Goal-Driven Networking

Most people think networking is how you get ahead - NO. Strategic Project Leaders create value and leaders seek them out; hence, their network grows— that is why they rise. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬, 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐮𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬. Executives and decision-makers are not impressed by flattery or forced small talk. They are moved by : ✔️clarity, ✔️ relevance, ✔️your ability to help them think differently or move faster toward a goal. This is where most professionals get it wrong: They network to be seen, instead of networking to be of service. When you shift your mindset from “How can this help me?” to “How can I create strategic value for this person or organisation?”—everything changes. 🪀Doors open. 🪀Conversations go deeper. 🪀Opportunities multiply. Strategic networking is not about volume—it is about intention. It is not only about visibility—it is about value to others. That is how I built relationships with leaders I once thought were out of reach. That is how you position yourself as someone worth aligning with. 👉Not just a professional. 👉Not just a contact. 👉A catalyst. Want to learn how to create value that builds networks like a Strategic Project Leader? Let’s talk. I will show you how I do it—and how you can too. #FolaElevates #StrategicLeadership #Networking #ProjectLeadership #StrategicElites #CareerAcceleration #ProjectIntelligence ----------------------- Adam Grant, a renowned organizational psychologist, also notes that successful networking is not about climbing the social ladder but creating meaningful, reciprocal relationships. This aligns with research from the Journal of Management Studies, which found that leaders with diverse networks are better positioned to identify and leverage new opportunities.

𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥.   I learned this sitting at a board dinner in Sydney - the only woman among twelve men.   The chairman mentioned they couldn't find female directors.   Days earlier, I had met five board-ready women actively seeking directorships.   This disconnect revealed everything wrong with how we approach professional advancement.   A few truths about real networking:   • Casual connections rarely create opportunities • Random events waste valuable time   • Most networking advice focuses on quantity over quality   𝙋𝙍𝙊𝙓𝙄𝙈𝙄𝙏𝙔 𝙏𝙊 𝙋𝙊𝙒𝙀𝙍 determines advancement more than talent.   Our research shows fewer than 5% of ASX and NASDAQ companies have balanced leadership. This persists because:   The system serves itself, not talent. Generic networking preserves existing hierarchies. Good networkers often make terrible leaders.   Here's what actually works:   𝘽𝙐𝙄𝙇𝘿 𝙎𝙏𝙍𝘼𝙏𝙀𝙂𝙄𝘾 𝙉𝙀𝙏𝙒𝙊𝙍𝙆𝙎 • Start with your end goal • Identify specific decision-makers • Create value before asking favors • Track every promising connection   𝙁𝙊𝘾𝙐𝙎 𝙊𝙉 𝘾𝙊𝙉𝙑𝙀𝙍𝙎𝙄𝙊𝙉 • One champion outweighs 100 contacts • Quality of connections beats quantity • Measure results, not activity   𝙇𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙍𝘼𝙂𝙀 𝙉𝙀𝙏𝙒𝙊𝙍𝙆 𝙀𝙁𝙁𝙀𝘾𝙏𝙎 • Help others reach their goals • Build reputation through results • Create new pathways to leadership   At Ellect, we tested this framework:   Results after 5 events: - 3 women secured board interviews - 2 received executive offers - 90% made advancement-focused connections   𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙚𝙚𝙩. 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙙𝙤𝙤𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣.   The difference drives everything.   https://lnkd.in/etjAFXks

