Strategic Use of Networking Tools

He wasn’t convinced that being active on LinkedIn would be helpful. 30 days later? Strategic LinkedIn networking brought in 2 new clients (estimated to be worth more than $100k in legal fees). The backstory: ⇒ Litigation partner in a mid-sized law firm. ⇒ Skeptical that LinkedIn could be used to network for business. ⇒ No time for writing or doing traditional “thought leadership”. Despite his doubts, he was willing to give LinkedIn a try. We put a simple strategic LI networking plan together that felt doable for him. Here it is: 1️⃣Identify (& then connect with/follow) 6-10 relevant people. These folks must: ✓ Be active on LinkedIn. ✓ Post about issues relevant to your ideal clients. And no, they don’t need to be competitors or attorneys (but they CAN be - don’t be afraid to follow and engage with those folks!). 2️⃣Set aside 15 minutes per day to review their posts and strategically comment (on any that are relevant to your audience). When commenting, don’t say “great post” or “thanks for sharing”. Instead, add value by: >>> Validating their point with specifics. >>> Adding a new perspective or insight. >>> Asking a question to deepen the discussion. 3️⃣Connect with people you engage with. LinkedIn is a networking tool. Use it that way! Any time someone you aren’t already connected to likes one of your comments or (even better) engages with it, reach out to them to connect. And then, DM them to say “hello” and take the discussion (already started in the comments) further. Yes, that's it. Here’s why this simple formula is so effective: ⏩ It's an easy way to showcase your point of view (and way of lawyering/thinking), which attracts better-fit people into your LI universe. ⏩ It shows your credibility and expertise (in a service-based, non-salesy way). By doing something that takes little time. ⏩ It builds authentic relationships. With people you probably wouldn’t meet in person. Stop thinking of LinkedIn purely as social media. Use it as the networking tool (it actually is). Now, the elephant in the room…Posting your own content. Yes, this will help. But it’s not necessary. If you don’t have the time right now (or are a bit shy about putting your own posts/articles out there), this is a great strategy to lead with. Ready to get started (now)? Do this: 1. Find 1 thought leader in your niche. 2. Make a thoughtful, strategic comment to one of their recent posts. 3. Connect with anyone who likes or engages with your comment. XO, Heather ~~~ P.S. Season 5 of Life & Law podcast is BACK. And this is exactly what we’re covering today. Dive deeper into how to use LinkedIn for networking by listening to Episode 204 (see my Featured Section at Heather Moulder to go directly to the podcast).

Most jobs NEVER get posted. 🕵️♀️ The Hidden Job Market Breakdown: • 80% of jobs are filled through networking • Only 20% appear on job boards • Average job search: 6 months • Average EFFECTIVE networking search: 3 months The Unwritten Networking Playbook: 1. Your Network is Your Net Worth 🌐 • Quality > Quantity • 1 strategic connection > 100 random connections • Cultivate relationships, not just contacts • Give more than you ask 2. The Warm Introduction Algorithm • Cold applications: 4% success rate • Referral applications: 40% success rate • LinkedIn recommendation = Golden Ticket • Mutual connections matter MORE than skills 3. Networking Isn't About Selling. It's About Connecting. 🤝 • Show genuine curiosity • Ask killer questions • Listen 80% • Speak 20% • Follow up consistently Networking Communication Hacks: ✅ "What challenges are you solving?" ✅ "How did you get into your current role?" ✅ "What advice would you give someone entering this field?" ❌ "Can you get me a job?" The Silent Recruitment Ecosystem: • Company decides to hire • Hiring manager mentions need to team • Internal referral happens • Job never hits public boards • Position filled through network Real Story: Client went from 0 connections to dream job in 45 days. Method? Strategic networking. Not applying. CONNECTING. Controversial Take: Your LinkedIn profile is your modern resume. Your network is your modern recruitment agency. → Want a free networking strategy? First 15 DMs get personalized blueprint. #Networking #CareerAdvice #JobSearch #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerGrowth P.S. The best opportunities whisper. Are you listening? 🔊

