Networking for Professionals

💡 If I were graduating today, I wouldn’t spend hours on job boards. Thousands of candidates apply every day, and most resumes get lost in the noise. Instead, I’d follow a proactive approach that actually works: 1️⃣ Track startups that just raised funding Check out venture capital firm pages on LinkedIn or their websites. Startups that recently secured funding are growing fast—and they need talent. 2️⃣ Find the founders and founding team They know exactly what their company needs, making them the ideal people to pitch. 3️⃣ Send a thoughtful, personalized message Introduce yourself, but more importantly, show that you’ve done your homework. Mention 1–2 things you genuinely admire about their product, mission, or recent achievements. 4️⃣ Show the ROI of hiring you Instead of sending a resume, explain how your skills can solve their immediate challenges or accelerate growth. Your outreach should say: “Here’s how I can add value,” not “Hire me.” Fun fact: one month before I graduated, I didn’t have a job. I got tired of applying through traditional channels, so I messaged every founder I knew, explained how I could help them grow, and landed my first Product Manager contract without a single job board application. 🔥 Opportunities don’t always come through the standard path. Sometimes, you have to create them yourself.

7 Questions To Ask When Networking (To Turn Strangers Into Referrals): 1. “What’s a skill or mindset shift that helped you the most in your career, but isn’t talked about enough?” People love to share wisdom that isn’t “common knowledge.”  This question opens the door for that and allows them to explore a number of different options. It will also lead to some great advice you can take action on. 2. "Who’s been a major influence in your career, and what’s the best lesson they taught you?" This question helps set a more personal tone for the conversation.  It allows your contact to tap into mentors they love who shared meaningful lessons. It will also tell you more about what they value when it comes to relationships and growth. 3. "What’s something exciting happening in your field or company that most people don’t know about yet?" This question positions them as an “insider.”  It gives them a chance to share knowledge that most people don’t have and they’ll feel like they’re in a unique position of authority. It also gives you more insight into industry trends! 4. "What’s a misconception people have about your role or industry?" People love to have the chance to set the record straight about their industry or their job. This questions gives them the chance to do that.  It also gives you more insight into what’s actually happening in these fields / at this company that you might not learn from some online searching. 5. "My current goal is to improve [Relevant Skill]. Would you recommend I do [Action A] or [Action B]?” This positions your contact as an expert, while making it easy for them to reply. It also opens the door for the next conversation.  When they give their answer? You can tell them you’ll do it and then follow up with them. Just make sure to follow through on that :) 6. "If you were in my shoes and looking for your next opportunity, how would you go about it?" Asking for a referral outright can feel pretty awkward. This question opens the door to that conversation without pressuring your contact to commit to anything. If they want to refer you? They’ll probably mention it. If not? You’ll still get advice you can act on. 7. "Based on our conversation, who are one or two people you’d recommend I connect with next?” This question creates a networking flywheel. If your contact shares a name, you can ask for an introduction. Now you can expand your network without needing to send cold messages! It’s one of the best tactics out there.

Want to pitch someone on LinkedIn? Read this before you hit “send.” Every week, I get messages that go something like this: “Hi, I’m [Name]. I’ve built this incredible thing. It’s doing amazing work. Here’s why it matters. Can you help me/share it/connect me?” It’s not that I don’t care. I do. But these messages usually miss the mark and here’s why: They center the sender. Not the receiver. Here’s the truth: When you approach someone for the first time, you (and your project, product, or platform) are not the hero of the story. THEY are. If you want someone to care, start by showing that you care about what they do, what they stand for, what they’re building. Read their posts. Watch their interviews. Figure out what they’re trying to solve. Then ask yourself: how does what I’m doing help them win? Make your message less “I need,” and more “Here’s what I see in your work and how I can add value.” Additional tips: 💬 Keep it short. Long-winded intros are overwhelming. You’re not writing your bio, you’re opening a door! Three concise paragraphs is plenty (even less if you can). 🎯 Be specific. Instead of saying, “Let’s collaborate,” say: “I’d love to explore how we could align my youth platform with your mission to build stronger leadership pipelines.” People respond better when they know exactly what you’re asking. What’s your call to action? 🧠 Show you’ve done your homework. A thoughtful compliment goes a long way. “Your post on LinkedIn really made me think.” “I noticed you’ve been working on Y and I’m building something that could support that.” It shows you care enough to listen first. 🤝 Give before you ask. Share a helpful resource. Offer a useful intro. Tell them about an opportunity they might benefit from. Relationships are built on generosity. 📆 Respect their time. Instead of jumping into a call request, consider asking: “Would it be okay if I shared a 1-pager for you to skim in your own time?” People are more open when they don’t feel pressured. Please don’t immediately ask for a call. 💡 Think of it as planting, not picking. Your goal isn’t to “get” something, it’s to begin something. Not all outreach will lead to a project right away, but if done well, it can spark long-term relationships, ideas, and even unexpected opportunities. ✨ Bonus hack: I often ask my clients to count how many times they say “I” vs. “you” when they write to, present to or speak to their stakeholders. If the “I”s win, revise. It’s not listener-centric enough. Connection starts with empathy, not ego. Lead with curiosity. Offer service. That’s how collaborations are born. If these tips are helpful, check out Storytelling and Leadership for more. #Storytelling #AuthenticConnections #LinkedInTips #Leadership #PurposefulWork

