To help you expand your professional network and build lasting relationships, we’ve gathered 20 valuable insights from industry leaders and professionals. From humanizing your interactions with authenticity to following up and maintaining contact, these experts share the most effective networking strategies that have helped them succeed in their respective fields.
- Personalize with Authenticity and Genuine Interest
- Leverage Referrals and Recommendations
- Focus on Small, Genuine Interactions
- Embrace Authenticity in Networking
- Collaborate for Cross-Promotion
- Discover Niche Communities
- Add Value and Build Trust
- Prioritize In-Person Networking
- Focus on Meaningful Engagement
- Participate in Trade Shows and Events
- Volunteer in Industry Projects
- Join Networking Clubs
- Speak at Industry Events
- Craft an Effective Elevator Pitch
- Set up a Powerful LinkedIn Profile
- Share Valuable Industry Insights
- Become a Recognized Thought Leader
- Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
- Attend Industry-Aligned Conferences
- Follow Up and Maintain Contact
Personalize with Authenticity and Genuine Interest
One networking strategy that has consistently worked for me is to simply be authentic and show genuine interest in people. This means taking the time to get to know the person you’re connecting with, beyond just finding out what they can do for your career or business.
I always personalize connection requests on LinkedIn and send them manually. I aim to start a meaningful conversation right from the get-go, which makes it easier to be remembered and build a substantial relationship down the line. My introductory messages show that I’ve done my homework and I’m not just trying to rack up connections.
Once connected, I make it a point to engage with this person’s posts, leaving thoughtful comments or asking insightful questions. It’s not about just liking or giving generic comments. Having genuine conversations helps build mutual respect and find common ground.
Juliet Dreamhunter, Founder, Juliety
Leverage Referrals and Recommendations
Asking for referrals and recommendations from people you already know has been a key strategy for building relationships in my industry. Connecting with people who have already had positive experiences with other professionals often leads to more meaningful business relationships than cold networking.
It also allows me to get an introduction from someone I trust, which can be invaluable when it comes to building rapport.
Scott Orn, Chief Operating Officer, Kruze Consulting
Focus on Small, Genuine Interactions
I’m in the business and financial services industry, and I’ve found that focusing on small, meaningful interactions has been effective in building my network. These interactions could include retweeting or replying to posts on Twitter, connecting on LinkedIn, or sending a personalized email.
The key is to establish a win-win situation where both parties benefit. Instead of solely asking for something, I prioritize building a genuine connection and adding value to their professional life. It’s important to give first and offer assistance or support without expecting anything in return.
To put this strategy into action, I actively seek out these individuals on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and through email. The goal is to become a dot on their radar by consistently providing value and showing genuine interest.
Jonathan Merry, Founder, Moneyzine
Embrace Authenticity in Networking
Authenticity is a game-changing approach when it comes to networking and building industry relationships. Instead of focusing solely on transactional connections, prioritize genuine engagement, trust-building, and mutual support.
Here’s a real-life example. Meet John, a successful entrepreneur who mastered networking through authenticity. Rather than simply exchanging business cards, he actively sought to understand others’ challenges, offered support, and shared valuable insights without expecting anything in return. By approaching networking with a genuine desire to help, John built a strong network of like-minded professionals who became valuable collaborators and referrals.
To effectively network, actively listen, show empathy, and be generous with your knowledge. Attend industry events, participate in online communities, and leverage social media platforms to initiate meaningful conversations and provide value to others.
Himanshu Sharma, CEO and Founder, Academy of Digital Marketing
Collaborate for Cross-Promotion
As I have learned through experience, collaborating with complementary businesses on cross-promotion or co-marketing initiatives can expand your reach and strengthen your relationships.
Determine whether companies have a comparable target demographic but offer distinct products or services. Investigate possibilities for cross-promotion of each other’s offerings through combined marketing campaigns, shared content development, or co-hosted events. You can reach new audiences and form mutually beneficial relationships with other industry players by leveraging each other’s networks.
Gerrid Smith, Communications Manager, Texas Property Tax Loan Pros
Discover Niche Communities
One of the best ways to build relationships has been to join niche online communities and be active within them. I’m a part of communities for working moms on different platforms such as Facebook and independent platforms. Some cost a small monthly fee while others don’t cost a dime.
