Networking Strategies for Hospitality Professionals

I’ve been having lots of conversations about LinkedIn for events from organisers wanting to drive visibility and engagement, to exhibitors heading to upcoming tradeshows, and everyone in between. Whether you’re hosting, exhibiting, or attending LinkedIn can help you get more out of every event: ✨ More visibility 🤝 More connections 📈 More business outcomes Yet LinkedIn is often underused in the event space. A one-and-done post. A quick thank you. A flurry of activity... then silence. But here’s the thing: the event isn’t the beginning and it shouldn’t be the end. To get the most value, LinkedIn should be part of your strategy before, during and after the event. Here’s how to make the most of it: 🌠 1. Be LinkedIn Event Ready Your profile and company page shape your first impression often before anyone meets you. They should tell a clear, credible story that aligns with your event involvement. Organiser Tip: Create a LinkedIn Brand Kit for your speakers, exhibitors, and team – banners, hashtags, talking points, and example posts. Exhibitor Tip: Use an event-themed banner to show your stand details or branding. 🌠 2. Build Relationships Before the Event The most valuable connections rarely start cold on event day. The lead-up to the event is prime time to increase visibility, build familiarity, and position yourself as someone worth connecting with or visiting at the stand. Organiser Tip: Spotlight speakers, exhibitors, and sessions early and use tags to amplify. Exhibitor Tip: Shortlist people you want to meet - clients, prospects, collaborators, media and start connecting early. 🌠 3. Maximise the Event Experience Use LinkedIn to take people behind the scenes, amplify moments as they happen, and make your presence visible to those who couldn’t attend. Organiser Tip: Have someone live post from the floor, tagging participants and sharing session soundbites. Exhibitor Tip: Make it easy for people to connect with you it creates immediate pathways to keep the conversation going. 🌠 4. Keep the Momentum Going This is the stage where most people go quiet, but this is when the real relationship-building begins. Use LinkedIn to keep the conversation going. Share your takeaways. Follow up with new connections. Repurpose content into future posts. Organiser Tip: Share a highlight post and set the stage for what’s next even a “Save the Date” works. Exhibitor Tip: Send a personalised follow-up message referencing your chat. 🌟 Key Takeaways LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools you have to extend your event beyond the room. It allows you to build relationships before the first handshake, stay visible throughout the event and strengthen credibility and connection long after the banners are packed away. And if you'd like support to develop your own LinkedIn event strategy that's more than one and done, I’d love to help. Because showing up is just the beginning. #linkedin #events #eventmarketing

LINKEDIN TIP: Connect with your current clients. Many LinkedIn users only use the site for prospecting, and neglect their current clients. However, it’s 5x easier to retain + grow a relationship with a current client than to gain a new one. So, connect with your current clients. Also, connect with your peers, company leaders, your team, and people you meet at conferences. After you connect, they will see your updates, and content you post. This keeps you top-of-mind with them, and increases your reach. Plus, you will see their updates as well, and will know more about them, how they think, and when they change jobs or get promoted. Take the next step to engage with them as well. Like, comment or share if you enjoyed their content. There’s a high level of reciprocity in social media - if you engage with their content, they’ll be more likely to engage with yours. Also, reach out to current clients via private messaging 1-2x/year to keep up to date with them, and/or share something that made you think of them – in other words, add value on a regular basis to strengthen your relationship. Then, when you want to reach out to prospects, since you have a large, strong network, you will have a better chance of gaining a warm introduction via a shared connection, which then has a higher chance of starting a new relationship.

How differently can you interact with the executives at the year-end party? I remember our annual fundraising events, usually held at a hotel with lots of parking and good food. The thought of approaching high-level leaders and guests invited was often intimidating at the beginning. However, the relaxed environment was too inviting to let go of the once-a-year opportunity. Thankfully, I was involved in the preparation of the guest list. This helped me prepare intentionally for conversations with key executives or guests. One of the interesting networking books that has been beneficial to me is Keith Ferrazzi's 'Never Eat Alone'. PS: If you want to be intentional about your networking at events as a leader, this book is a must-read and belongs to your home library for regular reference. Ferrazzi emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships. Here are some tips from his book. 1. Be prepared with conversation starters. Before the event, think of some engaging questions or topics to discuss. Research the executives you may meet, focusing on their recent achievements or initiatives within the company. For example, if you know they led a successful project, you could ask, “What inspired your approach to that project?” This shows you’re invested in their work and opens the door for a deeper conversation. 2. Use the give-first approach. Ferrazzi advocates for a mindset of giving before expecting anything in return. Look for ways to provide value to the executives you meet. This could be as simple as sharing an interesting article related to their work or offering insights on industry trends. When you focus on how you can help others, you create an atmosphere of reciprocity and goodwill. 3. Practice Active Listening. Listening is a vital component of effective networking. Show genuine interest in what the executive has to say by asking follow-up questions and engaging with their responses. This not only fosters a deeper connection but also demonstrates your respect for their time and perspective. 4. Be Mindful of Body Language. Nonverbal communication plays a significant role in how we are perceived. Maintain eye contact, smile, and use open body language to convey your interest and enthusiasm. Your demeanor can help create a welcoming environment that encourages more profound interactions. 5. Follow Up with Purpose. After the event, don’t forget to follow up with the executives you connected with. Send a personalized message expressing your appreciation for the conversation. Mention something specific you discussed. This will help reinforce the connection while also showing that you valued the engagement. According to Ferrazzi, 'The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity'. Remember: Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. What else would you add? Share in the comments below. #leaders #leadership #management #careers #womeninleadership #womenwholead