Step 7: Network Strategically – Opportunities Often Come Through People, Not Just Applications Let’s be real in today’s economy, simply submitting applications and hoping for the best isn’t enough. The reality is that networking plays a crucial role in landing your dream role. I can confidently say that both my roles at Microsoft and Accenture didn’t come just from applications; they came through relationships and strategic networking. Building meaningful connections helped me unlock opportunities I wouldn’t have found otherwise. Here’s how you can network strategically to land your next opportunity: 1️⃣ Leverage LinkedIn Effectively • Connect with recruiters and tech professionals at your target companies—don’t just hit “connect,” personalize your messages! • Engage with content in tech-related groups, share your insights, and participate in industry discussions. This keeps you on recruiters’ radar. 2️⃣ Reach Out with Purpose • Don’t be afraid to send personalized messages to professionals asking for informational interviews or career advice. • Reach out to alumni from your school who are working in your desired industry. A shared connection can go a long way in getting valuable insights or even a referral. 3️⃣ Attend Events and Engage with the Community • Participate in hackathons, webinars, and networking events to meet like-minded professionals and potential employers. • Get involved in communities like Meetup, Stack Overflow, or Slack groups, conferences where you can learn from others and expand your network. Networking isn’t just about asking for opportunities; it’s about building relationships, offering value, and staying visible in your industry. If you’re actively job searching, invest time in strategic networking. The right connection could be the key to your next opportunity. What networking strategies have worked for you? Let’s share tips below! Stay tuned for the next post in this series, where I’ll discuss interview preparation techniques that can help you stand out. #Networking #CareerGrowth #TechCareers #JobSearchTips #MicrosoftCareers #AccentureLife #CareerSuccess #RelationshipBuilding #LinkedInNetworking #Hackathons #NetworkingStrategies #JobHunting2025 #ProfessionalGrowth #TechCommunity #Meetup

In today’s interconnected world, 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 has become an invaluable skill for professionals at all levels. Building and maintaining meaningful relationships can open doors to new opportunities, foster collaboration, and drive personal and professional growth. Here are some key strategies for effective networking: ① 𝗕𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲: Authenticity is key in building trust and rapport. Approach networking with a genuine interest in others, and focus on creating meaningful connections rather than just expanding your contact list. ② 𝗔𝗱𝗱 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲: Think about how you can contribute to others before seeking what you can gain. Offering help, sharing knowledge, or connecting people can make you a valuable contact and strengthen your network. ③ 𝗕𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Don’t wait for networking opportunities to come to you. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and engage in online communities to expand your reach. ④ 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮: Platforms like LinkedIn are powerful tools for networking. Regularly update your profile, share insightful content, and engage with others’ posts to stay visible and relevant. ⑤ 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗨𝗽: After meeting someone new, follow up with a personalized message to reinforce the connection. Staying in touch and showing appreciation can turn a casual acquaintance into a lasting professional relationship. ⑥ 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗠𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀: Look for ways to create win-win situations. Networking should be mutually beneficial, where both parties gain value from the relationship. ⑦ 𝗕𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁: Building a strong network takes time and effort. Be patient and persistent, and remember that quality is more important than quantity. Strategic networking is more than just collecting business cards; it’s about creating a supportive community where knowledge, opportunities, and growth are shared. By investing in your network, you invest in your future success. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙚𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙟𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙮? 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙬! Ruta Pathak Santosh v #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth #BusinessConnections #StrategicNetworking

The most effective networkers understand a fundamental principle that distinguishes meaningful professional relationships from transactional interactions: they prioritize contributing value before seeking assistance.   Effective networking strategies focus on mutual benefit:   Pre-Event Research: Identifying attendees and understanding their professional challenges, recent achievements, or industry focus areas where you might offer insights or connections.   Value-Forward Conversations: Initiating discussions around industry trends, sharing relevant resources, or offering introductions to valuable contacts rather than immediately discussing personal career needs.   Strategic Follow-Up: Connecting post-event with thoughtful resources, articles, or introductions that address specific challenges discussed, rather than generic LinkedIn requests.   Long-Term Relationship Building: Maintaining consistent, value-driven contact with your network through sharing relevant opportunities, insights, or connections throughout the year.   This approach transforms networking from a series of favor requests into genuine relationship building that creates reciprocal value over time.   Professionals who consistently offer value before seeking assistance develop networks that actively support their career advancement because those relationships are built on mutual benefit rather than one-sided need.   The strongest professional networks emerge when individuals position themselves as resources for others' success rather than solely focusing on their own advancement needs.   What strategies have you found most effective for creating mutually beneficial professional relationships?   Sign up to my newsletter for more corporate insights and truths here: https://lnkd.in/ei_uQjju   #deepalivyas #eliterecruiter #recruiter #recruitment #jobsearch #corporate #networking #professionalnetworking #relationshipbuilding #careerstrategist

