Networking Strategies for Relocating Professionals

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?

People often call me a connector. The label feels uncomfortable to me because connecting and (ick) networking do not come naturally. Some might find this strange, but I'm here to spill the beans. I don't gatekeep! When I moved to Singapore in 2016 it was a relocation with Facebook. That was awesome, but it meant leaving behind a super diverse network in NYC of teachers and bankers and lawyers and consultants and a few tech people in exchange for breakfast, lunch and dinner in my little tech bubble at Facebook Singapore. I wanted more out of my network here, so I formulated a plan and gamified my networking. Here's what I did: 1. Committed to myself that I would meet 2 new people every week. 2. Made a rule that those people couldn't be co-workers or friends of friends. 3. When I found someone I wanted to meet (*more on that below), I would always lead by telling them I had a hard stop at 30 minutes. That way the conversation always had an end point, regardless of how well (or not so well) it was going. 4. I made a game out of seeing how little I could talk. I asked opened ended questions. People usually like talking about themselves. 5. If I felt like the relationship had legs, I would always end by offering some form of help. That could be open ended, but it was often an offer for an intro to someone else I had met - hence the connector label. I treated this like any sales process. I filled the top of my funnel. About 50% were duds right off the bat. No shade to them; you just don't always click with people. Of those remaining, I stayed in various levels of contact with. Many petered out over time, but some blossomed into truly meaningful business and personal relationships. If you're struggling with networkings, try to gamify it. Treat it like a sales process. On making contact with people... there are several ways to do that and I won't get into too much detail here, but one easy thing to do is simply send them a message here on LinkedIn. Be honest about your intentions. You can say something like this: Hi Andrew, this might be a bit odd, but I have a personal goal to meet 2 new people every week and I'd love to have a chat with you. Happy to buy you a coffee or just hop on a quick VC. I've got no ulterior motives and nothing to sell. I'm just looking to learn from some new people in my network. Open to it? What's REALLY important is that you don't then try to sell them something. Even a contact or two later. This isn't some backdoor to fill your actual sales pipeline, salespeople! You will immedately lose creditability and your reputation will suffer. So use this for genuine network building and engagement. Don't think about how it'll benefit you - it will do that naturally. And that's how you become known as a connector.

Moving to a new city is both exciting and challenging. As my wife and I recently settled into Seattle, I've been reminded of the importance of networking in building a sense of community and opening doors to new opportunities. Here's what I've found helpful: - Start with Your Existing Network: Your current contacts can be a valuable resource in your new city. Reaching out to them can provide a sense of familiarity and ease the transition. You'd be surprised how often someone knows someone in your new city. These warm introductions can be invaluable. I have been reaching out to people on my phone and LinkedIn. - Be Intentional with Your Outreach: Attend local events, join industry groups, and connect with people in your field. Remember, it's not just about handing out business cards—it's about building authentic relationships. It's always about being genuine and networking with others. - Explore Communities: Don't limit yourself to your immediate industry. Engage with local organizations, volunteer groups, and social clubs. A diverse network can offer fresh perspectives and unexpected opportunities. I want to engage with the local universities and non-profits that resonate with me. - Listen and Learn: Every conversation is a chance to learn about your new environment. Ask questions, listen actively, and show genuine interest in others' stories. - Stay Patient and Persistent: Building a network in a new city takes time. It's important to stay patient, be persistent, and always follow up on connections you make. Remember, it's a process that can lead to a strong and supportive network. Moving to a new city is more than just finding a new place to live; it's about creating a new network to help you thrive. If you've recently moved or have any tips, I'd love to hear your thoughts! We're here to help. #Networking #SportsBiz #relationships