Building a Diverse Network of Influencers

Recently, I've had 40+ conversations with founders, investors, and partners - here's what I learned about building a powerful network. I remember attending a national training at KPMG with thousands of professionals from across the U.S. They asked each team: "What's the most valuable thing you'll get out of this event?" We submitted "Networking will be the most valuable thing we get out of this event." I was shocked when they called out our answer as the winner across all teams. It took me years to really understand this. When I launched Mighty Digits, my first 2 customers came from within my network, giving me freedom to build while securing income. Some of my largest customers came from relationships with VC firms who trusted us with their portfolio companies. As the saying goes: "It's not what you know, it's who you know." To me, it's both - but if I had to choose one, it would be the people in my network. A good network naturally raises your IQ and yields 10x dividends. ➡️ IDENTIFY WHO YOU WANT TO NETWORK WITH Everyone wants to connect with their ideal customer, but don't stop there. Connect with other service providers who serve your target audience but aren't competitive - alternate services or same service in different regions. My favorite people to connect with are investors, since there's strong correlation between investing in a company and wanting confident financial records. Start by making a list of the most ideal people to network with and work backwards. Avoid focusing only on customers to sell to. ➡️ HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE "Ask for money and get advice, ask for advice, get money twice." Your goal with networking is NOT to sell anything. Your goal is to provide value and establish relationships. Sales come naturally as relationships are nurtured. Four ways to connect: — Reach out for warm intros through mutual connections — Send targeted cold emails that are relevant and personalized — Host events that allow them to expand their network too — Attend events and approach people in groups or standing alone ➡️ THE FOLLOW-UP FRAMEWORK This is the most important part. After connecting: — Send follow-up email with thanks and conversation recap — Find ways to offer value first - referrals, advice, resources — Keep in touch quarterly to see how you can be of service — Treat your A-list players with appreciation - gifts, meals, personal thanks === Networking is a long-term play. Relationships take time to build, and many may not go anywhere. But for those that do, you can build an entire business on them. What's been your experience with networking? Do you have any tips for building powerful relationships? Share your thoughts below 👇

Don’t fall into the narrow networking pit. Talk of diversity of views or ‘Fresh Eyes’, Is consistently everywhere. From the front lines to the C Suite. Except in most networking efforts. While there’s often lot of talk about networking being increasingly more important in an age of massive change and disruption, Most people still- Stay in their same lanes, With their same role charter, With their same industry, With their same ‘tribe’, With their local area, And we know why- that ‘relatability’ factor- People ‘like us’…. Here’s the problem with that. Once you’re 10-15 years into a career path, You already have had excessive access and exposure to those individuals and groups in your lane. You are in a form of an echo chamber of self Reinforcing ideas and beliefs… So the upside for well rounded outside the box type exponential growth is nominal. This may be fine if your desire is for more of the same…or to play it safe. But if your desire is - *To be memorable and unique, *To become wise beyond your years, *To become reinvigorated with fresh perspectives, *To be able to connect with, understand, and influence people of ‘all’ walks, *To be the one who brings truly fresh views and ideas into your bubbles and silo, *To have access to people and places you would normally never have direct access to, Then you should likely network completely the opposite of the ways everyone has traditionally done so. I can chalk every positive career and life navigation decision or jump in my career, To connecting with and learning from people completely outside of my tunnel vision silo. People some would argue I had no business wasting time with. Different ages, Different roles, Different views, Different industries, I am constantly shocked by the power of transferable knowledge that is available to any of us who are willing to look for it. The world needs more creative crossover. More people with more diverse views and perspectives. The specific and narrow skills are quickly being replaced. I firmly believe one of the things that will keep us ahead of the curve in this new world, Is how diverse our skill set, network, and knowledge/perspective base is. That does not happen without real intentionality, Real ‘outside the box’ authentic connections and experiences, And a really curious and wide open mind.

Networking is not a “numbers game.” You don’t need 1,000 connections. You need 3 that turn into doors. Here are networking moves no one's talking about, But absolutely should be. Let’s go: 1. Be Someone’s Research Assistant (Unofficially) If you admire someone in your industry… read everything they’ve published. Then create a mini-insight report on it. How to do it: Find a professional who shares thought pieces or speaks at events Create a one-pager: Key takeaways from their work A quote you loved 1 original idea inspired by them Email them: “Hi [Name], I’ve been following your work on [topic] and wanted to say thank you—so I put together a quick reflection based on what I’ve learned. I’d love to know what you’re currently excited about. No pressure to reply!” Why it works: You become the person who listened deeply. That’s rare. 2. Offer to Practice a Presentation with Them Sounds odd? It’s genius. Everyone has something they’re prepping— a keynote, a team training, a class lecture. How to do it: Reach out to a professional speaker, teacher, or founder Say: “Hi [Name], I saw you’re presenting at [event]. I’m a recent grad trying to improve my public speaking. If you ever want someone to practice with or give feedback from a student’s POV—I’d be thrilled to help.” Best case? You get mentorship. Worst case? You become unforgettable. 3. Build a “Networking Project” Instead of a Spreadsheet Instead of a contacts list, create something with the people you’re meeting. How to do it: Pick a theme: “Women in Fintech” or “Immigrant Voices in Product” Every time you talk to someone cool, ask: “Would you be open to being featured in a short post or roundup I’m creating?” Publish it on LinkedIn with their name, tip, and photo (if approved) You just turned networking into content. And you just helped them build their brand too. 4. Show Up in Their DMs... But Only After You Show Up in Their Comments (3x) It’s like playing a slow, respectful game of ping-pong. How to do it: Identify 5 people you really want to connect with Turn on notifications for their posts Leave value-packed comments 3 times Then message them: “Hey [Name], I’ve been learning a lot from your posts—especially your take on [X]. Would love to connect and hear your story sometime if you're open to a quick Zoom or coffee.” This warms them up, so you’re not a random message in the void. Final reminder: Networking doesn’t have to feel transactional. It can feel like helping. If you’re still reading this, try one this week. Even if it feels weird. Because they might. And that might change everything. #May2025Grads #JobSearchJourney #CreativeNetworking #GradLife #NetworkingWithoutCringe #HumanConnection #CareerMoves #InternationalStudents #LevelUp