I had 1,000 LinkedIn connections. When I needed help, no one replied. I had contacts. Not relationships. That's when I changed everything. Today I have 21K followers and a network that actually shows up. The immigrant mathematics of LinkedIn networking: Random connection requests + No follow-up = Wasted time Strategic engagement + Consistency = Relationships that pay off Here's How to Network on LinkedIn: (The Right Way) 1️⃣ Lead with value first Share insights before requesting anything. "Here's what I learned about X" beats "Can I pick your brain?" every time. 2️⃣ Show up when you need nothing Comment on their posts weekly. Share their content. Celebrate their wins. People remember who was there before the favour. 3️⃣ Make intros without being asked Connect people who should know each other. Do this consistently, and you'll be first to hear about opportunities. 4️⃣ Be specific about help Don't say "Let me know if I can help." Say "I can intro you to X" or "I know someone hiring for Y." 5️⃣ End with next steps "I'll send that article Friday" beats "Let's stay in touch." Momentum dies without action. 6️⃣ Engage before you connect Comment on 2-3 of their posts first. Add value. Ask a smart question. Then send the request. They'll recognize your name. 7️⃣ Send a real message Skip "I'd love to connect." Try: "Hey [Name], loved your post about [topic]. Working on something similar. No pitch, just wanted to connect." 8️⃣ Build your real network daily LinkedIn Search → 2nd connections + Industry + Job title. Find 5 active people per day. Track who responds. Not everyone in your connections is in your network. I keep a list of 50 people I regularly engage with. That's my real network. 30 minutes a day. 5 new connections. Consistent engagement. Networking isn't about collecting contacts. It's about building relationships before you need them. 💭 What's your biggest struggle with LinkedIn networking? ♻️ Repost to help someone build real connections ➕ Follow Anna Bilan ⚡️ for AI, entrepreneurship & personal brand

Most people in hospitality don’t have a personal brand. They may have a LinkedIn profile, a resume, maybe they’re tagged in a few photos from the company’s page, but nothing that makes them stand out. That’s the beigeification of this industry. Too many professionals playing it safe. Safe might feel comfortable, but safe never gets remembered. Here’s the brutal truth. If you work in hospitality and you don’t have a personal brand, you’re a line item on a spreadsheet. Replaceable. Forgettable. And in a world where attention drives opportunity, being beige means being invisible. Invisible managers don’t get promoted. Invisible chefs don’t get media attention. Invisible sales directors don’t get calls from recruiters. Invisible GMs don’t get speaking gigs or board seats. Hospitality is the business of people. Guests don’t connect with logos, they connect with faces, with stories, with personalities. The psychology is simple. Human beings trust people, not brands. If you want to stand out in hospitality, you need to show your face, tell your story, and create content that proves you know this industry. People remember what makes them feel. The tactical part is straightforward. Use LinkedIn to share what you’re learning on the floor, post short videos explaining how you solve real guest problems, or talk about what leadership looks like in your department. Reply to comments. Start conversations in DMs. Show up every day. If you’re in sales, your personal brand is the single biggest weapon you have. If you’re in F&B, your brand can take you from being a hotel chef to being a name people follow globally. If you’re in management, your personal brand will open doors you never knew existed. And the ROI? Massive. A personal brand in hospitality builds trust before you even walk in the room. It creates inbound opportunities. It makes guests want to book with you, partners want to work with you, and recruiters want to call you. It’s career insurance. It’s the only asset you control that no hotel group, cruise line, or ownership change can take away from you. You could lose your job tomorrow, but if you have a strong personal brand, you’ll never lose momentum. The most forward-thinking hotels and cruise lines are encouraging their people to build personal brands because they know it extends the reach of the property and the credibility of the brand. But the real game is this: you don’t need permission. You can build your brand today, from anywhere, with nothing more than your phone. Every post you make either positions you as a leader in this industry or buries you deeper into beige. Hospitality has always been about connection, about creating memories that people take home with them. Your personal brand is the same thing, just digital. And in a world this noisy, the leaders who refuse to be beige are the ones who will shape the future of hospitality. --- If you like the way I look at the world of hospitality, let’s chat: scott@mrscotteddy.com

