Best Networking Practices for New Professionals

“Networking is awkward.” You know what’s more awkward? Graduating in May 2025 and applying to 127 jobs with… zero callbacks. Let’s fix that with networking ideas no one’s talking about. and I mean actionable.. 1. “Reverse Research” Your Way Into a Conversation Instead of asking people what they do, show them what you know about what they’ve done. How to do it: Find someone on LinkedIn in your target company/role Read their posts, podcasts, or panels they’ve been on Then send this message: “Hi [Name], I came across your [talk/article/post] on [topic]—your point about [insight] made me think differently. I’m researching [industry], and would love to hear your take on [specific follow-up]. Would it be okay to connect?” That’s conversation built on respect. 2. Book Club for Industry Geeks Start a virtual book or podcast club for your industry. Invite professionals to speak at the end of each cycle. How to do it: Pick 3 peers + 1 book or podcast Create a simple calendar (4 weeks = 4 touchpoints) End with a “Wrap-Up” Zoom chat—invite a guest Post your takeaways on LinkedIn and tag them Because learning together? Is the strongest way to network. 3. Write A “Public Thank You” Post on LinkedIn You probably learned something cool from someone recently. Now imagine you posted it publicly, gave them a shoutout, and showed how you applied it. How to do it: Tag the person Share what they taught you Share what you did next Ask your network, “What’s something YOU learned from someone this month?” You just gave free visibility, created a loop, and 10 people will want to talk to you after. 4. Turn Informational Chats into Co-Creation Networking chats often stop at “thanks for the time.” What if it didn’t? What to do: After the call, send a note: “Hey [Name], based on our chat about [topic], I drafted a small idea to build on your advice. Would love your thoughts!” Create a graphic, short write-up, or project plan (just 1 page!) Now you’re not just a student. You’re someone they collaborated with. That’s relationship-building, not just networking. 5. The 5-5-5 Strategy Most people get stuck on who to reach out to. Here’s a weekly formula: 5 People You Admire (Founders, creatives) 5 People From Your School Network (Alums, professors, guest speakers) 5 Peers Who Are Also Job Hunting (Build a support circle, swap leads) Message all 15. Repeat weekly. That’s 156 conversations in 3 months. You don’t “find” jobs—you build the path to them. Reminder: Networking isn’t about who has the fanciest title. It’s about who remembers you when an opportunity comes up. Be the person who listened, learned, shared, and followed up. If you’re reading this and job searching— try one new method this week. Not next month. Not when it feels “less scary.” Now. You’re not late. #May2025Grads #NetworkingTips #CreativeCareerMoves #JobSearchStrategy #InternationalStudents #GradJobHunt #BeyondTheResume #HumanConnection #Topmate

How I built my network after moving to NYC (without feeling like a walking LinkedIn request). Relocating to New York can feel like being dropped into a 24/7 networking simulation. But instead of trying to "conquer the city," I focused on integrating into it, with people, places, and conversations that felt real. Here's what worked for me: 🫶 Joined communities that actually fit me I found groups like FIF Collective - spaces where creativity and professional curiosity collide. Being surrounded by people who get it makes all the difference. 📅 Subscribed to local event drops (Luma is a gem) Luma became my go-to spot for niche events and curated meetups. No more doom-scrolling - just solid leads on where to be. 👋 Showed up. 1–3 times a week. Consistency is underrated. I made it a rule to attend 1–3 events a week - no matter how busy things got. It kept the momentum going and led to the best kind of accidental meetings. 📲 Booked coffee chats with locals I didn’t wait to “run into the right people.” I reached out early, introduced myself, and scheduled real conversations. These 1:1s have been where the real value happens. 🎯 Events again! Sought out weirdly specific events Think: private equity meetups, investor circles, or even stuff that might not be trending but definitely attracts the people I wanted to learn from. 🤝 Made intros a habit I’d ask, “Is there one more person you think I should meet?”. 🏛️ Private clubs (Yale, Harvard, etc.) One of the best investments you can make is to join a private club or know someone who can invite you as a guest. These clubs opened doors to new circles, and you can meet people who might not be around in any other events. Did I miss something? Add your recommendations below! #NewYork didn’t hand me a network - I built it, a few conversations at a time. And honestly? That’s what makes it feel like home. If you’re new here or starting fresh somewhere else: go where the people are, follow your curiosity, and don’t underestimate the power of showing up.

