How to Connect with Industry Leaders

Navigating a tech career without a strong network is like playing the career game on the highest difficulty setting. Here’s how I learned to level up quickly. When I joined the elite International Manager program I was assigned to Dubai and had to report to work with just a few weeks’ notice. Embarrassingly… I had to look up where it was on the map as I was buying my airfare. I needed to succeed in a new country, culture, and a totally alien corporate environment with no contacts whatsoever. I needed help—fast. I searched for mentorship and made a LOT of mistakes. These challenges forced me to develop a systematic approach to building mentorship relationships, which I've successfully applied in moves to Mexico, Singapore, and Google HQ. Here’s how I did it: Step 1: What do you need? Shortlist areas where help is needed. Calibrate this list with perspectives from more experienced folks. Listen carefully for unexpected areas that will pop up in your first conversations.     Step 2: Identify Potential Mentors. Start with your immediate connections, no matter how insignificant they seem. Look for people who’ve been in your shoes inside your organization or speakers at industry events who resonate with your career aspirations. Step 3: Engage Thoughtfully. Once you've identified a potential mentor, engage with them— comment on their posts, show up to their events and contribute meaningfully to initiatives or discussions they are involved in. If the engagement is positive, it’s a good first “vibe check”. Step 4: Craft a Personal Connection. When you reach out, be specific about why you chose them and what you hope to learn. Personalized messages stand out. Mention any commonalities or insights that sparked your interest. Step 5: Offer Mutual Value. Propose ways you can be helpful in return, whether it's offering your perspective or sharing your thoughts on recent trends related to their interests. A lasting mentorship needs to be a good investment for both parties. Step 6: Be Persistent AND Patient Your first attempts won’t pan out. Don’t take it personally. Continue reaching out thoughtfully and eventually you’ll succeed. Remember: Every professional was once a beginner When possible, most are eager to give back to the community I've shared my steps for finding great mentors; now I'd love to hear yours. What strategies have helped you build your network from the ground up? Share your insights below! #Mentorship #CareerDevelopment #Networking #TechCareers

How to get noticed by industry professionals on LinkedIn when making a career transition ⤵ One of my clients from another industry with no connections to sports started getting inbound connection requests from dozens of industry professionals within one week after he made these few tweaks to his LinkedIn profile: 1. Change your industry 🏙 Go to your profile and change your industry to the desired industry you hope to switch into (i.e., sports, entertainment, media, music, etc.). This will alter the LinkedIn algorithm internally and start presenting your profile to individuals within the industry you selected rather than your previous industry. 2. Add your desired career keywords to your headline ✍ Say you want to work in Game Presentation in sports. Add those keywords to your headline! You can say something like "Game Presentation | Events | Fan Engagement | Sports". This will signal to relevant industry professionals within this field that they should connect with you. They will want to connect with others pursuing a similar career path. 3. Change your banner image 🖼 Your banner image sets the tone for how viewers will receive your entire profile. If you want to work in TV or film, you'll want to tailor your banner image to that industry. Maybe it's a photo of a set or a studio lot of your choice. Anything industry-related will signal to profile viewers that you are a film person, thus making them more receptive to your varied experiences. 4. Follow companies & individuals in the industry 🤝 Start following key companies and individuals within the industry that you are looking to transition into. This will also help you show up more in the algorithm for people related to those companies and individuals. 5. Comment, like & share posts from industry professionals 💭 Start getting your name out there by commenting, liking, and sharing posts from individuals in the industry. This will help you get noticed by more industry professionals and lead to more profile views. ✅ These are low-lift ways to start engaging with your desired new industry and building connections. My client is now getting connection requests from industry professionals in the exact departments where he hopes to land a new role. He no longer needs to reach out to them! 💯 Now, he has an "in" and can message them directly to schedule an informational chat. 👉 If you're looking to change careers, try these out, and let me know in the comments what other tips you have tried! #CareerTransition #CareerChange #Sports #Media #Entertainment #Music #LinkedInSports #SportsBiz #CareerCoaching

