Here's how you can authentically network and still be effective.

First, Be a Good Person. People help out those that they like and trust. Seek first to build a relationship, and don't be transactional. Who knows? Maybe you'll be the one helping out or providing an opportunity, not the other way around...

Use every networking occasion as an opportunity to "listen with purpose". Understanding the perspectives of persons you are engaging provides a pathway for future conversation. People appreciate a conversationalist who also makes a point to listen.

As a university student, I’ve found that building genuine connections on LinkedIn has been incredibly rewarding. Starting in my first year, I dedicated time to genuinely engaging with others’ posts and following professionals from my internship workplaces. This approach not only helped me learn about various HR practices but also expanded my network to over 1300 followers. From my experience, the key to authentic networking is consistency and sincerity. By regularly interacting with my connections and showing genuine interest in their work, I’ve been able to form meaningful relationships that go beyond mere professional acquaintances. Remember, it’s not about the number of connections, but the quality of those relationships.

Building relationships is the key to successful networking. Often the word authenticity is overused. Be curious about other people and interested in learning from their story. Sit at the heels of those wiser than you and drink up their advice.

Understanding that it's important to identify a mutual benefit from the connection is vital. If you approach the interaction from a position of genuine curiosity that comes naturally. You have more to offer than you might give yourself credit for!

People get vague offers of help all the time. It's not particularly helpful to hear "If there's anything I can do for you..." You've put the onus on the other person to look at your skill set and make the ask. It's a throwaway offer. Instead, what can you do SPECIFICALLY? Ask the person what their pain points are. Describe your skill set and ask if it sounds useful to them.

Focus on what you have in common with the other person - i.e., your knowledge of, or curiosity about, an industry/function. Being a valuable connection can manifest by asking insightful questions or introducing information you've learned from your industry/functional research. Your willingness to find and bring back information can also be an asset to the relationship while demonstrating your resilience.

One thing I have found helpful is to add value to other people to genuinely help them. This is a great way to build your network. When you focus on providing value, you create a positive and lasting impression on the people you interact with. 1. Take the time to understand the needs and interests of the people in your network. 2. Once you have identified the needs of others, offer your assistance in a genuine and meaningful way. 3. Building your network requires consistent effort and proactive engagement. Look for opportunities to add value and help others on a regular basis. 4. Building a network is about fostering a reciprocal mindset. This establishes yourself as a valuable and trusted member of your network.

Too often people network when they need something and then let it slide when they don’t. This does not enhance your reputation. It’s good etiquette to keep in touch periodically, and this shows genuine thoughtfulness - you will be remembered positively and will stay top of mind when the time is right.

We have to be honest: Sometimes, you may forget to follow up with a new connection. While that may happen, remember that may affect your brand and how that equates to missing out on a new connection. Whenever I'm networking, I make a mental note of something shared during the conversation (E.g., an upcoming anniversary/ birthday or words of wisdom shared). I let the note be the jumping point for the next conversation. Remember, networking is beneficial if we intentionally develop the needed rapport.

I call it being "pleasantly persistent". It's no ones job to remember you. And no one is bothered by a visit, call, or email from a trusted colleague or friend. Reach out with the intention of building the relationship and opportunity will come.

It also keeps the door open for future interactions. Whether it's through email, a phone call, or a handwritten note, timely follow-up is a key step in solidifying the relationship and demonstrating your professionalism and dedication.

Quality over quantity and relevance over regularity . Reach out when you’ve got something relevant to say to your work, targeted quality content that contributes to your current professional areas and development is always more interesting in the long run than pictures of cats. 😉

To network authentically and effectively, focus on genuine interactions. Stay connected by exchanging LinkedIn recommendations, sharing, and liking their posts. Show interest in their achievements and updates. Wish them a happy birthday and celebrate their milestones - are all a few things you can do. Regular, sincere engagement fosters strong, meaningful relationships, making your network more robust and supportive. Authenticity is key to lasting connections. All in all, be authentic and genuine.

Networking isn't just about making deals or corporate gains; it's about building real connections. To stay authentic and effective, keep in touch with people by showing genuine interest and appreciating what they can teach you. Even if they're not immediately valuable to you, you might cross paths again someday. Staying connected means you’ll always have the chance to learn from each other.

