In my workshops, I often tell my students to begin with a WHY. As most of the top voices on this topic have pointed out, one must have a clear purpose of WHY they are networking. Secondly, it is not about 'what you can get out of networking' but 'what you can contribute'. Going into a networking opportunity with a 'taker' mindset often makes one's tactics pushy, one-sided, and less value-adding to others. Instead, having a 'collaborative mindset' or even a 'giver' mindset often creates pathways to higher returns on investment through networking.

Networking ✅ must begin with a clear purpose ✅ is based on a collaborative concept ✅ is fruitful when the topic is of a common interest ✅ becomes a win win when everyone can add value / perspective To network with someone based on the insights he / she is sharing, 📍 you must be aligned with the topic, 📍 you should have curiosity to know more or add value 📍 you must understand that it's a long journey requiring participation.....

To network with peers who share insights, start by actively engaging in industry-specific platforms, such as LinkedIn or professional forums, where thought leaders and experts frequently contribute. Join relevant groups or discussions, and share your own valuable insights to spark conversations. Attend webinars, conferences, and networking events to meet like-minded professionals and engage in meaningful dialogues. Follow up on interactions by connecting with peers and offering thoughtful commentary on their posts or work. Regularly exchange ideas, articles, or resources to maintain a mutually beneficial relationship and foster ongoing collaboration.

In my view, when networking with peers to share insights, it's crucial first to identify your specific goals for these interactions. Whether you're looking to collaborative opportunities, gain industry knowledge, or seek out mentorship, having clear objectives can guide you to engage with the right individuals who can provide the insights you are seeking.

"Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from networking" sounds too transactional and impersonal. I prefer to build relationships, which is why I'm always on the lookout for interesting people with unique perspectives. Engaging with people, especially on LinkedIn, is a lot more fun if you're genuinely interested in each other's points of view.

In my opinion, effective networking with peers who can share valuable insights starts with thorough research. Before engaging in conversations, learn about their professional background, interests, and expertise. This knowledge enables you to ask relevant questions and offer meaningful information in return, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship.

Joining a community is one of the best ways to find the "right" people. Community members typically have common interests and are more willing to engage. If you find one person who matches your interests, ask them what communities they are part of and see if you can join those communities as well.

There's nothing more annoying than someone coming to a meeting unprepared. If you want to network with someone, be purposeful and do your homework. Set expectations and explain what you want to discuss before the meeting and then be prepared with questions and topics during the meeting. No, not every networking session should be scripted. But, we've all experienced meetings when there was awkward, dead air, as you both wait for someone to come up with something to talk about. That's a waste of time. Come prepared with questions and topics during your meeting to make the most of each other's time.

In my perspective, when reaching out to network with peers who might share insights, it's crucial to offer value from the onset. Demonstrating that you've done your research and that you respect their time and expertise can make a significant difference. Share relevant resources, offer assistance, or propose a mutually beneficial exchange of ideas, ensuring that the interaction is advantageous to both parties.

In my experience we need to bring mutual value for the insights exchange. Understanding the experience of this person and how you can help is crucial for a valuble conversation.

Follow-up advice from 'Never Eat Alone' which seemed pretty spot on to me when I read it - especially the last three points: 1. Always express gratitude 2. Include an item of mutual interest 3. Reaffirm mutual commitments made 4. Brief and to the point 5. Address the thank you note to the person by name 6. Use both email land snail mail 7. After e-mailing, send request to connect through social media 8. Timeliness is key — send as soon as possible after meeting or interview 9. Don’t forget to follow up with those who have acted as go-between — let the original referrer know how the conversation went and express your appreciation for help.

A chave para um relacionamento profissional eficaz é entender as dores e desafios enfrentados pelos colegas. Ao se relacionar com colegas que compartilham insights, é essencial demonstrar empatia e valorização pelas suas contribuições. Isso começa com a prática da escuta ativa, que envolve prestar atenção total às suas palavras, mostrar interesse através de perguntas relevantes e reformular os pontos discutidos para assegurar a compreensão. Ao reconhecer e validar os insights compartilhados, você não só constrói um ambiente de confiança e colaboração, mas também promove uma cultura de aprendizado contínuo e inovação. Essa abordagem fortalece os vínculos profissionais e contribui para o sucesso coletivo.