Networking in a Hybrid Workplace

I've been going to real estate conferences for over a decade. Here's what actually works (and what doesn't): Most people waste thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours because they approach these events completely wrong. With events season coming up, here's what actually works: 1/ The 3-Week Rule: Most people wait until they're at the conference to start networking. That's too late. Your highest ROI outreach window is 3 weeks before the event. Too far out, and people haven’t started thinking about the event yet. But wait too long, and the best prospects are already booked up. Use the sponsor list, speaker roster, and attendee directory to identify your targets. Cold emails mentioning shared attendance convert way better than generic outreach. 2/ Get The Cell Numbers: This sounds obvious, but many people don’t do it. LinkedIn connections are fine. Email exchanges are better. But cell phone numbers? That's where real relationships happen. When someone says, "let's connect at the event," immediately ask: "What's your cell? I'll text you that day." 3/ Control The Location: Many startups are tempted to spend tens of thousands of dollars on an expensive booth on the show floor. But the branded happy hour at the bar across the street? That's where deals actually happen. After-hours events are way more valuable than anything during official programming. People are relaxed. Guards are down. Conversations go deeper. Here's what most vendors get wrong: they think the goal is to pitch at the event. Wrong. The goal is to collect contact info and schedule follow-up calls for the week after. Nobody is making purchasing decisions while they're rushing between sessions and trying to remember if they validated their parking. Here’s what you should do: • Before: Prospect the attendee list 3 weeks out • During: Get cell numbers and schedule post-event calls • After: Follow up within 48 hours while you're still fresh in their mind The conference itself is just the excuse to start the conversation. The real work happens in the weeks before and after. P.S. Our Selling Into Real Estate Owners course is a must for anyone heading to real estate events. It covers this and a lot more, from identifying your customer to building your sales funnel. Link is in the comments.

Harsh truth: Networking is dead. (at least in the traditional sense of the word)... Those business cards you're collecting? The LinkedIn connections you're hoarding? They're worthless. I'm introverted. Socially anxious. Yet I've built a world-class network. The difference? I stopped networking and started building genuine relationships. My 4-step anti-networking system: 1. Find value-aligned rooms. Love fitness? Hit the 7am farmer's market. Love books? Join that book club. The filtering happens before you walk in. 2. Ask better questions. Skip "What do you do?" Try: "What's lighting you up outside of work?" Being interested is more important than being interesting. 3. Master Level 2-3 listening. Most people wait for their turn to talk. Charismatic people are fully present, building a mental map of who you really are. 4. Creative follow-ups. Send that article they'd love. Mail them that book you discussed. I've built my best mentor relationships by sending books to people's offices. This week: Pick ONE value-aligned room. Start ONE conversation. Follow up within 48 hours. Stop networking. Start building.

What if the most powerful business connections aren’t made behind a screen, but in the energy of a handshake? Why I stepped out from Behind the algorithm: My NIA Networking Experience! As a founder obsessed with impact over noise, I’ve always believed in the power of digital networking. But today, standing at Network In Action (NIA), I was reminded: offline networking isn’t just a throwback, it’s a strategic advantage. In a world where LinkedIn algorithms, hashtags, and DMs drive our daily connections, it’s easy to forget the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interaction. Here’s what I learned from stepping into the room: Authenticity is magnetic: Online, we optimize for impressions. Offline, we optimize for impression. Every handshake, every genuine conversation, forges trust at a speed no DM can match. Serendipity drives growth: Algorithms show us what we “should” see. In-person events introduce us to what we never knew we needed, unexpected partnerships, fresh perspectives, and real-time feedback. Community > Contacts: It’s not just about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections. It’s about building a network that roots for your growth, shares your vision, and challenges your thinking. Online vs. Offline Networking: A Quick Reality Check Online Networking -Algorithm-driven visibility -Scalable, global reach -Quick connections, slow trust -Data analytics Offline Networking -Human-driven credibility -Deep, memorable engagement -Instant rapport, lasting impact -Emotional intelligence Both worlds matter. But if you want to build a brand that’s unforgettable, blend digital reach with real-world relationships. My takeaway for founders & leaders: If you’re building a business in 2025, don’t just chase metrics, chase meaningful moments. Show up where your industry gathers. Shake hands. Share stories. Let your presence do the talking. The future of business networking isn’t just virtual or physical, it’s hybrid. And those who master both will own the next wave of growth. How are you blending online and offline networking to fuel your business? Drop your best tips or stories below, I’m all ears! #BusinessNetworking #Leadership #PersonalBranding #Entrepreneurship #GrowthMindset #NetworkingEvents #LinkedInGrowth #FounderLife #pactOverNoise

