Networking for Professionals

Stop (only) applying for jobs. I'm serious. While everyone will help, here is what actually works: ✅ Spend that time building relationships with people at companies you want to work for. Here's the math no one talks about: 100 applications = 2-3 callbacks (if you're lucky) 10 genuine connections = 5-7 opportunities How do I know? Hiring and getting hired are very similar. So far, all my hires were referrals and introductions. All my clients came through the same. I've placed hundreds of designers. The ones who got hired fastest? They weren't the ones with the most applications. They were the ones who: → DMed designers at target companies about their work (I've hired people who did this at Miro) → Commented thoughtfully on posts from hiring managers → Asked for 15-minute coffee chats, not job talk at first → Built relationships BEFORE they needed them (that's the actual gold here) Real example from last week: The designer spent 3 months engaging with the design lead's content. When a role opened up? She got a DM: "We have something perfect for you." Never even posted publicly. Meanwhile, 847 other designers are fighting over the LinkedIn posting 👹 But here's the part no one teaches you — WHO to reach out to: ✓ Someone I aspire to get to know ✓ Someone's career I aspire to have ✓ Someone who works where I'd like to work ✓ Someone who may be going through similar challenges ✓ Someone I will have lots to talk about And here's how I prioritize companies and roles: First, I map out my network: → Find all my previous colleagues — where do they work now? → Find all open roles — what's relevant and what sounds like the best fit? → What can I see about those environments from JDs and career websites? This gives me a targeted list of: ✨ Companies where I already have warm connections ✨ Roles that actually match my skills ✨ Environments I'd thrive in (not just survive) Smart networking > no applications > successful hires. Every. Single. Time. The best jobs aren't advertised. They go to people already in the conversation. So stop being application #248. Start being the person they think of first. Your time is better spent building one real connection than sending 20 applications into the black hole. Trust me on this one. 💬 How did you get your last role: application or connection? Tell me and let's do some market research together ⬇️

Most professionals chase the biggest stage they can find. My friend Phillip Van Nostrand had the opposite goal: get into the smallest rooms possible. While others networked their way toward conference keynotes and packed auditoriums, Phil deliberately sought intimate gatherings. Ten people max. Sometimes five. It sounds backwards, but Phil understood something most people miss: Depth compounds in ways scale never will. You can shake 200 hands at a conference and walk away feeling productive. Or you can have three dinner conversations where people actually remember what you said six months later. The handshakes become forgotten faces. The dinner conversations turn into referrals, partnerships, and opportunities that surface when you least expect them. Here's why smaller rooms create bigger influence: ✅ Choose depth over volume ↳ Ten people who understand your thinking beat a hundred who recognize your name. Deep connections advocate for you in rooms you'll never enter. ✅ Make large events smaller on purpose ↳ Host a dinner during the conference. Organize breakfast for five key people. Turn the massive gathering into multiple intimate moments. ✅ Optimize for substance, not visibility ↳ Long-term recognition comes from changing how people think, not from being seen by the most people. Quality conversations create lasting impressions. In smaller rooms, everything changes. You listen more carefully. You contribute more thoughtfully. You build relationships that compound over years instead of connections that disappear by next Tuesday. The biggest opportunities often happen in the smallest spaces. ➕ Follow Dorie Clark for insights on building influence and relationships that compound over time.

Whenever I go to a networking event, I walk in as a CAT. Meow Just kidding. CAT is a three-part framework that finally made networking feel like something I could actually enjoy—instead of something I had to survive. It’s how I’ve landed invitations, intros, and opportunities, without ever delivering a “pitch.” 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬: C - Curiosity Don’t walk in trying to sell. Walk in wanting to learn. When you’re genuinely curious, people can tell. Your questions get sharper. The conversation gets real. Suddenly, they’re opening up and you’re both actually interested, instead of just circling the same old small talk. Ask stuff like, “What made you choose this path?” and see how much more you get than ten minutes of polite nodding. Bonus side effect of being curious? No anxiety. Curiosity kicks self-consciousness out the door. It’s Win Win. A - Add Offer something useful, expect nothing back. Most people try to get noticed by talking about themselves—flip that. Leave them better than you found them. Maybe you share a contact. Maybe you offer a resource based on something they casually mentioned. Maybe you say, “I know someone who solved that exact thing, want me to connect you?” It’s rare, and people remember it. Generosity that isn’t transactional is magnetic. T - Timing Leave a breadcrumb for next time. Most “let’s stay in touch” promises fade out because there’s nothing to anchor them. So end the conversation with a time cue: “Let’s catch up after your launch, I want the inside scoop.” “Tell me how the team offsite goes when we reconnect.” Now the follow-up feels natural, not forced. And you show you were actually paying attention, which—let’s be honest—most people aren’t. So that’s CAT. Curiosity + Add + Timing. It’s how I network without feeling like a salesperson. Try it at your next event, and let me know if it works for you. Follow Aaina for more such posts! #networking #collaboration #events #branding #strategy #mindset