What’s important is that I participate in conversations, offering valuable advice when I can. This results in forming strong connections that turn into business opportunities.
Kelli Anderson, Career Coach, Resume Seed
Add Value and Build Trust
To build long-lasting relationships in the industry, focusing on adding value to the people you meet is the key.
Instead of just networking to seek something, aim to understand the person’s needs and help them achieve their goals. Share your knowledge and resources without expecting anything in return and always be open to learning from others. Invest in building meaningful connections that can benefit both parties in the long run.
Remember, strong relationships are built on trust, and providing value builds trust. Make it a habit to follow up and keep in touch regularly to stay top of mind.
Basana Saha, Founder, KidsCareIdeas
Prioritize In-Person Networking
In an era of digital connectivity, face-to-face interaction is still the most valuable way to network and build new relationships. For Gamedayr, attending major college football events, NFL games, and industry conferences has proven the key to establishing partnerships and securing new opportunities for our brand.
Rather than a hard sales pitch, we focus on listening, finding common ground, and determining how we can support others in our field. A single genuine personal connection at an event can lead to a lifetime partnership. While digital tools are essential for maintaining relationships, nothing replaces the initial spark that comes from an in-person introduction.
We also make a point to get involved with local sports organizations. Look for any chance to engage with others who share your interests and passion. Strong relationships are the foundation of success in business and in life, so get out from behind your screen and start shaking hands. That’s how the real magic happens.
Bowen Khong, CEO, GameDayr
Focus on Meaningful Engagement
Meaningful engagement has proved to be an effective strategy for networking and relationship-building in my field. I have established genuine connections and nurtured mutually beneficial relationships by engaging with others, actively listening, and demonstrating genuine interest in their work or perspectives.
Meaningful engagement fosters more in-depth dialogues and a heightened awareness of others’ needs, enabling me to offer pertinent support or collaboration opportunities. This strategy encourages trust, credibility, and a positive reputation by demonstrating a sincere desire to develop meaningful connections instead of pursuing self-interested profits.
By engaging in pertinent activities consistently, I’ve established a solid professional network and gained access to incredible opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Joe Acosta, Digital Marketing Manager, BBQ Galore
Participate in Trade Shows and Events
One strategy that has proven invaluable for me as a salon owner is actively participating in industry trade shows and events. Here, I engage with other professionals, share knowledge, and learn from their experiences. I make it a priority to introduce myself, show genuine interest in their work, and always follow up with contacts after the event.
It’s these personal, meaningful connections that have helped me to strengthen my network and grow my business.
Khamis Maiouf, CEO, Book of Barbering
Volunteer in Industry Projects
As I’ve learned, doing volunteer work or community projects connected to your industry can help you network while making a positive difference. Look for worthwhile causes or organizations to which you may lend your talents and expertise.
Volunteering your time allows you to meet people who share your enthusiasm for social responsibility. Participating in community projects demonstrates your dedication to the sector and can lead to significant interactions with both professionals and potential clients.
Cindi Keller, Communications Coordinator, The Criminal Defense Firm
Join Networking Clubs
My association with a local networking club has played a substantial role in strengthening my industry relationships. I joined our town’s Home and Garden Business Network a few years ago, primarily seeking an environment to exchange ideas. What unfolded was a vibrant space teeming with potential collaborations and deep-rooted professional friendships.
For instance, I remember working on a joint garden landscaping project with a colleague I met through this network, a venture that wouldn’t have been possible in isolation. Hence, for anyone looking to broaden their industry relationships, I strongly vouch for the power of networking clubs.
Ben McInerney, Director and Founder, Home Garden Guides
Speak at Industry Events
Speaking engagements at industry conferences, seminars, or webinars, in my experience, can dramatically boost your networking efforts. Create interesting presentations on themes that are relevant to your target audience. Investigate and discover relevant industry events at which you can demonstrate your skills. Submit speaking proposals that show how your knowledge will help the attendees.
Speaking at industry events allows you to establish yourself as a competent authority while also increasing your presence among industry professionals. Engage with the audience before and after your presentation to establish relationships and connections.