Networking as an introvert feels scary AF. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are 3 tips that helped me build relationships with CEOs, influencers, and high-profile entrepreneurs (without leaving my couch): Context: For Introverts, By An Introvert I’m an introvert through and through. Networking, speaking, etc. Those were all SCARY uncomfortable for me early on. But, like any skill, I got better with practice. Here are 3 strategies that helped the most: 1. Quality > Quantity Instead of: - Going to meetups - Blasting out random connections - Attending conferences I focused on a handful of specific people. They met two criteria: - They had already done what I wanted to do - I was genuinely excited to engage with them 1a. Why Those Criteria? The first is easy. You should only take advice from people who already have what you want. For the second, forcing connections creates so much anxiety. Life is a lot easier when you're genuinely pumped to engage with the people on your contact list. 1b. Why A Handful? Great relationships require depth. By selecting a small set of people you're super excited about, you can invest more energy into each relationship. That energy is going to shine through and lead to a better, stronger, more authentic relationship. 2. Engage On Your Terms The idea of meeting a stranger for a 30-minute coffee terrified me. So I engaged where I was comfortable: virtually. - I commented on their posts. - I left reviews for their podcasts. - I proactively offered feedback on ideas. - I made introductions. 2a. Engage On Your Terms You are your best self when you show up where it's comfortable for you. I love starting in a virtual space because: It's easier to connect. You ease into things. When you meet for coffee down the road? You already have a history! Way less scary. 3. Monitor Your Energy Connecting was a roller coaster for me. I got anxiety beforehand, was super energized during, and exhausted after. Due to that, I limited myself to a certain number of networking convos each week. Then I scheduled non-negotiable "me" time to recharge.

Every opportunity that changed my life came from a relationship (not a resume). 6 tips to build a network that actually works for you: 1/ Check In Without Needing Anything ↳ Send "how are you?" texts more often than "can you help me?" emails. ↳ People forget what you said, but they remember that you stayed in touch. 2/ Give Before You Get ↳ The best networkers give help more often than they ask for it. ↳ Share opportunities, make introductions, send useful articles. 3/ Start Building Today ↳ The worst time to build relationships is when you desperately need them. ↳ Your next job won't come from a blind job app. It'll come from someone you know. 4/ Make It Personal ↳ Remember birthdays, kids' names, their big wins. ↳ One genuine conversation beats 100 business cards. 5/ Stay Consistent ↳ Set reminders to reach out quarterly. ↳ Small efforts compound into strong connections. 6/ Be The Connector ↳ Introduce people who should know each other. ↳ Become known as someone who helps others win. The net worth of your network compounds faster than your 401(k). Every promotion, every opportunity, every breakthrough... They all started with a relationship. Your dream job is one conversation away. But that conversation only happens if you've been nurturing relationships all along. Start today. Text someone you haven't talked to in months. Not because you need something. Just because relationships are your most valuable career asset. What's your favorite way to network? Reshare ♻️ to help someone in your network. And give me a follow for more posts like this.