My go-to strategy for boosting your learning and network: Informational interviews. Whether you're hoping to learn more from experts in your industry, looking to build professional connections when you've relocated to a new community, or are beginning a job search, informational interviews are a great opportunity for you to learn more about others—and for them to learn more about you. Informational interviews open a window into the day-to-day responsibilities of a certain job, company culture, and potential career paths—all without having to take a new job. It's an opportunity for you to ask questions in a more casual and conversational environment with people or organizations you admire. Connecting with others (inside and outside of your current field) can help you learn more about what interests you, what opportunities will be available in the future, and build your network. You might even gain a new mentor or sponsor along the way. Here are some of my favorite tips to set you up for successful informational interviews: BE CLEAR in the initial connection. When you send an email or LinkedIn message to ask for the meeting, include something about them that you admire/want to learn more about, a few sentences about yourself, and a request for a meeting. Clarify what type of meeting you envision (meet at their office, via Zoom, coffee) and ask for 20-30 minutes of their time. BE PREPARED with a list of questions. As the conversation flows, you may not need to rely on all your questions, but you especially want to show you value their time and be able to learn what's most valuable to you. BE GRATEFUL for the time someone has given to you. Time is their most precious resource. Make sure to send a thank you note after. BE PROACTIVE. Maintain your new connections by sending them updates on your progress and cheer them on for their successes. After all, this is a two-way relationship. If you aren’t already connected on LinkedIn, you can send an invite, too. As a bonus, this is a strategy I’ve used through every stage of my career and I also recommend for clients who are looking to develop their peer network to support each other through the everyday challenges and opportunities in leadership. Your Bold Move: Reach out to someone for an informational interview. You'll learn something new and I suspect they will, too. _____ Want to know my list of favorite questions to ask in an informational interview? Message me or comment below and I’ll send them your way.

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

Building relationships with company leaders outside your group is career-critical. These are the stakeholders who'll be in your promo conversations. I've observed that Supra members who consistently get promoted master three strategies for connecting with senior leaders: 1/ Approach with genuine curiosity and specificity The most successful PMs don't ask for "career advice" or generic meetings. Instead, they identify what the leader is known for excelling at: ↳ "I admire how you partner with Marketing. Could I get 15 minutes to learn your approach?" ↳ "Your strategic narratives are exceptional. Would you share how you structure them?" Everyone loves talking about what they're great at. The specificity demonstrates respect for their time. 2/ Provide unexpected value Leaders remember those who help them succeed. Supra members look for opportunities to: ↳ Share relevant market insights leaders might not see ↳ Connect dots between leadership priorities and their team's work ↳ Offer to lead cross-functional initiatives they care about When you consistently provide value, quarterly check-ins become natural. 3/ Find visibility through cross-team projects Volunteer for initiatives that cut across the org chart: ↳ Leading a PM community of practice ↳ Driving adoption of new tools or processes ↳ Creating templates that solve common challenges These give them authentic reasons to interact with senior leaders while demonstrating their skills. The goal isn't just face time — it's building genuine relationships where leaders see your value firsthand. What strategies have worked for you in building relationships with senior leaders?

I used to think networking was all about sending generic LinkedIn connection requests. But I was wrong ⬇️ Genuine relationship building completely changed my perspective. 🤯 Here's what I've learned as a college student trying to break into my dream industry: → 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆: It's not about how many people you know, but how well you know them. Focus on building meaningful connections with a few key individuals rather than trying to network with everyone. → 𝗕𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂: Don't try to be someone you're not. People can sense inauthenticity from a mile away. Share your genuine interests and passions––that's how you'll connect with like minded people. → 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲: Always think about how you can provide value to others. Maybe it's sharing an interesting article, offering your skills, or making an introduction. When you give first, people are more likely to want to help you in return. → 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵: Networking doesn't end after the first meeting. Set reminders to check in with your connections regularly. Share updates on your progress and congratulate them on their achievements. → 𝗨𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆: LinkedIn isn't just for connection requests. Engage with people's posts, share your own insights, and join relevant groups. It's an easy way to stay on people's radar. → 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗱: Don't be afraid to reach out to professionals in your desired field for a quick chat. Most people are happy to share their experiences and advice with students. ⭐ 𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬'𝗦 𝗧𝗜𝗣: Create a networking tracker spreadsheet to keep notes on your connections, when you last spoke, and potential follow up topics. This has been a game changer for me in managing my professional relationships! Remember, networking is about building genuine relationships, not just adding names to your contact list. Don't get me wrong...it definitely takes time and effort, but the connections you make can open doors you never even knew existed! #networking #studentlife #careeradvice #professionaldevelopment #linkedintips #jobhunting

