Building a Network From Scratch in a New City

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 I built a network from scratch in the U.S. (without knowing anyone) When I landed in NYC in 2017, I had zero connections. No family friends. No alumni network. Nothing. Data speaks: → 70% of jobs are never publicly advertised. → 80% of professionals find jobs through networking. But this phenomenon goes beyond these numbers—it's about how Americans view relationships. We're not just making contacts. We're building social capital. And this shift drove my networking strategy: 1. Value-first approach: I volunteered at a food bank, improved their processes, and helped without asking for anything in return. 2. Strategic visibility: Instead of random networking events, I joined specific workshops where my skills could shine. 3. Cultural connection: I learned to master the "American small talk" – asking about weather, weekends, sharing personal interests, and finding common ground. 4. Digital presence: I created content that showcased my expertise and perspective, making it easier for people to find and connect with me. Despite all this, many immigrants still say: ⚠️ "Just apply online and wait." By that logic, qualified candidates would always get hired. Merit alone would be enough. That's not true, though. Is it? And strategies like genuine connection, consistent follow-up, and leading with value have helped 100s of my clients build powerful networks from zero. All of this happened because I stopped seeing networking as transactions and started building authentic relationships instead :) What was your biggest networking challenge when starting in a new place? Data Sources: HubSpot, CNBC, Forbes. #networking #immigrantsuccess #careergrowth #professionalnetworking

You wake up tomorrow in a new city - no contacts, no network, zero reputation. How do you build traction from absolute scratch? No one’s calling. No warm intros. No “in case of emergency” VC text. Just you, your ambition, and a market that doesn’t care - yet 🔥 Here’s what I’d do (and have done, more than once): 1. Treat every stranger like your next co-founder or champion. I’d cold approach, interview, and serve 100+ people. When I started Sazmining, it was “awkward zoom meetings” that led to our first wins, not a pitch deck. 2. Document everything - especially the “messy middle.” Share your first “fails,” pivots, and early learnings live. Authenticity builds trust, even if you’re brand new. 3. Solve a local pain, not just a global dream. Every city has its own “niche emergencies.” I’d ask, observe, and prototype in the wild - shipping in weeks, not months. 4. Become a connector. Introduce founders, talent, or customers to each other (even if I’m new). People remember the person who brings value. 5. Set a public traction challenge:  “I’ll land my first paying customer in 14 days - follow my journey. If you fail, share every lesson and what you’d do differently.” Founder challenge 😎 You get dropped in a new city with nothing. What’s your FIRST move for traction? Share one of your “zero to one” ideas - or tag someone who’s done it. Because every true founder is new somewhere. How you move from zero - that’s what sets you apart🚀 #FounderLife #Traction #StartFromScratch #Growth #ZeroToOne #AntiPlaybook #Founders #NoExcuses