Tips to Transform Your Networking Mindset

Twenty years ago, early in my business development career, I learned a lesson I’ll never forget. It wasn’t an easy one to hear, but it shaped how I show up to every conversation, meeting, and networking moment to this day. Here’s what happened: Someone I respected—a big name in the industry—was telling people, “I don’t like meeting with Julie because she doesn’t have anything for me.” Ouch. 🤕 I found out because someone in my network (who thankfully did love me) gave me a heads-up. And while it stung like hell, they were right. I wasn’t bringing anything to the table. That experience taught me one of the most important lessons in networking and business: You can’t come to the table empty-handed. Networking isn’t about just showing up and asking for favors. It’s about adding value and creating an exchange that benefits everyone involved. Now, before you panic, listen up: You always have something to bring to the table. Even if you don’t think you do. Here’s how to show up with value, even when you’re not sure what you have to offer: Share useful information: Maybe you read an article, listened to a podcast, or heard something industry-specific that they might find helpful. Bring that to the conversation. Offer possibilities Think about who you know that they should know. Offer to make an introduction or suggest a connection that could benefit them. Ask really good questions Sometimes, the value you bring is curiosity. A thoughtful question can spark ideas or help someone see a situation differently. Provide leads or insights Sure, a referral is great if you have one, but it doesn’t have to be that specific. Maybe you’ve heard about a project or opportunity that might align with their work. The truth is, people want to meet with those who offer something meaningful, whether that’s information, connections, or even just an engaging conversation. Even though that feedback 20 years ago stung, I’m incredibly grateful for it. It forced me to shift my mindset and be intentional about how I show up for others. So, the next time you’re walking into a 1:1 meeting, think about this: 👉What can I bring to the table today? Because networking isn’t about showing up with your hands out. It’s about showing up with something to give. Cheers to you bringing your best! 🙌 Julie P.S. What’s the hardest networking or business lesson you’ve ever learned? Hit that comment button and let me know, I’d love to hear your story!

Most people think networking is about being likable. So they try to be impressive. They over-explain. They reach out only when they need something. But here’s the truth: Real networking the kind VPs do feels nothing like that. When I started operating at a senior level, everything changed. Not because I “sold myself” harder But because I shifted how I connected. Here’s how I started networking like a VP: → I offered context, not small talk → I led with curiosity, not credentials → I planted seeds *before* I needed help Here are the 7 mindset shifts that changed everything: 1. Don’t network offer context 2. Lead with value before you need it 3. Treat coffee chats like strategy briefings 4. Stop trying to be interesting be interested 5. Curate conversations don’t force them 6. Follow up without being a nuisance 7. Think long-term not transactional Because real influence doesn’t come from cold messages. It comes from strategic connection over time. You don’t need to be extroverted. You don’t need to schmooze. You just need to show up like a trusted peer Not a passive contact. Ready to learn how to build executive-level relationships? Join my upcoming masterclass. No fluff. Just the real playbook that leaders use daily. https://lnkd.in/grCCCHp3

Most people tell you to network, but they don’t teach you how. Here’s what you can do: 🔹 Quality Over Quantity: Before attending, study the event's attendee list and identify 2-3 people you want to meet. This focused approach can lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations. I’ve recently done this myself at a TED event. 🔹 Adopt a Giving Mindset: Offer to share your expertise or resources. For example, if someone is working on a project you have experience with, volunteer to provide insights or introduce them to someone who can help. This shows you're invested in their success. 🔹 Research Smartly: Look into their recent projects or publications. If your contact has recently published a paper or given a talk, read it and mention specific points you found intriguing or valuable. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart. 🔹 Make the First Move: Send a message acknowledging a challenge they mentioned in a public forum or LinkedIn comment. For example: "Hi [Name], I saw your post about the challenges of remote team management. I've faced similar issues and found that regular virtual coffee breaks helped. Would love to share more if you're interested. Best, [Your Name]" 🔹 Build a Habit: Set a weekly reminder to engage with your network on social media. This could be liking, commenting on, or sharing posts from your contacts. Regular engagement keeps you top of mind and builds a foundation for deeper connections. Tomorrow’s newsletter is packed with actionable insights to turn casual contacts into valuable connections. ➡ Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eE-aFmFy 💜 Career Well-being is the best work-life newsletter, according to my readers! Join us! #NetworkingTips #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #careerbutterfly #CareerWellbeing

