Karl Schmieder, MS MFA

While it is cliche to say your network is your networth, there is a lot of truth in that statement. Your immediate network is probably a lot richer than you think, so let them know what you're doing and who you need to know. Work on deepening relationships while at the same time expanding your network (that is not a contradiction - both are key). When everyone on your team is on the same page, magic happens because they are your biggest and best marketers.

Discovery-driven growth isn't just for big companies but is essential for the success of startups. You need to be able to systematically test your ideas, figure out whether they're going to work or fail, then move on. The mantra to embrace: there are no failures, there are only tests.

Building industry connections can be daunting, when starting out. But LinkedIn makes it easy to find, follow and connect with people in your industry. One not-so big secret is to write about companies and individuals at those companies. Writing gives you the opportunity to reach out to people you don't know for an interview, for a comment on your article or post. Those people can become the basis of your new network. Most of all, have fun building your network. It's a game. And you should enjoy it. Some of the people you meet will become life-long peers and friends.

Everyone starts somewhere. What matters is starting. The key to success on social media is being genuine, consistent, and patient. Here's what I'd suggest: 1. Build connections by offering value. Connect authentically with peers and veterans. If you can't offer value (yet), follow them and track their content. 2. Engage strategically: Research and systematically interact with industry leaders' content. Add value in the comments. Ask questions. If you don't know how, follow pros like @natberman. 3. Share what fascinates you: Your takes on the news, your challenges, and solutions. Your perspective shapes how people percevie you. Your voice will build your network.

Being proactive can also mean using this social platform to reach out to people in advance of the conference. Tell people you're attending and are excited to meet face-to-face. While the AI-generated answer suggests following up 24 hours after, I find it's better to wait a few days unless you were in a heated conversation. People come back to the office and are usually overwhelmed by the work they need to catch up on. Also, when you are following up, remind people of the context you met them in. It's not enough to say, "We met at the conference..." Remind them what you talked about and why you wanted to follow up.

Yeah, it’s important to learn how to meet people — go open a conversation with someone who’s standing by themselves. And make a game of it. But also learn how to leave conversations (tactfully, of course). That way you can be helpful, meet more people (if that’s your goal) and get the most out of the event.