Most people misunderstand why their networking does not work. They think the problem is effort, or courage, or the script. In reality, the problem is architecture. You can talk to more people and still have a weak network. You can go to more events and still have no leverage. You can be “well connected” and still be structurally blocked from the decisions that matter. Here are five shifts that separate empty networking from useful power networks. 1. Stop counting people. Start counting leverage. A strong network is not the one with the most names. It is the one that gives you shorter paths to outcomes. Ask yourself: Who can move decisions that affect my goals? Who shapes what gets discussed before decisions are made? Who is trusted when trade-offs appear? Practical move: write down your top 2–3 arenas where real decisions happen. Then map only the people who matter there. 2. Build for roles, not for personalities. Most people network around who they like or who feels easy to approach. Power networks are built around roles: sponsors, experts, connectors. You do not need “more senior people”. You need missing roles. Practical move: look at your current network and ask which role is overrepresented and which one is dangerously absent. 3. Access is not the same as activation. Many professionals already “have access”. They are in the meetings, on the invite lists, in the room. Yet nothing moves. Why? Because access without activation is just proximity. Activation means that you are remembered when something important starts and consulted before options are closed. Practical move: pick one relationship where you already have access and ask what would make you useful before the next decision, not after it. 4. Stop “reaching out”. Start creating signals. Cold asks feel awkward because they are structurally weak. Strong networks are built through signals before requests: you comment where it matters, forward what helps their thinking, reference their work in a useful way, and show up in the same arenas consistently. By the time you ask, the relationship is already warm. Practical move: choose five people who matter to your goals and decide what signal you will send over the next 30 days that makes you visible without asking for anything. 5. Make networking scheduled. If your network only grows when you “have time”, it will never become strategic. Power networks are built through rituals, not motivation: a weekly reach-out block, a monthly relationship audit, follow-ups after key meetings. Practical move: put one recurring “networking” slot in your calendar and protect it like a business-critical meeting. Here is the uncomfortable truth: Your network is not a social asset. It is an execution system. If it does not shorten paths, increase your options, or change what becomes possible, it is not doing its job yet. And the good news? You do not need to be more charming, more extroverted, or to “love networking”. You need better design.

A senior cloud architect sent me a connection request last week with this message: "I'm interested in roles at AWS. Do you have any openings that fit my background?" No context. No relationship.  And no research into the roles I might work on. I see versions of this 30–40 times a week. And I know the intent is good — people are trying to follow the advice they're given: "Network to land your next role." The problem? Most people are confusing outreach with networking. After a decade in technical recruiting, I've noticed a clear pattern: The people who land roles faster aren't sending more DMs. They've built visibility before they ever hit send. Here's what commonly shows up in my inbox: "I recently interviewed — can you follow up?" "Do you have 15 minutes for a coffee chat?" "I'm seeking a Solutions Architect role." People are taking action. That's not the issue. The issue is that recruiters and hiring managers get dozens of these messages daily — all from people they don't know. At that volume, it's almost impossible to know how to help. At the senior level, transactional networking rarely turns into opportunity. Sound familiar? So what does strategic networking actually look like? It's less about who you message — and more about who already recognizes your name when you do. Here are five true networking approaches I’d recommend to senior-level tech professionals: 1️⃣ Engage in tech-specific LinkedIn groups  This creates one-to-many visibility. Hiring managers and recruiters are often in the same spaces — credibility builds through contribution. 2️⃣ Comment meaningfully on posts from leaders in your space  Skip "Great post." Add perspective based on experience. Do this consistently and your name starts showing up in the right feeds. 3️⃣ Share insights from your own work  You don't need thought-leadership essays. A poll about a challenge you're navigating. A short reflection on a lesson learned. Even adding your take to someone else's post. The goal is visibility, not virality. 4️⃣ Write recommendations for former teammates  In addition to helping a teammate out, your name will appear on their profile. This is passive visibility that compounds. 5️⃣ Engage with hiring managers before messaging them  Comment on what they share. When you eventually reach out, you're not a stranger — you're familiar. I've seen this shift change the trajectory of job searches. Not because someone's resume suddenly improved — but because the right people already knew who they were before a role opened. 👉 Which of these five are you already doing or planning to start? Drop the number below. And if someone in your network is in search mode, feel free to share this with them.