“Networking is awkward.” You know what’s more awkward? Graduating in May 2025 and applying to 127 jobs with… zero callbacks. Let’s fix that with networking ideas no one’s talking about. and I mean actionable.. 1. “Reverse Research” Your Way Into a Conversation Instead of asking people what they do, show them what you know about what they’ve done. How to do it: Find someone on LinkedIn in your target company/role Read their posts, podcasts, or panels they’ve been on Then send this message: “Hi [Name], I came across your [talk/article/post] on [topic]—your point about [insight] made me think differently. I’m researching [industry], and would love to hear your take on [specific follow-up]. Would it be okay to connect?” That’s conversation built on respect. 2. Book Club for Industry Geeks Start a virtual book or podcast club for your industry. Invite professionals to speak at the end of each cycle. How to do it: Pick 3 peers + 1 book or podcast Create a simple calendar (4 weeks = 4 touchpoints) End with a “Wrap-Up” Zoom chat—invite a guest Post your takeaways on LinkedIn and tag them Because learning together? Is the strongest way to network. 3. Write A “Public Thank You” Post on LinkedIn You probably learned something cool from someone recently. Now imagine you posted it publicly, gave them a shoutout, and showed how you applied it. How to do it: Tag the person Share what they taught you Share what you did next Ask your network, “What’s something YOU learned from someone this month?” You just gave free visibility, created a loop, and 10 people will want to talk to you after. 4. Turn Informational Chats into Co-Creation Networking chats often stop at “thanks for the time.” What if it didn’t? What to do: After the call, send a note: “Hey [Name], based on our chat about [topic], I drafted a small idea to build on your advice. Would love your thoughts!” Create a graphic, short write-up, or project plan (just 1 page!) Now you’re not just a student. You’re someone they collaborated with. That’s relationship-building, not just networking. 5. The 5-5-5 Strategy Most people get stuck on who to reach out to. Here’s a weekly formula: 5 People You Admire (Founders, creatives) 5 People From Your School Network (Alums, professors, guest speakers) 5 Peers Who Are Also Job Hunting (Build a support circle, swap leads) Message all 15. Repeat weekly. That’s 156 conversations in 3 months. You don’t “find” jobs—you build the path to them. Reminder: Networking isn’t about who has the fanciest title. It’s about who remembers you when an opportunity comes up. Be the person who listened, learned, shared, and followed up. If you’re reading this and job searching— try one new method this week. Not next month. Not when it feels “less scary.” Now. You’re not late. #May2025Grads #NetworkingTips #CreativeCareerMoves #JobSearchStrategy #InternationalStudents #GradJobHunt #BeyondTheResume #HumanConnection #Topmate

Most job seekers get LinkedIn wrong. They treat it like an online résumé… when the real magic is in networking. If you’re only updating your profile but not building relationships, you’re leaving opportunities on the table. Here’s a 6-part checklist to turn LinkedIn into your networking superpower: 1. Optimize Before You Connect – Make sure your profile clearly communicates who you are, what you do, and what kind of opportunities you’re seeking. First impressions matter. 2. Build with Intention – Connect strategically with alumni, recruiters, peers, and industry leaders. Always personalize your connection requests with a note explaining why you want to connect. 3. Engage Consistently – Don’t just like posts. Comment thoughtfully, share insights, and add value to conversations. Engagement keeps you visible and top-of-mind. 4. Start Conversations – After someone accepts your connection, send a short thank-you note. Ask questions to learn from their experience, or invite them to a brief chat or virtual coffee. 5. Nurture Relationships – Networking doesn’t stop after one message. Celebrate milestones, check in periodically, share resources, and offer help without expecting anything in return. 6. Leverage for Job Search – When the time is right, reach out to employees at companies you’re targeting for informational chats. Warm introductions often open doors far faster than cold applications. Networking on LinkedIn isn’t about collecting contacts ~ it’s about building trust BEFORE you need it. Question for you: What’s one LinkedIn networking habit that’s worked really well for you?