14 unusual things to do after networking (So that people never forget you) Most people treat networking like a one-time event. Show up. Shake hands. Exchange LinkedIn profiles. Then what? Nothing. Silence. A connection that dies in your inbox. ➡️ Here’s the truth: Networking doesn’t end when the event does. If you want to stand out in a sea of small talk and business cards, what you do after matters way more than what you said in the room. 📍 14 memorable ways to follow up after networking (so people remember how you made them feel) : 1.Send a 30-second voice note 🔹 It’s warm, personal, and wildly underused. 🔹 They’ll remember your tone, not just your job title. 2. Mention something they said 🔹 “Still thinking about what you said about burnout.” 🔹 Proves you listen, not just wait to talk. Rare energy. 3. Follow up with zero ask 🔹 “No agenda, just really enjoyed our chat.” 🔹 Trust is built when you expect nothing. 4. Recommend a niche resource 🔹 “This podcast reminded me of our convo on health.” 🔹 Thoughtful people always stand out. 5. Post something they inspired 🔹 “Met someone who reshaped how I think about___.” 🔹 Now they’re part of your story and stories are sticky. 6. Engage genuinely with their content 🔹 “This post reminds me of the time I_____” 🔹 People remember those who get them. 7. Add a personal detail to your calendar 🔹 Birthday, race day, launch date. 🔹 A simple “You"ll crush it today!” = unforgettable. 8. Offer a connection they didn’t ask for 🔹 “You and [Name] speak the same. Want an intro?” 🔹 Be the bridge. Bridges are memorable. 9. Share their work with someone new 🔹 “Told a friend about your insight on___ It hit home.” 🔹 Generosity makes your name stick. 10. Circle back weeks later with a win or a thought 🔹 “That nutrition tip you shared....Total game-changer.” 🔹 That follow-up moment seals the connection. 11. Ask how they’re feeling, not just what they’re doing 🔹 “How’s your energy with the launch coming up?" 🔹 Emotional intelligence creates instant rapport. 12. Thank them again, but differently 🔹 “Grateful for the kindness, not just the time.” 🔹 Depth of appreciation always stands out. 13. Send a $5 coffee gift card with a kind note 🔹 “Thanks for your time and wisdom, next cup’s on me.” 🔹 Tiny gesture. Massive impression. 14. Be the follow-up you’d love to receive 🔹 Helpful, human, and zero pressure. 🔹 Authentic energy is your best bet. Networking isn’t about collecting contacts. The follow-up is where relationships are built Or forgotten. Most people don’t go the extra step. That’s your opportunity. 💎 Because when people remember how you made them feel, They’ll remember you, every single time. ✨ Got a go-to follow-up move that’s worked for you? Drop it in the comments. ♻️ Found this helpful? REPOST. + Follow Priyamvada S for daily tips on growth and well being

The #1 mistake people make when networking? They wait until they need a job. And by then - it’s often too late. Because real networking isn’t about asking for help when you’re in a bind. It’s about building trust before you need it. Here’s what happens when you only network reactively: 🔹 Messages feel rushed 🔹 Connections feel one-sided 🔹 Conversations feel transactional And worst of all? You feel like you’re starting from scratch-just when you most need traction. Want to change that? Start networking before you need anything. Here’s how: ✅ Reach out regularly-even when you’re not job searching Check in. Congratulate someone. Ask what they’re working on. Stay present without having an agenda. ✅ Share your thinking One short post a week about your work, industry, or career journey helps people remember what you do-and why it matters. ✅ Offer help first Make introductions. Share a resource. End a message with, “Let me know how I can support you.” ✅ Nurture your quiet connections Your next opportunity probably won’t come from your inner circle. It’ll come from someone who almost forgot they knew you-until you reached out at the right time The best time to build your network was 6 months ago. The second-best time is now. Don’t wait for a job search to start showing up. Your future self will thank you. Follow me for job search and career strategies that don’t start with panic-but with clarity, momentum, and relationships that last.

