Arin Goldsmith’s Post

Networking:  When I started my career about 2 decades back, for me walking into a room where I don't know anyone was extremely tough. It feels like there's a wall between me and making new friends. The most challenging step has always been the first step: going up to someone and starting a conversation without feeling weird. I kept telling myself that the person I am reaching out to has similar challenge as I have and they are just as shy as I am, so, I take a deep breath, smile, and say hello. This always helped me overcome the barrier and build my network. I carry myself a big smile when moving around in the room.  Generally, I start my conversation with something current, like cricket, movies, about the place we’re at, the weather, traffic or anything which is common to the surroundings. I listen a lot and share a bit about me when it fits.  I look around the room and understand that networking is about giving, not just getting. It's about helping each other. By the time I leave, I hope to have not just contacts but maybe the start of new friendships. These are the ties that could turn into something big later on.    Do you feel the same about networking? How do you break this barrier?  PC: Dall-E

If there's only one advice I could give to my 18-year-old self then It'd be, "Go 10x more aggressive on networking." Most people tend to underestimate the power of networking and hardly realise how difficult it is to build a genuine connection with someone. The truth is that for every person I reached out to/connected with, there were like 100s of people who didn't reply/entertain me. That's the dark side of networking especially when you are younger, and don't have much experience or anything to prove yourself. It's a numbers game. The more people you reach out to, the higher your chance to build some great connections. Always remember, more than good luck, you need good people around you. Your odds of getting lucky increase when you have the right people in your life. Start building your network and surround yourself with people smarter than you. That's the easiest and fastest way to become massively successful in life.

Networking is 🔑 they say.. We often hear people saying networking is important, but no one talks about how difficult it is – it's almost as tough as landing a job itself! Sending out countless messages and rarely hearing back can be really frustrating and stressful. Amidst all this, I've been incredibly lucky to find some truly kind and supportive people. A big thank you to Simon Cook for taking the time to listen to my aspirations and provide invaluable guidance, filling me with positive energy when I needed it most. Jeethu Elza Cherian Chacko, thank you for sharing your insights and responding to my call with such genuine interest, helping me to connect with people and also for checking upon me And Lavanya Mahate, your kind replies have been so encouraging. For those of you receiving networking messages, it’s perfectly okay to respond with a simple "yes" or "no, I don’t have time." It's not rude at all, and it would be immensely helpful for those seeking connections. Your response can make a big difference.

Building connections is a key part of growing professionally, but not all of us find it easy to navigate social networks. Could there be hidden fears that are keeping us from networking effectively? The idea of facing our insecurities can be a bit unsettling, but it can also open the door to personal growth. Recognizing and dealing with these fears is the first step to unlocking the benefits of networking. There are a few signs that might suggest you're scared of networking. You might feel uneasy in social situations, or spend a lot of time thinking about them afterwards. Maybe you tend to avoid meeting new people, you're scared of being rejected, or you hesitate to ask for help. Recognizing these signs is really important because networking can help you move forward in your career, find new opportunities, and build strong professional relationships. Each of these signs is tied to fears and insecurities that many of us experience, but knowing what they are can help us figure out how to overcome them. Being scared of rejection is something we all experience, but it's good to remember that networking is a give-and-take. If someone rejects you, it might just mean that the relationship wouldn't have been good for either of you. And remember, asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, it's a chance to work together and help each other grow professionally. By recognizing and dealing with these fears, we can get the most out of networking, and build professional relationships that can help us progress in our careers. Have you noticed any of these signs in the way you approach networking? How have you dealt with your fears around networking? Let's share our experiences and ideas to help each other get better at networking. #NetworkingFears #ProfessionalNetworking #CareerGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #OvercomingFears

I probably spent 75% of my day yesterday networking- trying to help people get connected with each other as well as with companies they are interested in working with.    Now that percent is a total anomaly, not standard, nor a humble brag.     While networking is my literal job, I probably average 15% of my time networking and connecting with people, which is something I am actively trying to change.   A couple of observations as I devote more time to networking:   1). I really enjoy it and feel fulfilled when my day is over. 2). My general mood is elevated when I feel that I am helping people and making a difference. 3). It seems contagious- the more people I help the more people I have reaching out trying to help me. 4). I have realized my network is the greatest asset I own and the cornerstone of my business, The Free Agent. 5). I need to adopt networking as a new way of working and a big component to my day-to-day activity (hoping to spend upwards of 40% of my time each day).   How much of your time do you spend networking, connecting, or just trying to help people?  Are you hoping people will assist you while not leading with a "give?" Perhaps it's time to reevaluate how you spend your time and energy.

True Networking : All LinkedIn connections are merely total strangers. Those who're confident enough may like other connections' postings, or give some comments. Furthermore, you may DM certain connections. Subsequently, you may schedule for a coffee session. But some connections are too shy and sceptical even to like.  Here are some of my tips based on my experiences with LinkedIn connections : (1) During DM, you may disclose your phone number. But don't expects others will share their phone numbers.  (2) Not everybody are willing to join your coffee session for whatever reasons and reservations.  (3) You may evaluate the connections during the  coffee sessions. Some might be opportunists, hipocrites, pretenders, sweet talkers, manipulators.  (4) If there is no chemistry during the first coffee session, then don't waste your time asking for a second coffee session.  (5) Don't be surprised if the connection ghosting you after the first coffee session.  Ignoring you, disappearing without a trace.  (6) If you manage  to schedule a second coffee session, then there are hopes that the friendship will stand a chance to prosper.   (7) It's your prerogative whether to block or delete certain LinkedIn connections due to reasons that you only know. 

Networking isn't just exchanging business cards or LinkedIn connections…. It's building relationships that matter. I've seen firsthand the power of a solid network. It's opened doors I didn't even know existed and brought opportunities to both give and receive help in ways I would never have expected. Here are a few tips from my experience: Be genuine in your interactions. People can tell when you're only out to gain for yourself. Offer help before you ask for it. The strongest connections are built on mutual support. Stay in touch. A quick message or check-in can keep a relationship strong, even if you're not currently working on something together. Remember, the goal isn't to see how many people you can meet or number of followers you can show. It's forming connections that have potential to enrich both your professional and personal life.

Want to get better at networking? Here is a challenge for you. Endorse some skills of people in your network that you admire. Then strike up a conversation about their work experience that impresses you. People love 𝘼𝙐𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙉𝙏𝙄𝘾 compliments. This can: -  Strengthen relationships -  Encourage reciprocity. - Create new opportunities Your network will help you when you need it. Most people will need it before they network. Comment below Have you built strong connections on LinkedIn before? How did you start the conversation?

Is networking a new word for friendship? Friends, friends... business aside? Networking entails being interested in what others can offer. Does that sound selfish? Only if the value isn't reciprocated. If you are clearly interested in what I can offer you, that's great! Chances are, I'll also be interested in what you bring to the table. What's wrong with that? If it's a win-win situation, even better. Friendship operates similarly but is more in an emotional, vulnerable, and intimate form. The distinction lies in how you blend your personal and professional lives based on: -Purpose: Why you're engaging. -Context: Where interactions occur. -Intentions: Your underlying motives. -Boundaries: Limits you set. Professionally, we often begin with networking intentions. Friendship can naturally follow due to a deeper connection of networking. Or your networking could just stand by what it rationally means. Found it useful? Let me know your opinion in the comment section. At Talent Factory Coaching, I help professionals create standout career brands and performance, navigate career transitions, and develop effective networking strategies. Know more here: https://lnkd.in/ewjxTduU