Building A Networking Strategy

Most people think networking is about finding the next opportunity. I couldn't disagree more. To me, networking has never been about collecting business cards, adding LinkedIn connections, or reaching out only when I need something. It's about building genuine relationships over time; slowly, consistently, and authentically. Many of the opportunities that shaped my career, both as a professional (at PwC and Microsoft) and as an entrepreneur (at Pebble Ridge Capital Group (PRCG) and Insure Me Group (IMG)), didn't come from submitting apps or making cold intros. They came from people.     Someone I had stayed in touch with.     Someone who remembered a convo we had months or even years earlier.     Someone who opened a door I didn't even know existed. That taught me a lesson I'll never forget and one I now share with everyone:     Networking is a long-term investment, not a short-term transaction.     The best time to build your network isn't when you need something.     It's today. Stay connected. Check in. Celebrate other people's wins. Offer help without expecting anything in return. Because the strongest relationships are built long before they are ever needed.

Build connections when you don’t need them, so they’re there when you do. Networking is a long‑term investment. You never know what can happen tomorrow, whether it’s a new opportunity, an unexpected challenge, or a career pivot. By cultivating relationships early, you turn strangers into allies and potential into possibility. My pro‑tip? Develop your personal value proposition. 
- List your top 3–5 strengths and concrete examples of how you’ve helped others 
- Turn each into an “I help…” statement (for example, “I help marketing teams drive engagement through data‑driven storytelling”) 
- Use these statements to guide every outreach, ensuring you’re always offering value, not just asking for favors Then start from what you know. 1. Choose 5–10 people from your alumni network, former classmates, or close colleagues 2. Send a genuine note, share an article they might find helpful, congratulate them on a recent win, or simply ask how you can support them 3. No agenda. Just curiosity and a willingness to help Next, venture into the unknown. 1. Identify people at companies you admire or in roles you aspire to 2. Do your homework: reference a recent project, article, or speaking engagement 3. Reach out with a clear, value‑first message: “I enjoyed your piece on X; as someone looking to Y, I’d love to learn how you approached Z.” And keep the momentum going. 
- Schedule quarterly reminders to check in, share insights, celebrate milestones, or ask a thoughtful question 
- Track key dates (promotions, product launches, anniversaries) so your messages feel timely Your network matters. When you need advice, an introduction, or anything really, you’ll already have authentic connections. And at the end of the day, already built connections where you can leverage the relationships > dry unknowns ‘Hey, I need help’ messages. #StephSynergy

One meaningful connection is worth more than 100 surface-level ones. I've always believed that genuine relationships aren't built by chasing metrics but by sharing authentically and engaging with curiosity. For me writing wasn't a strategy. It was a passion. And it was through this authenticity that meaningful connections and opportunities naturally followed. Here’s what I’ve learned about building relationships that last: ✅ Be intentional with connections. Don’t just add people - connect with those who align with your values and aspirations. ✅ Personalize your approach. Whether it’s a message or a comment, show genuine interest. Avoid generic outreach. ✅ Give before you ask. Share insights, offer support, or introduce someone valuable - without expecting anything in return. ✅ Consistent engagement matters. Comment thoughtfully, celebrate milestones, and keep conversations alive. ✅ Bridge online and offline. A virtual coffee chat or meeting at an industry event can turn a digital contact into a real-life ally. ✅ Leverage trends. Use voice messages, co-create content, and explore diverse networks to build richer, deeper connections. Start small. Leave a thoughtful comment. Plan a virtual coffee. Because relationships aren’t just about who you know—but who you grow with. Read more in this week's article. P.S. How do you nurture your LinkedIn connections for long-term value? Share in the comments. 👇

If you want to grow on LinkedIn, focus less on collecting connections and more on building meaningful ones. Most people treat LinkedIn like a numbers board: “Let me hit 10,000 connections.” But the truth is- growth comes from depth, not quantity. Here’s what actually helps you build worthy, long-term connections 👇 1️⃣ Stop sending cold requests. Start sending context. “Hi, let’s connect” rarely works. A simple one-line reason why you want to connect- changes everything. People respond to intention, not randomness. 2️⃣ Comment before you connect. Thoughtful comments get noticed faster than connection requests. Engage with their posts, add a real perspective, that’s how you become memorable. 3️⃣ Share value consistently. People connect with those who help them grow. Share insights, experiences, frameworks, mistakes, lessons, and value build credibility. 4️⃣ Reach out without expecting anything. The best relationships start with curiosity, not demands. Don’t lead with “Please refer me” or “I need a job.” Start a conversation. Opportunities follow naturally. 5️⃣ Be patient and consistent. Meaningful networks don’t grow overnight. A few weeks of consistent posting + genuine engagement can change your entire reach. 6️⃣ Be authentic, not perfect. Your real voice, real experiences, and real thoughts will attract the right people into your network. LinkedIn isn’t about how many connections you have. It’s about how many you genuinely connect with. Build relationships that feel human- not transactional.