Stuck in your career? There's a hidden key. Discover what successful professionals already know. Strategic networking. Many still avoid it out of fear or discomfort. They think networking is:  ╳ Handing out business cards.  ╳ Attending every conference.  ╳ Working the room.  ╳ Sending cold emails. But in reality, it is:  Building genuine relationships. Master these 12 networking practices successful professionals prioritize: 1. Cultivate Your Crisis Cabinet ↳ Identify 3-5 trusted advisors you can call for immediate help. 2. Diversify Your Thinking Partners  ↳ Connect monthly with 2 professionals outside your field to challenge your perspective. 3. Schedule Relationship-Building Time  ↳ Block 2 hours weekly for coffee chats, check-ins, and meaningful follow-ups. 4. Join Two Strategic Communities  ↳ Commit to one industry group and one interest-based network where you'll actively participate. 5. Create Cross-Department Projects  ↳ Initiate quarterly collaboration with colleagues from other teams to expand your internal network. 6. Maintain Your Alumni Connections  ↳ Reach out to 3 former colleagues each month to sustain relationships beyond your current role. 7. Establish Your Emotional Support System  ↳ Develop relationships with 2-3 trusted confidantes who understand your professional challenges. 8. Host Knowledge-Exchange Sessions  ↳ Organize bi-monthly skill-sharing meetups where everyone teaches something valuable. 9. Build Your Industry Radar Team  ↳ Cultivate relationships with 5 diverse contacts who alert you to important industry shifts. 10. Invest in Reciprocal Relationships  ↳ Identify ways to provide value to 3 key contacts each week before asking for anything. 11. Create Your Personal Resource Directory  ↳ Document who in your network has which expertise, tools, or connections you might need. 12. Form a Resilience Circle  ↳ Connect 4-6 colleagues from different departments to collaboratively solve organizational challenges. Strategic networking is not just a buzzword.  It’s a vital skill for your career. Build your network.  Both inside and outside your organization. Now is the time to connect.  Your future self will thank you. What strategies do you use to leverage your network for success? ♻️ Share this post if you think your network will benefit. 👉 Follow me Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) for more advice on how to connect, share, grow, and shine in your career!

Making time for professional networking, even when you're busy, requires being intentional and creative. Here are some strategies to help integrate networking into a packed schedule: 𝟭. 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 Work-related Events: Use conferences, workshops, or training sessions you’re already attending to network. Engage with speakers, other participants, or organizers during breaks or networking segments. Lunches & Coffee Breaks: Instead of eating alone, invite colleagues or industry peers to join you. It’s a productive way to network without adding to your schedule. 𝟮. 𝗨𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 Social Media Platforms: Engage with professionals on LinkedIn, Twitter, or industry-specific forums. A few minutes each day to comment on posts, share insights, or respond to direct messages helps maintain visibility in your network. Virtual Networking Events: Participate in webinars, virtual conferences, or industry meetups that allow you to network from your office or home, saving travel time. 𝟯. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 Join Professional Groups: Attend webinars, book clubs, or online discussion groups in your field. You’ll not only grow professionally but meet others with shared interests. Mentorship Programs: Mentoring (or being mentored) is a form of networking that integrates personal growth and relationship building into your routine. 𝟰. 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀 Dedicate 15 minutes a day to reach out to someone in your network. This could be commenting on a post, sending a quick email, or updating someone on a shared project. 𝟱. 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 Look for networking events that occur after work hours or more informal meetups, such as dinners, happy hours, or weekend coffee meetups. These fit into your schedule without interfering with work obligations. 𝟲. 𝗕𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 Prioritize the most valuable networking events or groups. Instead of attending every event, choose ones where you’re most likely to build meaningful connections that align with your goals. 𝟳. 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝗸𝘀 Use tools like LinkedIn's reminders or email scheduling tools to automate follow-up messages or stay in touch with your network regularly. 𝟴. 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 Use commutes, workout sessions, or even downtime to listen to industry podcasts, participate in group chats, or send quick messages to check in with connections. Interested in getting involved in CAMP IT Conferences to expand your IT network, feel welcome to DM me on LinkedIn.

