Office Networking Techniques

Networking isn’t about collecting business cards or sending generic LinkedIn messages—it’s about building real, meaningful connections. But let’s be honest: it can feel awkward, especially when you don’t know where to start. Here’s how I’ve learned to make networking both effective and authentic - Provide some sort of value. When reaching out to someone, think about how you can bring value to them. Instead of asking, “Can I pick your brain?” try something like: - “I really enjoyed your recent post about [topic]—it gave me new insights.” - “I noticed you’ve worked on [project/field]. Here’s a resource I found helpful—thought you might too!” Starting with value makes the interaction about collaboration, not extraction. Networking doesn’t end with the first meeting. After connecting, follow up with a personalized message: “It was great chatting about [topic]. I came across this article that aligns with what we discussed—thought you’d find it interesting!” Consistency and genuine interest are what transform connections into relationships. Networking is a skill, not a transaction. It’s about showing up authentically, giving more than you take, and staying connected.

Want to be a good networker without being too cringy? Here are my tips for success: I call it The SCHMOOZE Method because isn't that what it is? S – Skip the Boring Intro Nobody cares about your official title, hook people with a killer oneliner about what you actually do. Instead of "I'm a financial consultant," try: "I help people stop making dumb money mistakes before it’s too late." C – Cut the Sales Pitch Networking is not speed dating for sales. If you treat people like walking dollar signs, you’ll be ghosted faster than a bad Tinder match. H – Have a Killer Story People remember stories, not stats. Got a client who doubled revenue because of your help? Share that. M – Make It About Them Ask powerful questions. The most powerful phrase in networking? "Tell me more." People love to talk about themselves. If you let them, they'll like you more and you might actually learn something too. O – Own Your Weirdness Nobody remembers Mr. Generic Business Guy. Lean into what makes you stand out. Quirky, nerdy, obsessed with a niche? Good. That’s your brand. Me? Snarky in case you didn't know. O – Offer Real Value A tip, an intro, a resource: give something before you ask for anything. It builds trust and makes you instantly more likable. Z – Zero Follow-Up = Zero Results Met someone interesting? Follow up like a human, not a spam bot. A quick email or DM with something relevant (not “just checking in”) keeps you top of mind. E – Exit with Purpose Don't let a good conversation fizzle into awkward silence. End strong: “This was great, let’s set up a quick call next week,” or “I’d love to send you that article I mentioned.” Give them a reason to remember you. "Networking isn’t about collecting contacts, it’s about connecting dots. Be the person people want to connect with, not the one they avoid. Be human, be real. You might even make friends along the way. What did I miss? Tell me below.

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!

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

As an HR professional, I’m often asked about networking and how to approach it effectively. Networking is not just about meeting people—it’s a powerful tool for personal development, continuous learning, and fostering meaningful connections. When done thoughtfully, it opens doors to new opportunities and helps you grow both personally and professionally. Here are three essential tips for successful networking: 1. Be Intentional * Set clear goals: Are you looking for mentorship, exploring new industries, or expanding your support network? Focus on quality not quantity. * Do your homework: Research attendees or speakers in advance and prepare thoughtful questions or talking points to guide your conversations. 2. Lead with Value * Networking is about building relationships, not just seeking personal gain. Shift your focus to “How can I help?” * Look for opportunities to support others—whether by sharing insights, offering resources, or making introductions that could be beneficial. 3. Keep the Connection Alive * After an event or meeting, follow up with a personalized message that references your conversation. * Maintain the relationship by staying in touch over time—share articles, updates, or simply check in to show you value the connection. Conversation Starters Consider these to spark engaging conversations: * "What’s the most exciting part of your current role or project?" * "What inspired you to attend this event today?" * "What’s a professional trend or topic you’re really interested in right now?" And one last tip: Put your phone down! Being fully present shows respect and builds deeper connections. What are your go-to networking strategies? I’d love to hear your thoughts! #Networking #Development #GrowthMindset

Want to make networking easier and more productive? Bring a wingperson. Here’s the truth. Most professionals dread walking into a room full of strangers. It can feel awkward, forced, or just like a waste of time. But it doesn’t have to be that way. When you network with a friend or colleague by your side, the whole game changes. Conversations flow more naturally. Introductions happen faster. You both come away with more value. The photo is of John Alfonsi, CPA, Allison Cummins and me working the room at a financial conference. Three professionals. One simple goal. Help each other make meaningful connections. That’s the power of networking in teams. Here’s how you can make it work. First, pick the right partner. Choose someone you trust. Someone who knows your business well. Someone who can speak about you the way you’d speak about yourself. If they can tell a story about how you helped someone, that’s even better. Second, meet before the event. Spend ten minutes reviewing who you each want to meet. Talk through your goals. Share a couple of examples of the ideal introduction. The more specific you are, the easier it will be for your wingperson to help you connect. Third, work the room together. Approach small groups and introduce each other. Let your partner brag on your behalf. Say something like, “You two should meet. John is the guy you call when the numbers matter most.” This kind of third-party endorsement builds instant trust. Fourth, watch for opportunities. If your wingperson is in a conversation that seems like a fit for you, they can loop you in. You do the same for them. You’re each other’s radar for the entire event. Fifth, debrief after the event. Grab a coffee or schedule a call to share the highlights. Talk through who you met and how you might follow up. Thank each other for the support. Offer to make follow-up introductions if it makes sense. Networking becomes easier when you’re not doing it alone. It becomes more fun. It becomes more productive. You’ll meet more people. You’ll have deeper conversations. And you’ll leave the room with more real connections. This works at formal networking meetings. It works at casual events. It even works in a Zoom breakout room. The goal is the same. Show up with someone who has your back and be that person for them too. So next time you’re invited to a networking event, bring a wingperson. Walk in with a plan. Work the room like a team. Then watch what happens. Real relationships grow faster when we grow them together.