Summary: How to navigate the tough dynamics of groups at a networking event 😵💫🫨😬 Networking events can be hard work; throw in the awkward dynamics of a group and it gets even harder. You find yourself thinking things like: - What group should I talk to? - How can I break into an established group conversation? - How should I introduce myself? - How do I remember everyone's names and what they said? - What topics should I talk about? - Am I talking too much/too little? - Am I going to have to introduce myself everytime someone new enters the group? - How do I leave a group without it being awkward? - Should I exchange contact details with people? If so, should it be with everyone in the group? And so on... No wonder many people just hang out by the food 🍲 or spend most of an event on their phone 📱 It doesn't have to be that way though; having someone who guides the conversation invariably makes it easier and more beneficial for everyone 🙌 It's similar to how teams operate when they first come together. If they are left without someone actively bringing the best out of everyone in the team then everyone feels awkward and it takes much longer (if ever) for them to work well together. That's often the role me and my team do for clients and their teams. So when I go to networking events, I can't help but look to ease the tension in any group by: - being the first one to speak - making everyone in a group laugh, smile and feel comfortable (often by talking about inane stuff) - inviting anyone in the periphery into the conversation - remembering everyone's names and repeating key information so more people can remember them - encouraging different formats of introductions - bringing any new person up-to-speed on the people and what we've been talking about - not dominating too much but equally making sure one person doesn't do all the speaking - creating a natural point for people to disengage and/or swap contact details This is the natural team facilitator in me and this is something you can do too. I realise not everyone enjoys a networking event as much as me. In a similar way, I realise not everyone can get the best out of a team as much as me which is why I love doing what I do 😊 Anyone got any other tips for group situations at a networking event? [This post was inspired by an excellent networking event I attended courtestly of Good Souls held at Brew Co-working space this morning] #effectiveness #StartupLife #SmallBusinessOwner #PositivePalestinian #networking #Facilitation #EQ #EmotionalIntelligence

Networking Is Nurturing For a long time, I thought networking meant attending large events, exchanging business cards, and following up with a polite “hello” message. Over time, I realized that real networking has little to do with events and everything to do with relationships. A network is a collection of mutually beneficial relationships. And networking is the act of nurturing those relationships. “Mutually beneficial” doesn’t just mean money. It could be advice, referrals, introductions, recommendations—or simply goodwill. Even in a mentor–mentee relationship, both sides grow in some way. Networking is not a transaction. Transactions are short-term; relationships are long-term. They wax and wane, but they last. High-value individuals understand this. They’re generous with introductions and advice. They don’t measure every interaction in money or minutes. They give, because they know value always finds its way back. Nurturing means staying intentional—meeting for coffee, catching up over a call, sharing an article that reminded you of them, or connecting two people who might enjoy knowing each other. Networking isn’t a one-time effort; it’s a continuous rhythm of care. So ask yourself: Are you collecting contacts—or nurturing relationships that truly matter?

Effective networking isn't just about knowing people. It's about building meaningful connections and providing value. It's a strategic advantage. Think about it: Networking isn’t about collecting contacts; it’s about planting seeds that grow into partnerships. Imagine this: You meet someone at an event. You exchange business cards, but that’s just the beginning. Real networking starts when you follow up, offer help, and stay in touch. Building meaningful connections means showing genuine interest in others. Ask about their projects, offer your expertise, and be reliable. When you provide value, people remember you. They want to collaborate and support you in return. Effective networking is about quality, not quantity. Focus on a few key relationships and nurture them. This leads to trust, and trust is the foundation of any strong partnership. Providing value can be as simple as sharing useful information, making introductions, or offering your skills. It's about giving before you receive. When you build real connections, opportunities naturally come your way. People are more likely to refer you, collaborate with you, and support your endeavors. Networking is a long-term investment in your career. It’s not about instant gratification but about growing a network that will benefit you and others over time. Remember, it’s not about who you know. It’s about who knows you and values what you bring to the table. Plant those seeds, nurture them, and watch your network grow into a strong, supportive community.

