Networking with Peers in Your Field

Want to unlock career secrets and get advice straight from the insiders? 🔑 Stop guessing and start asking! One of the most powerful (and underused) networking tools is the Informational Interview. This isn't a sneaky job hunt trick! It's a brief, 15-20 minute chat focused on learning from someone's experience – their career path, industry insights, or company culture. Think of it as a career exploration coffee chat, often virtual! But how do you ask without sounding awkward or demanding? Use this simple email/message prompt to craft the perfect request: 👇 Prompt: -------------------- Help me write an email asking for an informational interview. To: [Person's Name] ([Person's Job Title] at [Company Name]) From: [Your Name] ([Your relevant status, e.g., Student, Job Seeker in X field]) How I found them: [e.g., LinkedIn, mutual connection, saw them speak] Goal: Learn more about their experience in [Their field/company/role]. Ask for: A brief 15-20 minute virtual chat. Keep the email polite and respectful of their time. -------------------- This structure shows you've done your research, clarifies your intent, and makes it easy for them to say YES. Start building meaningful connections and gaining invaluable knowledge! Found this prompt useful for your networking toolkit? Hit the like button 👍 or reshare it 🔄 so others can benefit too!

𝐀 𝐟𝐞𝐰 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐨, 𝐈 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬, 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬. 𝐈𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬. By the end of the day, my pocket was full of business cards, but I couldn’t remember half the conversations. That’s when it hit me: networking isn’t about collecting names, titles, or LinkedIn connections. It’s about building relationships that actually matter. Here’s what I learned the hard way: - When you treat networking as a numbers game, you end up with contacts, not connections. - When you reach out without a clear purpose, people can sense it—and the conversation rarely goes far. - When you don’t nurture relationships over time, they fade away before any real value is created. So what works instead? - Adopt a value-first mindset. Before reaching out, I ask myself, “How can I contribute to this person’s journey before asking for anything?” Sometimes it’s sharing an article, making an introduction, or just offering encouragement. - Prepare before connecting. A little research goes a long way. Personalizing a message shows genuine respect for someone’s time and creates a much stronger first impression. - Maintain relationships. I’ve learned that small, consistent touches—congratulating someone on a promotion, commenting thoughtfully on their posts, or checking in periodically—make a big difference in keeping connections alive. Over time, I’ve discovered that quality connections always outweigh quantity. The few meaningful relationships I’ve nurtured have opened more doors, created more opportunities, and led to more collaboration than any pile of business cards ever could. 𝐒𝐨, 𝐈’𝐦 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬, 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨-𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘴? #NetworkingStrategy #ProfessionalGrowth #BusinessRelationships #CareerDevelopment #LinkedInTips #RelationshipBuilding #CoachIshleenKaur #InternationalBusinessCoach LinkedIn News LinkedIn News India LinkedIn for Small Business

Building stronger workplace relationships is easier than you think. Here's what actually works (after 10+ years in team management): 1️⃣ Start with genuine curiosity - Ask about their projects - Listen more than you speak - Remember personal details they share 2️⃣ Create connection points - Schedule regular coffee chats - Join or start team activities - Offer help before they ask 3️⃣ Practice professional empathy - Acknowledge their challenges - Celebrate their wins (big and small) - Be reliable with commitment 4️⃣ Foster open communication - Share knowledge freely - Give credit where it's due - Address issues directly, but kindly 5️⃣ Respect boundaries - Keep work conversations professional - Don't force social interactions - Honor their time and space The key? Consistency in these actions. These aren't just "nice to have" practices. They're essential for creating a workplace where everyone thrives. Remember: Strong workplace relationships aren't built overnight. But small, daily actions make a huge difference. Try these today. Your future self (and team) will thank you. 📌 Share if you know someone who could use these tips P.S. Which of these will you try first? Drop a comment below. #employees #workplace #team