Not all career networking is the same. If you are an executive in job search, you need to be clear where you are and what you need from your network. This is not about "using people", or being transactional. Quite the contrary, it's about being intentional in your engagement - and then more respectful of other people's time in the process. To keep things simple, I break networking here down into two categories or stages: 1. Refining Your Job Search Thesis (What is your ideal next opportunity, and why?) Approach your network to get insights and clarify what you want in your next role. This is all about shaping your direction and getting feedback on where you might gain the mostd traction and find growth. It’s ideal for conversations with former bosses, executive recruiters, coaches, and other senior leaders you trust. It's not about immediate introductions or referrals at this point. (That's not to say they won't happen, but it's premature in a way) This is all about gathering more insights, feedback, and meaningful direction to help you run a focused job search. 2. Accelerating Access to Specific Opportunities Once your thesis is clear, focus your networking on connecting with the right people who can open doors to the specific roles you’re targeting at specific companies. To succeed here, you’ll need a well-researched target list of companies and the ability to connect the dots between your accomplishments, goals and their needs. (If you do not have a target list of companies, you are not ready to network this way) This is about turning connections into more effective and motivated evangelists on your behalf. When done really well, it's about making your network eager to fire off that introduction. If you think this way about networking, you may see it'll help you find that next great role faster. Obviously, this should all be thought of as an iterative process. If #2 is not working for you, it may be time to revisit #1. Be cognizant of where you are and what you need, and you'll also strengthen relationships with those who can most help you anyhow. #networking

Don't treat networking like a game of darts. Throwing random connections at the wall and hoping something sticks. The problem? Random efforts lead to random results. If you want real ROI from your networking, you’ve got to start connecting the dots. What does that mean? It’s about seeing the bigger picture: Who are your ideal clients or partners? Who else serves them in non-competing ways? How can you create intentional relationships with those people? When you build relationships with complementary businesses targeting the same industries, you create a web of connections that delivers consistent, high-value referrals. Here’s how you do it: 1. Map your ecosystem: Think about the other professionals your ideal clients already trust. Are you a marketing consultant? Partner with web developers, photographers, and branding experts. 2. Be the connector: Don’t just ask for referrals, offer them. Introduce people in your network who can collaborate or support each other’s goals. 3. Stay intentional: Every coffee chat or Zoom call should have a purpose. Show up prepared to discuss how you can support each other and build a win-win relationship. Networking isn’t about quantity. It’s about connecting the right dots and building relationships that multiply your impact. So, stop throwing darts. Start mapping your strategy. When the dots connect, the results will follow. How do you connect the dots?

Networking isn't schmoozing. 🤝 It's being useful to specific people. Here's the actual difference: When people say they hate networking, they mean they hate going to events and pretending to be interested in strangers while secretly hoping someone hands them a job. That's not networking. That's awkward theater. Real networking is targeted. Specific. Useful. And it has nothing to do with working a room. Here's the reframe: ❌ Old mindset: "I need to meet as many people as possible" "Maybe someone will know of an opportunity" "I should go to industry mixers and collect cards" ✅ New mindset: "I have 5 target companies. I need 1 real contact at each." "I'm looking for someone working on the exact problem I solve" "I reach out with something useful — not an ask" The Useful Stranger Framework™ 1️⃣ Get specific on your targets You're not networking with "people in tech." You're finding the PM at [Company] who's building what you've already built — because that's where your story is most relevant. 2️⃣ Lead with value, not need Don't: "I'm exploring opportunities and would love to chat." Do: "I read your post about onboarding drop-off. We solved that at [Company] with [specific approach]. Happy to share what worked." See the difference? One is a request. One is an offer. 3️⃣ Make it easy to say yes 15-minute virtual chat > 45-minute phone call. Specific question > "Can I pick your brain?" Smaller ask = higher response rate. Always. 4️⃣ Stay in touch without a reason One message every 90 days. Something relevant, not transactional. A link to their topic. A "thought of you when I saw this." Relationships compound over time. The goal isn't a big network. It's 5 real people who know exactly what you're great at. That's it. Start there → https://lnkd.in/gJSNk4FN 👍 To let me know you want more content like this. ♻️ Reshare to help someone rethink how they network. 🔔 Follow me for more job search & resume tips.