Tiffany Hafler, Marketing Manager, FORTIS Medical Billing
Craft an Effective Elevator Pitch
My elevator pitch has been useful at business networking events, and occasions such as meetings, interviews, seminars, career fairs, and internal marketing events with my peers and other entrepreneurs. The idea was to focus on qualities and my skills, rather than roles and functions. I’m able to articulate what I offer in a convincing way without detailing every job I’ve ever had.
Furthermore, I’m not afraid to brag, as just saying what you’ve done isn’t enough to build a solid industry relationship sometimes. I’ve been able to demonstrate that I’m accomplished and have been an overall valuable asset in consistently delivering a memorable elevator pitch.
To help do this, I’ve mentioned specific accomplishments to explain my value. Ultimately, my elevator pitch has allowed me to resonate with other like-minded leaders in my industry, resulting in many quality connections and relationships.
Brian Lee, Co-founder and CEO, Arena Club
Set up a Powerful LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn networking has helped me effectively network and build professional relationships in the industrial sector. I can connect, collaborate, and share my expert insights on emerging industry trends with other fluid power, automation, and motion control experts, as well as potential B2B clients, via exclusive LinkedIn groups.
As of this writing, I have 500+ connections and 970 followers on LinkedIn. I have six groups, including the Canadian Power Association and the International Fluid Power Society, on this professional networking platform.
Campbell Tourgis, VP, Sales and Marketing, Wainbee
Share Valuable Industry Insights
While everyone is trying to sell why they are the best and why everyone needs to join their network, I focused on trying to educate people in my industry. If I found something interesting or saw a trend that might help the people who are in my industry, I shared it with everyone in my existing network.
Once they saw that the information was helpful, they shared it with their networks, which introduced me to a whole new set of people to connect with. Not only that, but this also showed that I’m someone who is well-informed and likes to collaborate.
Khanh Tran, Growth Manager, Villa-Ibiza
Become a Recognized Thought Leader
Thought leadership involves more than being active on social media or having an online presence—it requires becoming a reliable source of information and ideas while inspiring industry growth. To do this, I actively research and develop solutions, attend industry events, and publish content related to my area of expertise.
By establishing myself as a thought leader, I have built strong relationships with other professionals within the same industry, created a recognizable brand, and increased visibility for my company. As a result, my peer network has grown significantly, opening up more business growth opportunities.
Karl Robinson, CEO, Logicata
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Pushing myself out of my comfort zone and making the first move has been key. It’s very easy to foster the relationships you already have, most likely working in a similar field or department to you.
But I’ve always found, if you want to effectively grow your network and find new learned experiences, you need to go beyond your obvious circle and find people who have different ways of thinking.
I work for a used-car marketplace, and I’m constantly learning from engineers, data analysts, and product managers, whose responsibilities and skill sets are completely out of my comfort zone. I ask plenty of questions, not worrying whether they seem silly, trying to absorb as much as possible.
Alex Buttle, Founder, Motorway
Attend Industry-Aligned Conferences
One of the main industries we operate in is the Ed-Tech industry, where our main software, Videolab, helps to improve medical education in the Netherlands.
To build relationships and network in the industry, we had the amazing idea to attend the NVMO Conference in Maastricht! This conference was all about helping to improve Dutch medical education. Attending helped us to increase awareness of Videolab, build important connections in the industry, and have a great time with colleagues while doing so.
Therefore, I strongly recommend attending conferences whose goal aligns with your business goals. It is a very fun and rewarding way to effectively network and build crucial connections in your industry.
Nicolas Montauban, Growth Strategist, Codific
Follow Up and Maintain Contact
One way that I ensure that my networking is effective and helps me to build relationships is by keeping in touch with people after I have met them.
All too often, we can be guilty of meeting a potential new contact, then never following up on the conversation. We don’t know what opportunities may be passing us by, so I take note of their email address or social media details and send them a message a day or two later.
Remembering people helps to build trust and can be a good basis to build a relationship. Even just a quick message to say thank you for taking the time to talk to me can be the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship and can lead to other networking opportunities.
Jonathan Elster, CEO, EcomHalo