Interesting piece from today’s Wall Street Journal about how remote work can create alienation and isolation: https://lnkd.in/eUvYPtvd Let's get things straight: I am NOT against remote work. On the contrary: - PMI, outside of China, is fully remote. This has enabled us to recruit fantastic talent by broadening our pool from people mostly in the Philadelphia area to talent from anywhere on the planet. - For project management, although 70% of executives believe it might negatively impact project success (it's been documented that a majority of C-Suite execs think people working from home slack off!), our research shows that remote or hybrid work does NOT impact project success. Project teams have been distributed for a long time, often working in different locations or for different companies. But I see many new challenges that I struggle with every day in my own role as CEO of PMI: - It is much more difficult to engage with our teams than when I could meet them in person regularly. Virtual town halls are great, but they don't replace in-person interactions, small talk, and chit-chat. - Americans have TRIPLED the time they spend in meetings! I often see meetings with 10, 20, or even 30 participants, most of whom having no role. It’s easy to invite people, just like adding them to an email list, leading to massive waste of time and productivity. - Loneliness is a big concern. I meet people all the time, so I can enjoy occasionally staying home for a few days. But if that were the case most of the time, I’d feel very lonely. - Balancing the workload between team members is challenging. Some managers give more work to the best people while ignoring underperformers, avoiding tough conversations. This was harder to do in the office. - Supporting junior employees is harder when interactions have to be scheduled. This issue will worsen with the increasing automation of basic tasks with AI. We all have to think harder about these issues. I don’t believe forcing everyone back to the office is the future, but we can’t ignore the challenges. Working fully remotely forces us to reinvent how we lead. Professional organizations like PMI are part of the solution. We provide connections, in-person local events through our chapters, and generally speaking, we are a support mechanism for each other in our global community of project professionals. If you employ project professionals, think about how PMI can help you help your people! Tell me what you think. Project Management Institute #futureofwork #leadership #remotework

In my early career, I thought networking was all about building as many connections as possible. But I quickly learned that effective networking isn't about the quantity of your connections—it's about the quality. Throughout my career, the connections that have truly made a difference weren’t the ones where I just asked for help—they were the ones where I made it easy for others to want to help me. If you want to make others genuinely want to help you, it’s crucial to move beyond simply asking for favors. Instead, focus on creating value and building relationships where both parties benefit. So, how can you do the same? Here are four tactical tips to help you network effectively: ✅ Do Your Homework Before reaching out, research the person or company you’re interested in. Understand their work, challenges, and how you can add value. For instance, instead of asking a connection for job leads, do your own research first. Identify specific roles and companies you’re targeting, and then ask if they can help with an introduction. This approach shows initiative and respect for their time. ✅ Be Specific in Your Ask Whether you’re asking for an introduction, advice, or a referral, be clear and concise about what you need. For example, instead of asking, “Do you know anyone hiring?” say, “I noticed [Company Name] is looking for a [Role]. Would you be open to introducing me to [Person]? I’m happy to send you my resume and a brief write-up you can pass along, too.” This shows that you’ve taken the initiative and makes it easier for your contact to say yes. ✅ Offer Mutual Value When requesting a meeting or advice, frame it as a two-way conversation. Instead of saying, “Can I pick your brain?” try something like, “I’d love to exchange ideas on [specific topic] and share some strategies that have worked for me.” This not only makes your request more compelling but also positions you as someone who brings value to the table. ✅ Follow Up with Gratitude After someone has helped you, don’t just say thank you and disappear. Keep them in the loop on how their help made an impact. Whether you got the job, secured the meeting, or just had a great conversation, let them know. This closes the loop and makes them more inclined to help you in the future. Your network is one of your greatest assets—nurture it well, and it will be there for you when you need it most. What’s one networking tip that’s helped you build stronger connections? *** 📧 Want more tips like these? Join Career Bites - free weekly bite-sized tips to supercharge your career in 3 minutes or less: lorraineklee.com/subscribe 📖 You can also get behind-the-scenes stories, updates, and special gifts for my upcoming book Unforgettable Presence: lorraineklee.com/book

𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬, 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 Does the thought of networking make you feel like you're just selling yourself? It's time to flip the script. Here’s how to network effectively without feeling 'salesy': 📍Seek Depth, Not Numbers Forget about amassing contacts. Harvard Business Review suggests that meaningful, in-depth conversations are far more beneficial than a vast network. 📍Become a Master Listener Effective networking is less about talking and more about listening. Show genuine interest in others' stories and challenges. This approach not only builds stronger connections but also makes your interactions more engaging. 📍Lead with Value Always offer help before asking for anything. According to LinkedIn, 80% of professionals believe that networking is most effective when both parties gain something from the exchange. 📍Customize Your Connections Skip the generic connection requests. Reference specific details about how you met or a topic you discussed. This personal touch transforms your approach from transactional to meaningful. 📍Make Memorable Follow-ups After meeting someone, follow up with something relevant from your discussion. Whether it's an article related to a topic you spoke about or a simple congratulation on a recent achievement, personalized follow-ups make you stand out. 📍Engage Thoughtfully Online Interact with your connections' content by sharing insights or thoughtful comments. This keeps you visible and valuable, enhancing your network's strength without overt selling. 📍Embrace the Long Game Remember, effective networking builds over time. Stay consistent and patient—American Express reports that 40% of executives credit networking for their success. 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙍𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩: 𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩, 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙨. 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙢𝙥 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙚𝙨. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜—𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙢𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨. ---------------------------------- Follow Surya Vajpeyi for more such content💜 #EffectiveNetworking #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalNetworking

Build connections when you don’t need them, so they’re there when you do. Networking is a long‑term investment. You never know what can happen tomorrow, whether it’s a new opportunity, an unexpected challenge, or a career pivot. By cultivating relationships early, you turn strangers into allies and potential into possibility. My pro‑tip? Develop your personal value proposition. 
- List your top 3–5 strengths and concrete examples of how you’ve helped others 
- Turn each into an “I help…” statement (for example, “I help marketing teams drive engagement through data‑driven storytelling”) 
- Use these statements to guide every outreach, ensuring you’re always offering value, not just asking for favors Then start from what you know. 1. Choose 5–10 people from your alumni network, former classmates, or close colleagues 2. Send a genuine note, share an article they might find helpful, congratulate them on a recent win, or simply ask how you can support them 3. No agenda. Just curiosity and a willingness to help Next, venture into the unknown. 1. Identify people at companies you admire or in roles you aspire to 2. Do your homework: reference a recent project, article, or speaking engagement 3. Reach out with a clear, value‑first message: “I enjoyed your piece on X; as someone looking to Y, I’d love to learn how you approached Z.” And keep the momentum going. 
- Schedule quarterly reminders to check in, share insights, celebrate milestones, or ask a thoughtful question 
- Track key dates (promotions, product launches, anniversaries) so your messages feel timely Your network matters. When you need advice, an introduction, or anything really, you’ll already have authentic connections. And at the end of the day, already built connections where you can leverage the relationships > dry unknowns ‘Hey, I need help’ messages. #StephSynergy