COVID introduced a technology boon—Virtual setups. Suddenly, everything became accessible from home—work, meetings, catch-ups, live events, you name it. But with this boon came a bane—a loss of physical connection and real-life experiences. As a creator, I have been part of countless virtual and in-person meetups. Surprisingly, I find in-person meetups to be the best. Let me tell you why: ✅Strong Connections – Meeting people physically leaves a lasting impression. There’s something about face-to-face interactions that virtual setups just can’t replicate. ✅Casual Conversations – Virtual connections are often agenda-driven, but offline meetups are about spontaneous conversations. The more you interact, the deeper your connections grow. ✅Networking through Travel/Food – Offline meetings create opportunities to connect even in casual moments, like at a food counter. It’s all about the vibe! ✅Collaboration – Offline meetups often include team-building activities, which are highly effective for fostering collaboration. ✅Event Experience – Workshops, seminars, or conferences offer a richer offline experience due to the immersive environment, hands-on activities, and the energy of being physically present. 🤌From my personal experience: In offline meetings, we often make a lot of promises—whether about work or other commitments—but fail to follow up afterward. Avoid this! Either don’t promise at all or, if you do, ensure you follow up promptly. This speaks volumes about your credibility. Missed anything? Let me know in the comments! #networking

The other day, I made a classic introvert mistake: (maybe you've done this too) I pushed myself to go to a networking event I had zero energy for. 🥲 I was "off" the whole time. It was hard to stay present, I forgot names, and I was just so tired. While forcing yourself to go might feel like the right move, showing up depleted closes the door to real connection. Here are 4 ways to manage your energy better the next time a social event pops up on your calendar: ⏰ Set a leave-time before you arrive. Knowing your exit in advance gives you permission to be fully present while you're there, instead of constantly wondering when you should head out. 🗣️ Aim for 3 real conversations, not a full lap of the room. You don't need to meet everyone – a few meaningful exchanges will stick with people far longer than a dozen forgettable introductions. 🌸 Build in micro-breaks throughout the event. Step outside for five minutes, refill your drink, go to the bathroom, or find a quiet corner – these small resets help you come back sharper and more engaged. ☀️ Keep the next morning empty. Blocking recovery time isn't being lazy; it's being strategic about protecting your energy for the days ahead. You don't have to be extroverted, you just have to show up with enough energy to actually be yourself :) 💙 PS. Tired of feeling invisible at work? My free 5-day email course From Invisible to Influential might be for you → https://lnkd.in/guSzrFgM