How to Network Like a Pro. Even If You Hate Small Talk. I have a confession to make. I enjoy networking. But that wasn’t always the case. When I started my career, I felt awkward and out of place at networking events.  It started to change when I applied these tactics: 1. Prepare like a pro Walking into a networking event without a game plan makes conversations even more awkward. Research who will be there, identify people you’d like to connect with, and prepare talking points or questions. 2. Lead with curiosity Instead of struggling to find something to say, shift your focus to the other person. People love to talk about themselves, and showing genuine interest makes conversations more engaging. 3. Be interested – and interesting Charismatic people are the most interested and interesting people in the room. Listen to understand, then go for deeper, more valuable discussions. 4. Play to your strengths If big rooms overwhelm you, opt for smaller, more structured gatherings, one-on-one coffee chats, or online communities where thoughtful conversations happen at a different pace. 5. Offer value first Give without any expectation to receive anything in return. Generosity builds trust and makes you more memorable. And if you don’t expect anything, you can’t be disappointed. 6. Have an exit strategy Don’t get stuck in an awkward conversation. Simply say: “It was great meeting you – I’m going to connect with a few more people before the event wraps up”. 7. Remember the "Liking Gap" We often underestimate how much people enjoy talking to us – this is called the Liking Gap. In other words, you’re probably making a better impression than you think so do follow-up! Networking doesn’t have to feel transactional or awkward. When done right, it’s simply about finding people you genuinely connect with and nurturing those relationships over time. 📌 Follow me Oliver Aust for more insights on leadership & communication.

I've been to over 50 global networking events this year. Only 25% of people get it right. The biggest mistakes? 👇 ↳ Selling at the first introduction ↳ Treating networking as a transaction ↳ Not investing time in relationships Here are 10 networking red flags 🚩 and how to do it better 🟢: 🚩 Being self-centred 🟢 Show genuine interest in others 🚩 Dismissing others' opinions 🟢 Listen actively and value different perspectives 🚩 Coming unprepared 🟢 Do your homework on attendees and topics 🚩 Focusing on immediate gains 🟢 Build long-term, meaningful connections 🚩 Interrupting or disrespecting others 🟢 Engage in respectful, two-way dialogue 🚩 Being overly aggressive 🟢 Approach with a collaborative mindset 🚩 Failing to follow up 🟢 Send a thank-you note and continue the conversation 🚩 Engaging in gossip 🟢 Maintain a positive, professional attitude 🚩 Appearing unprofessional 🟢 Be punctual and dress appropriately 🚩 Hoarding contacts 🟢 Facilitate valuable connections for others Remember: 🪴 Your network is like a garden. ↳ Plant connections regularly ↳ Nurture relationships consistently ↳ Be patient as it grows If you invest time in your network today, you can see your opportunities bloom tomorrow. 👇 Have any other networking tips? Share them in the comments! ♻️ Spread the word! Share this post to help your connections master their business networking game. 💛 Follow me, Jen Blandos for daily business tips.

Ever wonder why some people seem to have a magical touch when it comes to networking? It's not about how many business cards you can collect or how many LinkedIn connections you can rack up. It's about building genuine relationships that last! Networking is often misunderstood as a numbers game, but here's a little secret: it's all about quality over quantity. Imagine if you focused on truly connecting with just a handful of people rather than trying to meet everyone in the room. The results might surprise you! 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴? Here's what I've found instead: → 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Instead of spreading yourself thin, invest time in a few meaningful conversations. You'll find these connections are more rewarding and beneficial in the long run. → 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆: People love to be heard. By genuinely listening, you not only learn more but also show respect and interest, which is the foundation of any strong relationship. → 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: When you talk about what excites you, your enthusiasm is contagious! It opens doors to deeper connections and shared interests. But here's what most people get wrong: → 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗹: Networking isn't about pitching your product or service at every opportunity. It's about building trust and rapport first. → 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀: Don't just aim to connect with people based on their job title. Everyone has something valuable to offer, regardless of their position. → 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗨𝗽: A simple follow-up message can turn a brief encounter into a lasting relationship. Don't let those opportunities slip away! Networking is an art, and like any art, it requires practice and patience. So, next time you're at an event or meeting someone new, remember to focus on building a real connection. What strategies have you found effective in building genuine relationships? Share your thoughts and let's learn from each other! WHO DO YOU WANT TO MEET? #Networking #PersonalDevelopment #Success