Networking is EVERYTHING in sales. What role does it play in your strategy, and how do you build and maintain a professional network? Here's my playbook for making networking your competitive edge: 📊 Start with Strategy: Carve out your sales plan by identifying key players: Customers: Who are the decision-makers and influencers? Internal Colleagues: Leverage your team for support and insights. External Partners/Vendors: Build mutually beneficial relationships. Competitors: Yes, even competitors can become allies in the right context. 🔑 Be a Value-Add for Everyone You Touch: Introduce customers to each other, support partners in winning, and never shy away from creating symbiotic relationships. Give without expecting immediate returns. 📧 Master Outreach: Social selling through LinkedIn, emails, and videos has fueled my career. Control what you can: Quality of your message Quantity of outreach Consistency of execution ⏰ Time-Block Prospecting: Schedule and honor your "sacred prospecting hour" daily. Intentionality is key. 🤝 Empower Your Partners: Help vendors succeed, even if it means stepping back. Sometimes your role is to support, not lead. 🔍 Stand Out from the Noise: Thousands of sellers reach out to your target daily. Differentiate yourself by: Adding real value Personalizing your approach Staying informed on industry and company updates 🧠 Leverage Tools & Signals: Use LinkedIn, company reports, newsletters, and trade publications to stay ahead. React to signals like leadership changes, mergers, and industry trends. 📈 Passive Education Works: Build trust over time with webinars, newsletters, and tailored content. I've closed deals because I stayed top of mind. 💬 My Networking Philosophy: Seek to serve, invest in relationships, and remain consistent. Networking isn’t a side hustle; it’s the backbone of your sales strategy. Networking has been the foundation of my sales success – from landing over $1B in deals to earning the right to be a trusted advisor. How will you elevate your networking game in 2025? #SalesNetworking #SocialSelling #Prospecting #RelationshipBuilding #SalesSuccess #ValueSelling #B2BSales #SalesLeadership #NetworkingTips

Your Network Isn’t Just About Who You Know—It’s About Who Remembers You. Most professionals collect contacts. But only a few turn those contacts into real opportunities. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how one conversation, one introduction, or one follow-up can change the entire trajectory of a career or business deal. The problem? Most people network, they don't purposely network. They: ❌ Accept LinkedIn requests and never follow up. ❌ Only reach out when they need something. ❌ Think a “like” or a “comment” is enough to build a relationship. But the most successful executives and business leaders do things differently. ✅ They nurture their network before they need it. ✅ They give more than they take. ✅ They strategically stay on the radar of key decision-makers. I’ve spent my career helping executives, sponsors, and industry leaders turn connections into long-term relationships that drive real business growth. If you’re ready to stop networking for numbers and start building meaningful relationships that create opportunities, I’ll be sharing the exact strategies I use to: ✔ Build executive networks that open doors. ✔ Leverage LinkedIn for high-value business relationships. ✔ Stay top of mind with the right people—without being salesy. 💡 Your network is your most valuable asset. The question is—are you using it strategically?

Online applications are no longer effective. 75% of applications are automatically filtered out by archaic ATS systems. Most job seekers get ignored or receive automated rejections, even for roles they're qualified for. After dozens and dozens of rejections it starts to shake their confidence, even if they know they’re excellent at what they do. So what’s the alternative? Strategic networking. It’s one of my favorite topics and is the cornerstone of a successful job search. Why strategic networking works - You discover the hidden job market and upcoming roles before they're posted - You gain internal champions who can sing your praises - You secure introductions to hiring managers (the golden ticket!) - You learn firsthand if the company culture is right for you The statistics don't lie. 80% of all jobs are filled through professional connections. When I’ve hired for my team, I always favored candidates referred by trusted colleagues over strangers. And I know I’m not alone. So why doesn’t everyone network? There’s usually trepidation around networking, which makes sense especially if it’s new for you and/or you don’t know exactly what to do. Here are some of the common objections I hear, which are actually misconceptions. - "I can't reach out after 10+ years" — actually, dormant ties are incredibly valuable. - "I hate talking about myself" — it's not selling, it's educating others about your impact. - "Networking feels transactional" — it's about paying it forward, not keeping score. - "I'm an introvert" — by focusing on 1:1 conversations you get to leverage your superpower of active listening to build rapport and get help. When our clients shift their thinking and embrace targeted networking, they consistently land interviews and offers for roles that truly excite them. Ready to stop wasting time on online applications and start landing interviews through strategic networking? Watch this webinar on strategic networking, where I walk through the steps on how to identify key contacts on LinkedIn, get informational meetings and create your actionable networking plan: https://lnkd.in/ggcUQX7c I bet you'll surprise yourself with the opportunities that excite and delight you! #strategicnetworking #hiddenjobmarket #jobsearchstrategies #jobsearchtips #dreamjob