In the U.S., you can grab coffee with a CEO in two weeks. In Europe, it might take two years to get that meeting. I ’ve spent years building relationships across both U.S. and European markets, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: networking looks completely different depending on where you are. The way people connect, build trust, and create opportunities is shaped by culture-and if you don’t adapt your approach, you’ll hit walls fast. So, if you're an executive expanding globally, a leader hiring across regions, or a professional trying to break into a new market-this post is for you. The U.S.: Fast, Open, and High-Volume Americans love to network. Connections are made quickly, introductions flow freely, and saying "let's grab coffee" isn’t just polite—it’s expected. - Cold outreach is normal—you can message a top executive on LinkedIn, and they just might say yes. - Speed matters. Business moves fast, so meetings, interviews, and hiring decisions happen quickly. But here’s the catch: Just because you had a great chat doesn’t mean you’ve built a deep relationship. Trust takes follow-ups, consistency, and results. I’ve seen European executives struggle with this—mistaking initial enthusiasm for long-term commitment. In the U.S., networking is about momentum—you have to keep showing up, adding value, and staying top of mind. In Europe, networking is a long game. If you don’t have an introduction, it’s much harder to get in the door. - Warm introductions matter. Cold outreach? Much tougher. Senior leaders prefer to meet through trusted referrals—someone who can vouch for you. - Fewer, deeper relationships. Once trust is built, it’s strong and lasting—but it takes time to get there. - Decisions take longer. Whether it’s hiring, partnerships, or leadership moves, things don’t happen overnight—expect a longer courtship period. I’ve seen U.S. executives enter the European market and get frustrated fast—wondering why it’s taking months (or years!) to break into leadership circles. But that’s how the market works. The key to winning in Europe? Patience, credibility, and long-term thinking. So, What Does This Mean for Global Leaders? If you’re an American executive expanding into Europe… 📌 Be patient. One meeting won’t seal the deal—you have to earn trust over time. 📌 Get introductions. A warm referral is worth more than 100 cold emails. 📌 Don’t push too hard. European business culture favors depth over speed—respect the process. If you’re a European leader entering the U.S. market… 📌 Don’t wait for permission—reach out. People expect direct outreach and initiative. 📌 Follow up fast. If you’re slow to respond, the opportunity moves on without you. 📌 Be ready to show value quickly. Americans won’t wait months to see if you’re a fit. Networking isn’t just about who you know—it’s about how you build relationships. #Networking #Leadership #ExecutiveSearch #CareerGrowth #GlobalBusiness #US #Europe

Not every connection builds you. Some quietly break you. “Build your network,” they say. What they don’t teach is the equally important skill: knowing when to create professional distance. I learned this early — and the hard way. I once shared context about office dynamics with a new colleague, thinking it would help her onboard. One of those “this stays between us” moments. It didn’t. What I meant as helpful context became circulating information. That was my first real lesson in trust. The second came later. A colleague I considered a close friend was having backchannel conversations with leadership, trying to pull one of my teams under her scope. I found out after the fact. No acknowledgment. No conversation. Just quiet maneuvering. I managed to stop it — but the damage was already done. Here’s what those experiences taught me: Anyone can be blindsided. Experience doesn’t make you immune. Ignoring your instincts just delays the cost. Being thoughtful about who you trust isn’t being guarded. It’s being responsible. Strong leaders aren’t just good at building relationships. They’re intentional about managing them. Think about it this way: You wouldn’t give everyone unrestricted access to your inbox. So why give everyone unlimited access to your time, energy, or context? Strategic distance doesn’t mean coldness. It means clarity. Here’s what that looks like in practice: ↳ Keep conversations project-focused, not personal ↳ Use the grateful redirect: “Thanks for flagging . Let’s anchor on our quarterly goals.” ↳ Create structure instead of constant availability ↳ Stay consistent and professional with everyone ↳ Share information deliberately, not reflexively The goal isn’t to burn bridges. It’s to stop building them too fast. Your time, energy, and trust are finite. Managing them well isn’t politics. It’s leadership. Not every professional relationship needs closeness to be effective. The strongest leaders know which relationships to nurture — and which to keep at a respectful distance. The hardest lessons about trust don’t come from enemies. They come from people you assumed were safe. That distinction changes how you lead. ➕ Follow Janet Kim for leadership, judgment, and career growth inside complex organizations. 📩 Level Up Weekly → janet.kim/levelup