Are your career goals SMART enough to succeed? I’ve seen countless professionals struggle with career stagnation, not because they lack ambition, but because their goals aren’t structured for success. The right structure turns intentions into actions, and that’s what drives real progress. Enter the SMART framework: ✅ Specific – Get clear on what you want and why it matters. ✅ Measurable – Define how you’ll track progress. ✅ Achievable – Stretch yourself, but keep it realistic. ✅ Relevant – Make sure it aligns with your bigger vision. ✅ Time-bound – Set a deadline to create urgency. Here’s how it works in action: ❌ “I want to get promoted soon.” ✅ “I will meet with my manager next month to outline a development plan, take on two high-impact projects, and improve my leadership skills to position myself for a promotion within the next 12 months.” ❌ “I need to network more.” ✅ “I will attend one industry event per quarter, post twice a month on LinkedIn about my expertise, and schedule five informational chats with professionals in my field over the next three months.” ❌ “I need to find a new job.” ✅ “I will apply to five targeted roles per week, optimize my LinkedIn profile by the end of the month, and schedule two networking conversations weekly to increase my chances of landing a role in the next 90 days.” What’s one SMART goal you’re working on right now? Let's make it happen!

Stop thinking about “networking.” Start thinking about value. At the level we operate, no one delivers value alone. Every great outcome is a team outcome. And every meaningful connection is built around one question: 👉 How can we create more value together? Too often, people approach networking as a transaction: “Who can get me my next job?” But that’s the wrong lens. Instead, here’s a better way to think about it: 🔹 Connect with people who can help you deliver more value. 🔹 Look for ways you can help others deliver more value. 🔹 Make contribution, not extraction, your priority. When we shift our focus from networking to value-building, opportunities stop feeling forced. They become natural byproducts of the impact we create. Because here’s the truth: 💡 The more value we bring to our company, our clients, and our teams, the more likely we are to earn the best next job, promotion, or opportunity. It’s not about collecting contacts. It’s about cultivating collaborations. So the next time we ask, “How do I network?” The answer is simple: Don’t. Focus on delivering value. The rest will follow.

Someone asks you "what do you do?" and you probably fumble it, every single time.   You know your work inside out, you're passionate about it, and yet when someone gives you the floor to talk about yourself, you default to a vague job title and hope they ask a follow-up question.   "I'm a consultant." / "I work in tech." / "I'm in finance.". These answers are forgettable, and they waste one of the best networking opportunities you'll ever get. Every time someone asks what you do, they're giving you a stage. A few seconds where they're actively interested in hearing about you and your work. What you do with those seconds matters.   Entrepreneur Daniel Priestley has a brilliant framework for this called The Social Pitch. It gives you a simple structure to talk about yourself in a way that's concise, engaging, and memorable.   It works like this:   NAME → Who are you, and what is your business?   SAME → Who or what are you similar to? This gives the listener a frame of reference so they can place you quickly.   FAME → What proof points do you have? Where can people see your work, and who have you worked with?   AIM → What are you working on right now? This makes you sound active and current.   GAME → What's your long-term goal? This is where you show ambition and invite people to follow your journey.   Here's mine as an example:   NAME: I'm Will Bremridge, a communication coach for Tech and Finance teams. SAME: I'm similar to coaches like Vinh Giang but focused on technically minded professionals. FAME: I've coached leaders at Google, Toyota, HSBC, and Condé Nast, and you can see my content on LinkedIn and TikTok. AIM: Right now I'm running workshops and 1-on-1 coaching for tech and finance teams. GAME: My long-term goal is to help as many professionals as possible realise the career impact of improving how they communicate, through books, keynotes and courses.   That took about 20 seconds to say, and it gives the listener five different hooks to continue the conversation.   Swipe through the carousel for the full framework breakdown 👉   Rehearse your Social Pitch and update it regularly. This is one of those small investments of time that pays off in every networking event, every interview, every chance meeting where someone important asks you what you do.   💬 Drop your Social Pitch in the comments. I'd love to see how you'd introduce yourself. 🔁 Share this with someone who always undersells themselves 🔔 Follow Will Bremridge for high-performance communication tools for tech and finance professionals