the truth: building valuable connections isn’t about being the loudest in the room; it’s about being intentional and strategic. 🔹 Common Networking Mistakes That Hurt Your Chances: ❌ Sending generic LinkedIn requests with no context. ❌ Asking to “pick someone’s brain” without offering value. ❌ Only reaching out when you need something. 🔹 What to Do Instead: ✅ Quality Over Quantity – Focus on a few meaningful connections rather than mass outreach. ✅ Shift from “Me” to “We” – Engage with their content, congratulate achievements, and build rapport before making an ask. ✅ Make Contact Meaningful – Instead of “Hi, can you help me?” try, “I loved your recent article on [topic]! Here’s another piece I found interesting. I would love to hear your thoughts.” ✅ Be Consistent – Networking isn’t a one-time event. Small, regular interactions build real relationships. The best part? Introverts excel at deep, meaningful connections, the kind that actually lead to career opportunities. Build connections over time, not overnight! 💜 #NetworkingTips  #ThrivingIntroverts