I landed back in Los Angeles after a 4-day legal convention in Vegas and realized something: People are great at networking in the moment, but struggle to follow-up and keep relationships after an event like a major convention. To make sure all of the connections you made are sustained long-term, here's a step-by-step guide to effectively follow up post-convention: 📝 Personalized Note Writing: Always begin with a personalized note. Thank your new contacts for their time and highlight specific topics or moments you shared. A handwritten note can make a deep impression in today's digital world, signaling thoughtfulness and genuine interest. 📲 Organize Contact Details: Compile a database of the addresses, emails, and other contact details you've gathered. Tools like Microsoft Excel or CRM platforms like Salesforce or HubSpot can be great for this. This not only helps with immediate follow-up but aids in long-term relationship management. 🤳🏻 Engage on Social Media:   Connect with your new contacts on platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, IG, Facebook and TikTok. Engage with their posts to foster online rapport, but ensure your interactions are meaningful. 📩 Newsletters:   If you have a newsletter, consider adding your new contacts to the mailing list (with their consent). This keeps them updated on your activities, insights, and the latest happenings in the legal field. 🔄 Share Your Work: If you've written books, articles, or other publications, share them. It not only positions you as an expert but provides value to your contacts. ✅ Regular Check-ins:   Set reminders to touch base periodically. You could share relevant articles, wish them on holidays, or update them about significant milestones in your career. 👏🏼 Tips and Insights: Offer helpful tips or insights from the convention or from your experience. It’s a non-invasive way to remind them of the value you bring to the table. 🤝 Long-Term Relationship Building Relationships are not about transactions but genuine connections. Ensure your interactions are not always business-focused. Learn about their interests, congratulate them on personal achievements, and be there during challenging times. 📚 Recommend Books: If you've come across insightful books (including ones you've written), recommend them. It's a subtle way to showcase your expertise and share knowledge. 🎉 Events and Reunions: Consider organizing or attending reunion events for convention attendees. It's a way to rekindle connections and stay updated on each other’s progress. Remember: post-convention networking is an art. It requires genuine interest, persistence, and patience. By investing time and effort into nurturing these relationships, you'll not only grow your network but also enrich your professional journey. Remember, it's not about how many contacts you have, but the depth and quality of those connections. #networking #lawyer #success #relationshipbuilding

Want to build relationships that last for decades with your customers, clients, and team? Listen.     Most people don't feel heard. They're interrupted, redirected, or met with advice they didn't ask for. But when people feel heard, they feel valued—and that's the foundation of a decades-long relationship.     Listening isn’t about waiting for your turn to talk or nodding along and telling someone they're correct. It's about making space for someone else to be real. This might mean validation, problem-solving, or simply being fully present with someone else's experience. Here's how to build those lasting connections.    1. Be present.     Focus on the person in front of you. That means put your phone down. Make eye contact (but not too much eye contact). If something isn't clear, ask a thoughtful question—curiosity demonstrates genuine interest. This brings us to... 2. Be genuinely curious.     When appropriate, ask what they're passionate about outside of work. What's an adventure they've always wanted to pursue? If it helps you can think of it as asking about someone's bucket list. When you show interest in someone's deeper aspirations, you can transform interactions into building blocks toward meaningful connection.    3. Reflect what you’re hearing.     Paraphrase naturally in your own words: "That sounds incredibly frustrating" or "So you felt stuck in that situation?" Something like that. This reflection helps people feel seen and understood on a deeper level. You don't have to agree with someone's perspective to acknowledge their feelings. Simple phrases like "that makes sense" or "anyone in your position might feel that way" create emotional safety and connection. 4. Manage your reactions. When someone shares difficult emotions or experiences, resist the urge to immediately change the subject, minimize their feelings ("It's not so bad"), or jump to premature reassurance ("Everything will be fine"). Instead, allow space for uncomfortable emotions without trying to "fix" them. This creates psychological safety that deepens trust and allows for a more authentic connection.     When we truly listen to others, we offer one of the rarest gifts in our distracted world—our full attention. And that attention, consistently given over years, builds the kind of relationships that survive the ups and downs of the corporate world and enrich our lives for decades.

4 Ways to Build Exceptional Client Relationships If there’s one “art” I’ve been working to master for the last 15+ years, it’s the art of building great relationships with my clients. On the mission field, we hosted 600+ guests every summer. As a financial advisor, I served 200+ clients. In our agency, we served 250+ businesses. And no, not every relationship was perfect or every engagement executed flawlessly. But I’m proud to say that many of those clients are still friends and advocates. So here are four things I’ve learned along the way about building healthy, long-term client relationships: 1. High Invitation, High Challenge You have to create both a safe, inviting, energetic, collaborative space, and one that can withstand conflict, criticism, and challenging ideas. You can only challenge someone as far as you’ve encouraged them. 2. Be the Non-Anxious Presence You’re one priority on a long list for your clients. Don’t add to the chaos. Bring calm, clarity, focus and joy. 3. Transformation > Transaction We all have a scope of work to stick to, I get it. But don’t lose sight of WHY you were brought on to begin with. Solve the problem, don’t just satisfy the scope. 4. People > Projects Trust requires credibility, reliability, and INTIMACY. It’s a weird word to bring into business, but at the end of the day, we’re people trying to work with people. So care more about the person than the work and it will make a world of difference. Remember kids names, ask about vacations, write handwritten notes �� and do it because you care, not because I told you to. I’m connected to a ton of people who are MASTERS at relationship — what would you add? —— I’m Kurt Kersey. As a speaker and coach, I help leaders build a business and a life they love by clarifying vision, defining strategy, and taking consistent action.