AM I RIGHT OR AM I WRONG? Would love to hear what specifically has worked for you in comment section. How can we assist one another? here are some of my thoughts: Why “I’m Looking for Work” Isn’t Your Best LinkedIn Post – 5 Smarter Steps to Land Your Next Role As hospitality professionals, many of us rely on LinkedIn to network and seize opportunities. However, simply posting, “I’m looking for work,” might not produce the results you’re hoping for. In a competitive market, presenting yourself strategically is critical. Here are 5 actionable steps to elevate your job search on LinkedIn: 1. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile to Tell Your Story Your profile isn’t a resume; it’s your professional narrative. Headline: Instead of “Looking for work,” use your desired role or expertise, e.g., “Experienced Hotel Manager | Guest Experience Specialist | Driving 5-Star Results.” About Section: Showcase accomplishments, leadership impact, and unique skills—use clear, achievement-focused language. Visual Impact: Add a polished profile photo and banner image that aligns with your industry (think hotel or travel branding). 2. Showcase Value with Content Instead of asking for opportunities, position yourself as a solution. Write short posts highlighting achievements, trends, or challenges you’ve tackled (e.g., “How I Improved Guest Satisfaction by 20% Using…”). Share articles or insights about hospitality—employers love proactive thought leaders. Engage with posts in your industry to expand visibility. 3. Use the “Open to Work” Feature—Subtly LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” feature can signal your availability to recruiters without a public post. Enable this in settings but customize it to target recruiters, not your whole network. 4. Build & Activate Your Network Strategically Identify key connections: Past colleagues, industry leaders, and alumni. Send tailored messages: “Hi [Name], I admire your work at [Company]. I’m exploring opportunities in [specific role] and would love to learn about any upcoming projects or openings.” Join hospitality groups and participate actively in discussions. 5. Focus on Results, Not Requests Hiring managers want to see what you can do. Tailor your posts and applications around measurable results. Example: “At XYZ Resort, I cut operational costs by 15% while improving service scores.” Replace “I need a job” with “Here’s how I can solve challenges for [your company].” Final Thought Your next role doesn’t come from broadcasting desperation—it comes from positioning yourself as an asset. Lead with value, share insights, and engage purposefully. The job will follow. What strategies have worked for you? I’d love to hear! Let’s learn and grow together. #HospitalityLeadership #JobSearchTips #ProfessionalBranding

Over the last 90 days, we asked 100 restaurant CEOs to share their #1 private-event story. The winner: How a $12 dessert led to a $45,000 booking. Here's exactly what happened: A guest was quietly celebrating his birthday dinner. Near the end, the server heard the guest say he rarely got to celebrate because of his busy schedule. Without being asked, the server surprised him with a free dessert- a small $12 gesture that genuinely made the guest happy. The next morning, an email arrived in the CEO's inbox: “I've celebrated many birthdays at restaurants- but this dessert was special. By the way, I handle events at [Major Company]. I'd like to host our upcoming client appreciation dinner at your restaurant. 55 people, $45,000 budget." When the CEO told us this story, he added: “We always taught our staff to upsell wine, cocktails, and specials. But our biggest success this year came from a simple act of kindness. It reminded me we're here not just to serve meals but to truly connect with people." That one moment changed their training approach: Staff now notice personal details and act with empathy. Thoughtful gestures are valued more than routine upselling. Weekly meetings highlight meaningful guest interactions. Training now emphasizes empathy, listening, and connection. The result? More loyal guests, more repeat visits, and bigger group bookings. Hospitality isn’t just about transactions- it’s about human connections. Every interaction matters. Every moment counts. Every small gesture might lead to your next big booking.

LinkedIn is THE most powerful networking tool of 2025. Yet 99% of people aren't using it to create new opportunities. Yet it's the #1 way to skyrocket your network. Ready to unlock the hidden power of LinkedIn? Forget generic advice. Here's the insider playbook top networkers use: 🎯 Optimize your profile like a pro • Craft a headline that's a mini elevator pitch (not just your job title) • Use your summary to tell a compelling career story, not list bullet points • Showcase tangible results and metrics, not just responsibilities 🔍 Master the art of strategic searching • Use Boolean search operators to find ultra-specific connections • Leverage Alumni tool to uncover "warm" leads from your school • Set up saved searches for your ideal prospects – LinkedIn will notify you 💬 Engage authentically (and strategically) • Comment on posts by industry leaders (they notice more than you think) • Share insights from events/conferences you attend (tag speakers for visibility) • Write "breakdown" posts analyzing successful campaigns in your field 🤝 Make connection requests irresistible • Reference a specific shared interest or mutual connection • Offer genuine value upfront (an article, intro, or quick tip) • Keep it brief – 2-3 sentences max 📈 Leverage content for inbound networking • Create "How I did X" posts with actionable takeaways • Use carousel posts to break down complex topics visually • Repurpose your best-performing content across platforms 🚀 Turn connections into real relationships • Set up monthly "virtual coffee" chats with new connections • Create a system to nurture relationships (use tags and reminders) • Look for ways to help others without expecting anything in return Networking isn't about collecting connections. It's about building genuine relationships that create mutual value. P.S. If you found this valuable, repost for your network ♻️ Join the 12,000+ leaders who get our weekly email newsletter: https://lnkd.in/en9vxeNk Lead with impact.