Tag: networking

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A smarter, less stressful approach to in-person networking

I was talking with one of my 1-on-1 clients last week about in-person networking strategy (because most of us go into these events without a plan). What I shared with her is the game plan I’m sharing with you now.

Reframing Networking: It’s Not About the Big Win

Most people walk into networking events thinking, “I need to make a really strong impression and land a job, client, or deal right away.”

Totally relatable—but that’s an unrealistically high bar to set for yourself. And putting that kind of pressure on a single interaction? Exhausting.

Instead, shift your mindset: The real goal of networking isn’t to “close the deal.” It’s to set up your next conversation.

A Simple Strategy for Networking Success

The best way to make networking less overwhelming and more effective is to focus on small, achievable goals rather than trying to hit a home run in every conversation. Here’s how:

✅ Set clear, attainable targets

  • “I’m going to get the contact info of 4 people.”
  • “I’ll casually pitch my professional brand to 2 people.”

Small wins add up over time. Instead of treating networking like a sprint, approach it as a marathon. You’re laying the foundation for meaningful connections that will grow after the event.

The Power of the Follow-Up

Successful networking isn’t about one magical conversation. It’s about the follow-up.

The real value of networking events happens in the days, weeks, and months after—when you nurture relationships, build trust, and create opportunities.

So, if you’ve ever felt the pressure to “perform” at networking events, know that you’re not alone.

Yes, networking still makes my introverted pulse shoot through the roof, too.

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3 Follow-up templates to use in your job search

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One of the best things you can do for yourself when you’re applying for a job is…

Follow up.

Follow up with that one person you networked with after your informational interview.

Follow up with the recruiter after you submit every single job application.

Follow up with your interviewers after your interviews.

Follow it all up! Do it every time!

But knowing what to say isn’t always super intuitive, so I’ll help you out with a couple samples!

FOLLOWING UP ON YOUR JOB APPLICATIONS

Hello [Name],

My name is Brandon, and I’m reaching out to let you know that I eagerly submitted my application for the [job title] position over the weekend.

I’m very excited about the opportunity to [describe something about the role you’re excited about]! I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss my fit for the position with you, as I believe my experience and skills in [blah blah] will position me to make an immediate impact. Do you have 10 minutes this week to discuss the role with me?

I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Best wishes,

Brandon

FOLLOWING UP ON YOUR INTERVIEW

Hello [Interviewer],

Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with me about my fit for the [position name] earlier today. I really enjoyed the time we spent, and I particularly enjoyed your question about [blah blah]! 

I recognize that it is crucial to be able to [highlight a central function you’re able to excel at] in this role. I want to reiterate my excitement to hit the ground running with that and make an immediate impact on the team.

If you have any other questions about my fit for the role, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m more than happy to hop on another call with you. 

Again, I really appreciate your time. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Take care,

Brandon

FOLLOWING UP WITH THAT PERSON YOU MET AT A NETWORKING EVENT A YEAR AGO

Hi [So and So],

It’s been some time since we last spoke! Quick refresher: I’m Brandon Johnson. We met at that networking event in Downtown LA last year, where we connected over [such and such]. I still think about some of the thoughts you shared from time to time!

I saw your company is hiring for another Customer Support Manager position and I’m really interested in applying for it! I was wondering if you’d be open to setting up a quick 10 minute phone call with me. I’d love to hear about your experience in the role and learn from your insights. Are you available next Monday or Wednesday at all?

Hope to hear from you soon! Maybe I’ll see you at the next conference!

Take care,

Brandon

WRAPPING UP

And there ya have it! Short, sweet, and to the point. Feel free to take and adapt.

Of course, this kind of outreach comes after your application, or after your interview, and so on and so forth. There’s a lot that goes into job searching…and it’s not always easy.

If you’re interested in getting some support, or if you just want to explore support options, let me know.

You can set up a free consultation with me (CLICK HERE!) and subscribe to my blog below (yes, it’s the F-word: Fantastic……….And Free).

Time to make that transition you’ve been putting off! Stay Brave.

~Brandon

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4 Helpful Networking Tips For Shy People and Introverts

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Ready for this?

HERE’S A NETWORKING TASK!

Just kidding. But if that made you cringe or feel a little itchy, you might be a reluctant networker.

Lots of people are, especially the shy and/or introverted among us (like me).

If you’re an introvert, you’d probably never do any networking if you didn’t have to. But the truth is, networking is extremely important and useful when it comes to building your career. LinkedIn states that 70% of workers hired in 2016 had a connection at the company they were hired by. CNBC says as much as 80% of all jobs are filled through personal and professional connections.

Pretty significant.

Still, networking can be awkward, even if you aren’t the introverted type. The good news is that networking doesn’t have to be hard.

Read on for some tips to make it more manageable for you.

TIP #1: GET OTHER PEOPLE TALKING

If you’re shy or an introvert, you might prefer it when other people are doing the talking. So get other people talking! Take the night before your networking interaction to come up with a few open-ended questions (no yes-or-no questions homie) that prompt the person/people around you to do some informative storytelling. Make sure the questions you ask are relevant, though. You want to prompt stories that help you learn what you need to know to get you a little closer to your goal(s).

Speaking of goals…

TIP #2: GIVE YOURSELF A SMALL & SPECIFIC GOAL

Something easy to accomplish, but still useful according to your goals. Here’s some examples:

  • Get 5 people’s contact info at the conference you’re attending
  • Invite 5 people per month in your [target] industry to connect on LinkedIn, and then introduce yourself to them
  • Send a quick hello and brief life update to a former mentor you really connected with back in the day

Giving yourself small, easily attainable goals creates easy wins. Shout out dopamine boosts!

TIP #3: DON’T APPLY TOO MUCH PRESSURE

You have to apply some amount of pressure to your goals, of course, but applying too much pressure (on yourself, other people, or your networking interactions) can backfire. For example, the purpose of your networking interactions doesn’t have to be, “Man, I hope this person gets me a job.” That’s a lotta pressure, both on you and the person you’re reaching out to. The bar for success in that scenario is also extremely high–anything less than that person getting you a job is a “failure.” 

Remember, you don’t have to hit home runs. Small, actionable, achievable outcomes that you can control (or at least greatly influence) is the name of the game.

TIP #4: ENLIST HELP

Do you have any non-introverted friends that are connected? If so, ask them to help you by making introductions or breaking the ice! Having someone there with you in the experience can help alleviate some of the anxiety you might be feeling. Lean on the strengths of your good friends and close connections (while remembering to respect their time and energy, of course) to help you navigate and create new professional relationships.

And don’t forget to thank them!

WRAPPING UP

Networking is kinda just awkward. Prepare ahead of time so you can skillfully get others to do the talking. Give yourself small and specific goals. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, the other person, or the interaction. Enlist help when and where appropriate.

Don’t worry. Practice and you’ll master it in time, just like a bunch of other things you’ve mastered.

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