How many times have you heard "It's not what you know, but who you know"? I’ve seen the value of building great professional relationships over the course of my career that’s spanned several decades and multiple industries. Looking back, there are a few things that have worked for me consistently –– and a lot of them are not just about meeting the right people, they’re about how to leverage your existing network and how to deal with who you know. Here are my top 7 tips for effective networking: Here are my top 7 tips for networking: 1) Think of five people you'd want to connect with Who is on your dream list, and what you'd like to discuss? Write this down and think carefully about the kind of conversation you'd broach. Then, should the opportunity (or one similar) present itself, you'll know exactly how to proceed. 2) Show your gratitude Convey appreciation when making connections and be specific about what you're thanking them for. People will remember this down the line, and your graciousness can help set you apart. 3) Follow up and follow through You'll always learn more by listening rather than talking so listen with intent. Once you know what to do then, follow up and follow through. Don't just ask and take; there should be real human interaction and appreciation involved. And remember: speed and polish will always set you apart from the crowd. 4) Be authentic and honest Whether posting articles online or networking within your industry, make sure that whatever you do is genuine. Most people are putting on an act to try and get ahead. You can easily differentiate yourself by being forthright and sincere. 5) Give first and be generous Offer help or advice to those within your network as well. Your perspective is valuable, so find ways to help them think about things differently and work with them on any challenges they face. In this way, you can position yourself as a thought leader. 6) Craft low-lift requests Make sure whatever you're asking for is doable, even for the busiest person. Do the first three steps for them whenever possible—whether you're asking for a piece of professional advice, a letter of recommendation, or an introduction. Please don't make them ask questions about what you need. For example, if you're seeking an introduction, include an email already written that they can copy and paste and adjust as needed. 7) Use a system that works for you Make your own system for keeping in touch—in other words, a personal relationship management (PRM) system. Keep track of who you've spoken to, when you talked, how you're connected to them, what you talked about, etc. ~ What else would you add to this list? 📕 If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to save for later.

Building a high-level network is the best way to create 'career insurance' - Here are 7 ways you can network BEFORE you need a job And yes - I've done each of these myself. 1 - Connect a high-level leader to someone looking for podcast guests. Become a connector. Find podcast hosts that would be interested in leaders at your firm. 2 - Plan a 'Career Growth' session at work; invite select managers and leaders as guest speakers. Speaking opportunities will appeal to some leaders; give them an opportunity they can't pass up. 3 - Publish a collaborative LinkedIn article - reach out for quotes and comments from leaders or managers in the space. Reach out to 5–6 leaders and ask for 1 quote on an industry trend. Compile their insights into an article or post; tag them, and amplify their visibility. 4 - Send them an "I built this based on..." message Find a keynote or panel where a leader shared a framework or insight. Build a visual, write an article, or make a slide based on the idea; send it to them. 5 - Send a Video, but Make it About Them Instead of pitching or requesting, record a short video sharing a story of how their work impacted you or your team. Keep it under 60 seconds. 6 - Create a 'Modern Mentorship' Series Turn your learning journey into content. Interview 10 high-level leaders via email or LinkedIn DMs and ask 2-3 thoughtful questions. Share each response as a short post. 7 - Send Periodic 'Gratitude Messages' A simple message thanking them for their inspiration - or something valuable they taught you. Have you tried any of these proactive networking approaches? Let me know if/how they worked. ♻️ Repost if you found this list helpful! Follow me for daily job search strategies.

The Art of the Meaningful Connection at industry events 🎨 Attending industry events can be a game-changer for building your network, but making authentic connections takes more than just showing up. Here are five strategies that have helped me connect with the right people and build lasting relationships: 1. Do Your Homework ✍🏼 Before the event, research who’s attending. Identify key people you’d like to meet and learn a bit about their background. This makes starting a conversation easier and more intentional. 2. Find Common Ground 👊🏼 Look for shared experiences — maybe you attended the same university, root for the same sports team, or have mutual connections. Finding commonalities makes conversations feel more natural and memorable. 3. Ask Great Questions ❓ Instead of leading with what you do, ask thoughtful questions about their work, challenges, or goals. People love sharing their experiences, and genuine curiosity leaves a lasting impression. 4. Give Before You Ask 👏🏼 Offer value first — whether that’s sharing a resource, introducing them to someone in your network, or providing insights on a topic they’re interested in. Reciprocity builds trust. 5. Follow Up with Purpose 💬 After the event, send a personalized message referencing your conversation. Whether it’s a LinkedIn connection request, an email, or a quick note — thoughtful follow-up helps turn brief encounters into meaningful relationships. Feel free to add 👊🏼 Pictured with one of my faves: Joy Keller