How did I, as a high schooler and later a college student, expand my network among industry professionals in #Singapore, #UAE, and #China? Moving to a new country and establishing a network all over again takes time. Using the strategies below, you can make quality connections faster: 1. Organize quality events where different audiences find what they are looking for: Give value first. That’s how we started the TEDxUWCSEAEast Conference back in #Singapore. I was new to the community, wanted to get to know people, and created a platform for great speakers to share their insights. Coming to the #UAE, using the same mentality of giving value first, we organized NYUAD Slush'D, the largest conference for young entrepreneurs in the UAE. 2. Build a club of 15-20 ambitious students who are also passionate about your field: When I came to #China at the beginning of this year, within 2 weeks, I built a network of ambitious peers from New York University who are also passionate about entrepreneurship. We started getting more offers for #CompanyVisits and events because great firms want access to a great #InternPipeline and #GenZinsights. We had a similar approach in developing Violet Ventures which became the fastest-growing community for young entrepreneurs in #UAE. 3. Ask your network for recommendations regarding the events that are worth visiting: Time is invaluable, so be picky about the events you attend. Asking people you trust and admire about the events they find insightful can save you time on trials. With the right event, you can open new doors. After being in #Shanghai for a couple of weeks and asking around, thanks to Scott Pollack 庞国治 Christian Lépolard recommendations, I attended insightful events like China Crossroads led by Frank Tsai and Founders Breakfast led by Kay Xu. 4. Embrace being a #YoungProfessional in a room full of Experts It can be hard. But it’s all about perspective and mindset. I think being in a room with people who are smarter than you is the greatest gift. What strategies have helped you expand your network in different countries?

How to Build a Network from Scratch in NYC 🗽 Starting from zero in a city as dynamic as New York can be intimidating, but the opportunities here are endless. Here’s how you can actively build a powerful network, even if you’re just getting started: 1. Expand Beyond Your Borough: NYC is a melting pot of talent and opportunity. Attend events in different boroughs to meet diverse professionals who can broaden your perspective. Pick an event outside your borough this week and go! 2. Celebrate and Connect: Building a network isn’t just about professional exchanges—it’s about relationships. Send a heartfelt message or call to someone in your network today, whether it's for their birthday, a recent achievement, or just to check in. 3. Invite a Connection to an Event: Networking is more powerful when shared. Invite someone in your network to join you at an upcoming event, like Women Who Network NYC: Creating Connections & Building Community by Miss EmpowHer. Attending together can strengthen your relationship and create new connections. 4. Show Up as Your Authentic Self: In a city full of personalities, authenticity is your superpower. At your next event, share something genuine about your journey—it’s a great conversation starter. 5. Be a Connector, Not Just a Collector: NYC thrives on hustle, but generosity is just as powerful. Introduce two people in your network who could benefit from knowing each other. 6. Follow Up With Intent: Connections fade fast in a busy city. After meeting someone new, set a reminder to follow up within 48 hours. A quick coffee or message can solidify that connection. 7. Turn On Post Notifications: Stay in the loop with your top contacts by engaging with their social media content. Turn on notifications for a few key people in your network and leave meaningful comments on their posts to stay top of mind. 8. Attend High-Impact Events: Not all networking events are created equal. Be selective—choose events that align with your goals and have the potential to create meaningful connections. 9. Pay It Forward: NYC is a city of hustlers, but it’s also a place where generosity is valued. Share a valuable resource or make a meaningful introduction today. The more you give, the more you’ll receive. Ready to put these steps into action? Don’t miss this chance to level up your NYC network! Join us at Women Who Network NYC: Creating Connections & Building Community by Miss EmpowHer – an exclusive event designed for ambitious professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives. This isn’t just another networking event—it’s your opportunity to connect with inspiring women who are serious about growth and collaboration. Plus, it’s a perfect chance to invite someone from your network to join you and grow together! Register now and invite a friend to secure your spots: https://lu.ma/qag04156 Tag or share this post with someone in your network that needs to attend this event