Making Connections 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.

Most people think networking success is about being naturally extroverted. They're wrong. I kept trying to make connections at networking events of 1,000 people. It didn't work. I felt drained and I wasn’t good at it. I also had no interest. I was worried. Client development felt out of reach. And it seemed like being an introvert would hold me back. Then I had lunch with an accountant I met through LinkedIn. One on one. We hit it off and he started referring clients immediately.    I then realized that networking isn't about being an extrovert—it's a skill. And skills can be mastered. So here are 3 things that help me succeed at networking—without pretending to be someone I'm not: 1. I replaced small talk with substance.     I asked real questions. I showed genuine interest in others’ experiences. I also shared parts of my own story. That turned stiff conversations into ones I actually enjoyed. 2. I abandoned large networking events for one-on-one conversations.     I don't want to “work the room” in a group of 1,000 people, so why even put myself in that situation? Coffee, lunch, and phone calls worked just as well. 3. I stopped overthinking it all.     I was in my head during those conversations. When I stopped analyzing the discussion and instead started trying to understand the person, I made better connections. I used each conversation to make the other person feel understood. And then, I'd make sure to do one more thing: Follow Through. When someone mentioned they were starting a new job, I'd check in a few weeks later. It was a small gesture, but it built trust. Since making those changes, I’ve gotten better at opening up. It's helped turn superficial conversations into real connections. If you feel like you “don’t have the personality for networking," I hear you. But you don't need a new personality. You just need to be yourself.

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

Starting a new job is a mix of excitement and nerves. We all know the importance of making a solid first impression, but there's another thing I put high on the priority list when joining a new company... networking. Now, I'm not talking about just shaking hands and remembering names. What I mean is genuinely connecting with people in a way that's going to make my job more enjoyable and effective. 1. Be Approachable and Open: Smile, make eye contact, and be accessible. People are more likely to approach you if you seem friendly.    2. Utilize Onboarding Events: These are great opportunities to meet people. Don’t just stick to your department... branch out to understand the broader business.    3. Schedule Introductory Meetings: Don’t wait for others. Take the initiative to schedule short introductory meetings with teammates and stakeholders. 4. Active Listening: When talking to someone, listen more than you speak. This not only makes a good impression but also helps you gather valuable insights about the team and company culture. 5. Offer Value: Whether it's sharing an article or volunteering for a project, offering something of value creates a two-way street in your professional relationships. 6. Seek Mentorship: Having a mentor in the first month can really accelerate your understanding of the company’s internal landscape. 7. Follow-Up: Always send a quick thank-you note or a message to acknowledge others time and insights. It not only shows your appreciation but also opens the door for future interactions. 8. Use Internal Communication Tools: Platforms like Microsoft Teams have various channels. Participate in conversations and showcase your expertise without overpowering others. 9. Be Consistent: Networking isn’t a one-off activity... it’s about being consistently present and engaged. Don't vanish after the first meeting or interaction. Keep the conversation going. Networking isn't just about what you can gain... it's a mutual relationship. Offer help where you can and don't be afraid to ask for advice... It's a two-way street. After all, as the saying goes, "Your network is your net worth." #Networking #Careers #Jobs

Traditional networking is broken. It is loud, draining, and simply not as effective. Flip the script. Make networking not just effective, but fun. ❌ You do not need to play their game. As an introvert, you already have the edge. You create deeper, more meaningful connections. ✅ You just need to lean into what works for you. Here is your guide to building a powerful network; on your terms. 1️⃣ Find meaningful moments. Skip the noisy crowd. Where do real connections happen? In calm spaces, with approachable people. Shared interests? A quiet energy? That’s your person. 2️⃣ Focus on one great connection. Do you really need to meet everyone? One real conversation beats ten surface chats. Look for someone curious or engaged. That is where the value lies. 3️⃣ Set your own rules. Who says you have to stay all night? Decide how long you want to be there. Pick how many people you want to meet. Protect your energy. It is yours to manage. 4️⃣ Take recharge breaks. Feeling drained? Step away. Find a quiet corner or head outside. Breathe. Reset. Then come back stronger. 5️⃣ Bring a wingperson. Why do it alone if you do not have to? Go with someone who knows you. They can help with introductions. You can focus on the connection, not the crowd. 6️⃣ Ask, then listen. What’s the easiest way to connect? Start with a thoughtful question. “What excites you about your work?” Let them talk. Listening makes people feel heard. 7️⃣ Stick to events that suit you. Why force yourself into constant small talk? Go to workshops or panels. Listen, learn, and join in when it feels right. 8️⃣ Skip the room, use the DMs. Big events feel overwhelming? No problem. Follow up later. Send a message. Be direct and intentional. 9️⃣ Let people come to you. What if you did not have to chase connections? Share your thoughts online. Posts and comments attract like-minded people. 🔟 Find your own style. Networking does not have to look one way. Coffee chats. Small meetups. Online groups. Do it in a way that fits you. ❌ Networking is not about doing everything. ✅ It is about doing what feels right. And when you find your flow, connections will come naturally. ————— I am Sven, and my mission is to help introverted entrepreneurs and professionals thrive as who they are while protecting their energy to focus on their dreams. Want to learn more? Check my profile, subscribe to my newsletter, or feel free to reach out anytime.