Network…Network..keeping your network alive is key. You never know where employment will take or if you need to fall back on your network at any time. Keep connected, keep in contact and always keep your network current.

These small gestures keep you on their radar and reinforce the relationship. Use social media platforms strategically to engage with your network without overwhelming them with constant communication.

This is spot-on! Authentic networking is like building a strong resume – it takes time and consistent effort to cultivate valuable connections. By offering genuine support and sharing your expertise, you're building a reputation for reliability and value. This, in turn, positions you as a top-of-mind resource when opportunities arise. When someone in your network needs someone with your skills, they'll think of you because of the trust you've established.

Resist the urge to rush the process or expect quick favors. Patience allows relationships to grow organically and become more meaningful over time.

Don't go in with an immediate ask. Lead with building relationship and mutual trust. This builds meaningful networks that actually come through for you when you do need something.

Networking is a long-term endeavor. Don't get discouraged if connections don't immediately lead to opportunities. Focus on developing authentic relationships first without excessive expectations, and potential benefits will emerge over time.

Authentic networking is a long-term investment, not a quick transaction. Avoid rushing the process or expecting immediate returns. Patience allows relationships to develop organically, gaining depth and trust over time. Trust that your efforts will yield opportunities as you nurture genuine connections and demonstrate reliability and value. Building meaningful professional relationships takes time, but the rewards are often substantial and enduring.

Networking is a skill that improves with practice and reflection. By evaluating your strategy and making necessary adjustments, you ensure that your networking efforts remain authentic and effective.

Taking time to reflect on how your networking has been going is essential. It takes time and is a mental workout, but it's an investment. List your approach for what has worked well. If you see a pattern of positive responses to a particular way, know you've hit the sweet spot. Continue what's been effective. If you're noticing one approach hasn't been working positively, change it up, even a little, and pay close attention to whether the change works. If the change doesn't work that well, change it up again. Adaptation is a positive quality. And don't be afraid to ask successful people what approach has worked best for them. Model it or mold it to you.

Continuously evaluate your networking approaches and tactics. Seek feedback, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your methods as needed to become a more effective networker aligned with your goals.

To authentically connect and expand your network, share your professional journey, including successes and challenges, to humanize yourself and foster deeper connections. Attend industry events to meet like-minded professionals, join professional groups to engage with your community, and seek or offer mentorship to strengthen relationships. Leverage social media to maintain visibility, be adaptable to new networking opportunities, personalize your approach, and practice active listening to understand others' needs and interests. These strategies will help you build valuable, lasting professional relationships.

Networking isn't just about attending events or exchanging business cards; it's about nurturing relationships over time. One example that comes to mind is the story of a young entrepreneur who attended industry conferences not to promote her startup, but to genuinely connect with others and learn from their experiences. Through these interactions, she gained valuable insights, mentorship, and even partnerships that significantly contributed to her business's success. This highlights the power of authentic networking in fostering meaningful connections that go beyond transactional exchanges.

Take time to build links with people who's work, intellect, strategy or thought process make you curious. When you bring that genuine self, it becomes less about handing out business cards or scrambling wildly to add them as links. You find yourself revisiting their work, organisation or news feeds to know more about their world. It becomes inclusive and organic and your desire to bring like-minded people together, knowing well that in the process of being that activator, somehow (perhaps) links with your success :) But then again, I believe you have already succeeded if you are part of those bridging conversations.

- Il faut aussi équilibrer qualité et quantité. C’est à dire préférer des relations profondes et significatives à un grand nombre de contacts superficiels. Pour ce faire, concentrez-vous sur un cercle restreint de contacts avec lesquels vous pouvez établir des relations solides. - Chercher des moyens d'aider les autres sans attendre quelque chose en retour. Partager des ressources, des informations ou des contacts utiles. Rester en contact régulièrement, même en dehors des moments où vous avez besoin de quelque chose. Envoyer des messages de suivi, des notes de remerciement, ou des articles intéressants.

Active Listening Active listening is a crucial component of authentic networking. When engaging in conversations, focus entirely on the person you are speaking with, making an effort to understand their perspective rather than simply preparing your response. This level of engagement demonstrates genuine interest and respect. Additionally, asking thoughtful questions about their experiences and opinions not only shows that you value their insights but also helps to build a deeper connection. By truly listening and engaging fully, you foster trust and mutual respect, which are the foundations of meaningful professional relationships.