Most people in tech believe career growth is all about getting better at your craft. And don’t get me wrong- skills do matter. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: It’s not just about how good you are. It’s about who knows how good you are. Some of the most talented engineers I’ve worked with stayed stuck in the same role for years, not because they weren’t skilled, but because no one outside their immediate circle knew the impact they were making. Meanwhile, others who actively shared their work, spoke at events, collaborated publicly, or mentored others; they became the names that came up in rooms they weren’t even in yet. That’s what visibility does. For me, building visibility has looked like: 🤝 Sharing what I’m learning- not just what I already know. Posting takeaways from AI research papers, experiments with new tools, and real-world lessons from building systems. 📱Posting behind-the-scenes of projects, including the messy drafts. Sharing wins is easy. Sharing your process builds trust. 🎤 Speaking at meetups, podcasts, and panels Every small talk leads to bigger rooms. It’s all about building reps, and getting more people hear your thoughts. 📚Turning complex technical ideas into simple frameworks. Think: diagrams, cheat sheets, carousels. If people can learn from you easily, they’ll remember you. 🌎 Collaborating publicly and giving credit. Tag teammates, mention mentors, share lessons learned together. Visibility is not a solo game. 👩🏫 Mentoring early-career professionals. Teaching makes your knowledge visible, and it pays forward the support you once needed. 📝 Documenting your journey authentically. Not just “look at this big launch,” but “here’s what I learned this week,” or “here’s where I’m stuck and what I’m trying next.” 👥 Being active in the community- both online and offline. Whether it’s commenting on posts, joining Slack groups, or attending AI meetups, showing up consistently makes a difference. It’s not about becoming a “thought leader.” It’s about becoming someone people remember when opportunities come up. Because at the end of the day: Skill × Visibility = Career Growth If you’re already learning, building, and solving problems, start showing it ❤️ That’s how you grow beyond your current role.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 W𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 S𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿. During a conversation yesterday, I was asked why I am so passionate about W𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 S𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. My answer was simple: The feeling I get when someone finds a job is difficult to describe. Knowing that an opportunity can change not only one person’s career, but sometimes an entire family’s future, is deeply satisfying. But finding a job today requires a different approach. It takes candidates effort beyond simply applying online: • Step outside your comfort zone • Build genuine professional relationships • Seek referrals and guidance • Attend industry events • Stay visible and keep learning, evolving The same person told me, “No one responds to me on LinkedIn.” I asked how you approached people. Instead of immediately asking, “Please find me a job” or “Can I share my CV?”, try beginning with: “𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗜 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲?” or “𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝗜 𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻?” Build trust first. Show genuine interest. Allow the relationship to develop. Then, when the right opportunity appears, that person may naturally think of you. A few months ago, two professionals approached me this way, one for 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗰𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 and another for 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 role and one candidate from India and another candidate from the UAE. They stayed connected without repeatedly asking for a job. When relevant opportunities came up, I was able to remember and assist them. Networking is about building genuine relationships, learning from others and supporting one another when the right opportunity arises. The strongest connections are often built long before we need them. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀? #WorkforceSolutions #JobSearch #Networking #CareerGrowth #Recruitment #Leadership #EOR #StaffingSolutions #Staffing #UAEJobs #GCCJobs #PeoplePurposePerformance #AbuDhabi #Dubai #SaudiArabia #Oman #Qatar

Empowering Young Professionals in Payments: My 3-Step Mentorship Framework The payments industry is a fascinating ecosystem, constantly evolving with technology and innovation. People often ask me, "How can I break into payments?” after my years in this field. Here's the 3-step framework I use to guide young pros who want to join this busy field: 1️⃣ Deep Dive Into Fundamentals Understanding the payments landscape is essential. Start by grasping core concepts like payment networks, transaction processing, and risk management. > I always recommend starting with resources like Hua Li’s mind map. This map breaks down the ecosystem into digestible segments, from core concepts to advanced topics like payment networks and real-time systems. For example, when mentoring one mentee, we used this map to identify a knowledge gap in cross-border payments, which they later mastered. > Utilize online resources, industry reports, and courses offered by platforms like Coursera or edX. 2️⃣ Deliberate Connection: Proactively reach out and establish mentorship relationships. Don't wait for perfect opportunities—take initiative in networking and seeking guidance. Explore Different Facets: The payments industry is vast! Delve into specific areas like digital wallets, fraud prevention, or cross-border payments. Shadowing professionals in these areas can provide valuable insights (reach out to your network on LinkedIn! 3️⃣ Build Your Network and Personal Brand: Craft a compelling online presence showcasing your payment knowledge and enthusiasm. The fintech world thrives on collaboration. > Connect with industry experts on LinkedIn. > Attend industry events, participate in discussions, and > Share your learnings on platforms like LinkedIn. A mentee I worked with began posting their insights from mentoring sessions, which led to valuable connections and even a job offer! I hope this framework equips you with a roadmap, but don't be afraid to explore and ask questions. Are you a young pro who wants to join the payments world? Let's talk! I love to guide people and would enjoy chatting about what you want to do. Source for Visual: ByteByteGo #Fintech #Payments #Careers #Jobs #Mentoring