The power of networking with the right mindset! A few years ago, I attended a networking event with one goal: Hand out as many business cards as possible. I left with a stack of cards—but zero real connections. 🤦♀️ The problem? My mindset. I was treating networking as a numbers game instead of focusing on quality. Fast forward to another event, Where I walked in with a different approach: I wasn’t there to sell or impress. My goal was to learn. I asked genuine questions, listened actively, and connected with a handful of people on a deeper level. One of those connections turned into a long-term collaboration that transformed my business. 🎯 Here’s the lesson: Networking isn’t about collecting contacts; it’s about creating connections. Shift your mindset from what can I get to how can I give value. People can sense the difference—and they respond to authenticity. PS. How do you approach networking? Share your strategy below! #NetworkingTips #Entrepreneurship

Networking isn’t a dirty word. Earlier in my career, there were two versions of me: “Work Roberto" and the “Real Roberto" I saw networking as transactional.  - Go to conference.  - Meet key attendees.   - Follow up with specific request. I hated “small talk.” I found it exhausting. Now I’m the guy who starts random conversations in elevators. The advice that changed my mindset? Treat every interaction like you’re building a friendship, not capturing someone in your sales funnel. Instead of stalking someone with a business card, I focused on organically building authentic connections and trusted relationships. These take longer to establish, but you’re planting seeds for the future. - Show the “real” version of you.  - Give more than you expect to receive.  - Start from a place of generosity, not greed. Suddenly, "networking" isn't so tough anymore.

Here’s a secret to help you supercharge your networking. Stop trying to hit home runs with every touch point. Instead, focus on small wins that move the conversation forward. I see so many people making big / vague asks up front: “Can you hop on a 30 minute call?” “Tell me how you accomplished [Big Thing].” These people are super busy and they’re receiving this email from you - a total stranger. The last thing they want is another item on their to do list. Instead, start with a small, simple ask that they can reply to in <30 seconds. Here’s a formula that's been really effective for me: “Hey [Name], your experience in [Industry] is really impressive. I know you're busy, but I just had to ask: If you had to start over and work your way back to [Insert Achievement], would you do A or B? A: [Insert Actionable Thing] B: [Insert Other Actionable Thing]” This formula makes is incredibly easy for them to say "I'd do A" or "I'd do B." Now the door is open! Go do thing A or thing B, get results, and report back. Let this person know you took their advice and then ask for more. This positions you as someone who values their advice and has an action bias -- someone worth investing in. That's going to lead to deeper conversations and stronger relationships!

So many people don’t like networking. And I understand why. They think networking is going to large events, milling around and trying to meet people, and hope something comes of it. People psych themselves out because: 📌 They feel pressure to be “on” and “perform” 📌 They don’t enjoy awkward small talk (who does?) 📌They think the goal is to meet as many people as possible This approach is unpleasant. And surface level. And doesn’t lead to real relationships and meaningful opportunities. No wonder you don’t like it! The best networkers stand out by playing a different game. Here’s how: ✅ Ask better questions. Have some interesting questions ready so your conversations are more meaningful. Rather than “what do you do?” you can ask “what are you most excited about right now?” ✅ Build in follow up Be on the lookout for an article you can send them or an introduction you can make. A thoughtful follow up helps you stand out. ✅ Play the long game – Strong connections aren’t built overnight. Invest in relationships without expecting immediate returns. When you stop treating networking as a numbers game and start approaching it as relationship-building, everything changes. And you’ll like it more. How do you make your networking more intentional? Drop your thoughts in the comments so we can all learn together!

I am sharing one networking tip a day this week to make networking less scary. My day 4 tip is to be curious about people you meet. Research shows that the vast majority of people hate small talk (raises hand!) Deep conversations are correlated with people feel more connected with each other. And we know that the deeper the connection, the more likely that person is going to be a valuable part of your network. This idea is relatively easy with people you've known for a long time, but how do you get beyond the surface with people you don't know that well? Be curious about their lives! Ask questions beyond "where do you work?" Ask about their upbringing, their interests, their children, or the last book they loved. Bonus points for connecting with new contacts after an initial conversation and referencing something that they brought up. By being curious in conversations, you're not just learning about the other person. You're finding ways to form a unique bond that hopefully propels the relationship to the next level. The deeper the connection you can form, the more likely that this person will become a fixture in your growing network of people that will support you when you need them most.