The 'Out of Sight, Out of Mind' Trap: How to Conquer the Distance Google is a global company with offices all over the world, and while this diversity is a strength, it also presents unique challenges for communication and collaboration. Especially when your key stakeholders and decision-makers are continents away! Those hallway conversations, spontaneous coffee chats, and quick desk drop-bys that teams at HQ take for granted? Yeah, those aren't happening when you're separated by oceans and time zones. And that can lead to a disconnect. Your team's amazing work might get overlooked, your challenges might go unnoticed, and your stakeholders might feel out of the loop. But fear not, fellow remote leads! Here are a few strategies I've learned along the way: ‣ Tailor your communication approach: Every leader has their preferred communication style. Some love detailed reports, others prefer concise bullet points, and some just want the TL;DR. It's your job to adapt and deliver information in the way they'll best receive it. ‣ Embrace Radical Transparency: The worst thing that can happen is your leadership feeling blindsided by a problem or a missed deadline. Over-communicate! Share updates regularly, highlight both wins and challenges, and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed. ‣ Educate Your Leads: Help them understand the unique challenges of leading a remote team in a different location. Explain why you might need more proactive communication or different approaches to stay connected and aligned. ‣ Build Relationships Beyond Email: Travel when possible. Occasional visits to the main office can be invaluable for building relationships and understanding the nuances of the company culture. ‣ Celebrate Wins: Make sure your stakeholders are aware of your team's accomplishments, both big and small. This reinforces the value of your team and keeps them top-of-mind. ‣ Iterate and Improve: What works for one lead might not work for another. Experiment with different communication styles, ask for feedback, and continuously refine your approach. Leading a local team in a remote site requires extra effort and intention. By mastering the art of communication and building strong relationships with your stakeholders, you can ensure your team's success, no matter where you are in the world! What are your favorite tips for leading remote teams across continents? Share your insights in the comments! 👇 #RemoteLeadership #Communication #TechLeadership #lifeAtGoogle

I used to think I knew how to “work a room” like a pro. Everyone knew me. But when I left, no one remembered why I mattered. That’s because conventional wisdom says networking is about collecting contacts, but it’s not. I have boxes of business cards of people I met at some event and never talked to again.  What is the purpose of that?  I like to think about this entire topic differently.  To me, networking should be about building credibility in absentia: what people say about you when you’re not in the room. That’s the flaw of traditional networking. It’s transactional, not transformational. Research backs this up: the people who get the most career opportunities aren’t those with the most connections, they’re those with high “network activation”. https://lnkd.in/ecdtg3i5. In plain English: their reputations travel faster than they do. So instead of trying to know everyone, focus on: 1. Being referable. Do great work and communicate it clearly. Reputation compounds. 2. Being memorable. Share something that no one will ever forget about you.  For me, it’s my connection to FOMO, for you, it might be your ukulele skills. 3. Turning weak ties into strong signals. Sociologist Mark Granovetter’s classic study found that 84% of jobs came through weak ties. https://lnkd.in/eUutyG3d Casual acquaintances who vouched for credibility, not closeness. In the end, networking isn’t about who you know; it’s about who knows you, and what they’d say if someone asked. What’s one thing you’ve done that made people remember your work long after you left the room?

Being an introvert in college made me think I'd never build a strong network. Yet today, almost every big opportunity I’ve got came through it. Here are 5 simple strategies that helped me! 📌Stop trying to be someone else. Instead of forcing small talk, I started asking genuine questions about people's work and actually listening to their answers. Turns out, most people love talking about their passion projects when someone genuinely cares. 📌Use your preparation superpower. As introverts, we naturally research and prepare. I started looking up attendees beforehand, identifying 2-3 people I actually wanted to meet, and having real questions ready about their work or company. 📌Quality over quantity. While others collected 20 business cards, I focused on having 2-3 meaningful conversations. Those deeper connections led to actual opportunities, not just LinkedIn connections. 📌Follow-up is your secret weapon. Introverts excel at thoughtful, written communication. A personalised follow-up email referencing something specific from our conversation always stood out. 📌LinkedIn is your playground. Networking isn't just about events. I started reaching out to professionals whose work genuinely interested me, not asking for jobs but sharing insights about their recent posts or asking thoughtful questions about industry trends. Most people appreciate genuine curiosity. 📌Leverage your listening skills. In group conversations, I became the person who asked follow-up questions and remembered details others missed. People started seeking me out because I made them feel heard. The breakthrough moment came when a senior manager told me after an event, "You ask the best questions. Most students just talk about themselves." The genuine connections I built through this approach helped me land my first internship, find my co-founder, connect with early clients, and unlock countless other opportunities I never could have imagined.💛 All because I stopped trying to network like an extrovert and started leveraging my introvert strengths instead. What's your biggest challenge as an introvert? 💬