A follow-up to something I posted earlier… The most valuable person in your network probably has nothing to do with your industry. That sounds backwards. But here's what most people miss about networking: The connections that look "irrelevant" create the most exponential growth. The ones that seem "practical" just keep you moving in straight lines. I think about people in my life who have made a real difference, like Michael Roderick, a friend who used to be a Broadway producer and inspired me on my journey to start writing musical theater. As I write about in The Long Game, there are three types of networking most people never distinguish: Short-Term Networking: You connect because you need something now. It feels transactional because it is. People sense the agenda immediately. Long-Term Networking: You build relationships in your field over time. Smart professionals do this consistently. But it's the baseline, not the breakthrough. Infinite Horizon Networking: This is where exponential growth happens. You connect with people completely outside your sphere. Not because you need something. Because they spark curiosity. The astronaut who changes how you think about systems. The comedian who teaches you timing in presentations. The dog breeder who shows you patience in development. These connections seem impractical. They won't help you close a deal next quarter. But here's the paradox: When you stop optimizing for immediate relevance, you start accessing ideas no one else in your field has. You think differently. You solve problems differently. You become unforgettable in a sea of people with identical networks. Your greatest opportunities emerge from conversations you never expected to have. Networking isn't just a business tool. It's about becoming more curious. More creative. More human. When you connect out of genuine curiosity, you don't just build a network. You become someone worth knowing. It's the most rewarding investment you can make in your personal and professional life. Think about the people in your life who inspire you most - and ways you can begin to spend even more time with people outside your sphere.

Networking isn't just about exchanging business cards at events; it's a powerful tool that can shape your professional journey. Here's why cultivating a robust network is crucial for career success: 🎯Career Growth Opportunities: A strong network opens doors to new career opportunities. Whether it's a job change, a promotion, or a career shift, the right connections can provide insights and recommendations. 🎯Knowledge Exchange: Networking is a two-way street for sharing insights and staying informed. Engaging with professionals in your field exposes you to diverse perspectives, industry trends, and valuable knowledge. 🎯Business Expansion: For entrepreneurs and business professionals, networking is the heartbeat of business expansion. It can lead to potential clients, partnerships, and collaborations that fuel the growth of your venture. 🎯Professional Support System: A network acts as a support system during challenging times. Whether you're navigating a career transition or facing professional dilemmas, your network can offer advice, mentorship, and a sounding board. 🎯Access to Opportunities: Many opportunities arise through word of mouth. Being well-connected increases your chances of learning about job openings, industry events, or projects that align with your goals. Skill Enhancement: Interacting with professionals from diverse backgrounds exposes you to a variety of skills. It's a chance to learn and adapt, staying relevant in an ever-evolving professional landscape. 🎯Boosts Confidence: Networking hones your communication and interpersonal skills. Regular interactions with different professionals build confidence, making it easier to navigate professional settings. 🎯Stay Updated on Industry Trends: Networking keeps you in the loop about the latest industry trends and innovations. This knowledge is invaluable, especially in fields where staying ahead of the curve is crucial. 🎯Exchange of Ideas and Innovation: Collaborating with a diverse network sparks creativity and innovation. Different perspectives contribute to problem-solving and can inspire fresh ideas for your projects. 🎯Long-Term Relationships: Networking is not just about immediate gains; it's about building lasting relationships. These connections can grow and evolve with you throughout your entire career. In a nutshell, don't underestimate the power of a strong professional network. It's not just about who you know but how you foster those connections. So, go ahead, attend those events, connect on LinkedIn, and invest in the relationships that can shape your professional future! Guess who is he? #networkingmatters #careergrowth #professionaldevelopment #linkedincreators

🛠 Why Your Email Address Matters When Applying for Jobs A hiring manager once shared that they received two strong applications for the same role. Both candidates had similar experience. Both were qualified. One small detail made a difference. One application came from an email like: coolkid123@email.com The other came from: firstname.lastname@email.com Before opening either résumé, an impression was already formed. Your email address is often the first point of contact between you and an employer. It communicates professionalism, attention to detail, and how seriously you take the application process. While an unprofessional email doesn’t reflect your ability or intelligence, it can create unnecessary doubt. A simple, professional email keeps the focus on your skills, experience, and potential not your username. 👉🏼 Now take a moment to look at your own email address. Is it something you’d confidently put on a job application today? If not, creating a professional email takes just a few minutes and it could make a meaningful difference. #CareerTips #PersonalBrand #CareerDevelopment #FirstImpression