Your LinkedIn connections aren’t just a number. Here’s how to turn them into powerful relationships: 💪 Engage Beyond the Connection Request Don’t stop at clicking “Connect.” Send a personalized message that shows genuine interest in their work or achievements. Example: “Hi [Name], I really enjoyed your recent post on [Topic]. Looking forward to learning more from your insights!” 💪 Be Proactive in Conversations Comment on their posts, share their work, or ask thoughtful questions. Show that you’re invested in their journey. 💪 Offer Value First Share insights, resources, or ideas that align with their needs. The best relationships start with giving, not asking. 💪 Follow Up Regularly Relationships require nurturing. Check in periodically, whether it’s to congratulate them on an achievement or share a relevant article. 💡 Pro Tip: Treat LinkedIn like a networking event, focus on building trust and offering value, and the opportunities will follow. How do you strengthen your LinkedIn connections? Let’s swap strategies below! 🚀👇

Mastering the Art of Networking on LinkedIn: Here's how you can harness the power of LinkedIn to expand your professional network: 1. Optimize Your Profile for Maximum Impact: - Profile Picture: Choose a professional headshot with a clear, friendly expression. - Headline: Craft a compelling headline that encapsulates your professional identity and aspirations. - Summary: Write a detailed summary highlighting your expertise, achievements, and career goals. Use keywords relevant to your industry for better visibility. - Experience and Skills: Regularly update your experience section and list key skills to attract the right connections. 2. Engage Authentically and Regularly: - Content Engagement: Actively engage with your feed by liking, commenting, and sharing posts. Thoughtful comments can spark meaningful conversations and enhance your visibility. - Posting Frequency: Aim to post at least once a week. Share industry insights, personal achievements, or articles that add value to your network. 3. Create and Share Valuable Content: - Articles and Posts: Share your expertise through articles or insightful posts. Use storytelling to make your content relatable and engaging - Multimedia: Incorporate images, videos, or infographics to make your content visually appealing and more likely to be shared 4. Personalize Your Connection Requests: - Custom Messages: Always include a personalized message when sending connection requests. Mention a shared experience, mutual connection, or specific interest in their work - Follow-Up: If someone accepts your request, send a follow-up message thanking them and suggesting a way to collaborate or engage further 5. Leverage LinkedIn Groups and Communities: - Active Participation: Join groups related to your industry or interests and actively participate in discussions. This can help you establish credibility and connect with like-minded professionals - Starting Discussions: Initiate conversations by posting questions or sharing insights. This can increase your visibility and attract new connections 6. Utilize LinkedIn's Advanced Features: - 'Find Nearby' Feature: Use this feature at conferences or networking events to connect with professionals in your vicinity - LinkedIn Learning: Enhance your skills and showcase your commitment to professional development by completing courses on LinkedIn Learning 7. Foster Meaningful Relationships: - Virtual Coffee Chats: Regularly schedule brief virtual meetings with your connections to discuss industry trends, share advice, or explore collaboration opportunities - Recommendations and Endorsements: Request recommendations from colleagues or clients and offer to reciprocate. Endorse the skills of your connections to strengthen your relationships 8. Consistency is Key: - Regular Updates: Keep your profile updated with any new skills, experiences, or accomplishments - Engagement: Consistently engage with your network to maintain visibility and relevance #linkedin #networking

Referrals are the gold standard of business growth, but asking for them directly can sometimes feel awkward. The good news? If you nurture your LinkedIn network the right way, referrals will come naturally – without you having to ask. Here’s how to make it happen: 1️⃣ Be top of mind through consistent content People refer professionals they remember. If you only show up on LinkedIn when you need something, you’re missing opportunities. Post valuable insights, client success stories, and behind-the-scenes looks at your work to stay visible and credible. 💡 Example: Share a post about how you helped a client overcome a challenge. This subtly signals what you do – so when someone in your network knows someone who needs your help, they think of you. 2️⃣ Engage with your network authentically Your best referrals won’t just come from clients – they’ll come from peers, former colleagues, and industry connections. But for that to happen, you need to engage, comment, and support their content too. 📌 Try this: Spend 10 minutes daily interacting with posts from people in your industry. Meaningful engagement strengthens relationships, making people more likely to think of you when a referral opportunity comes up. 3️⃣ Showcase your expertise in your profile Your LinkedIn profile should do the heavy lifting for you. A clear, optimized headline and “About” section should communicate who you help and how. ✅ Example: Instead of: “Founder at XYZ Consulting”, try: "I help small business owners streamline operations and increase revenue with customized growth strategies.” A well-crafted profile makes it easy for people to refer you because they instantly understand what you do. 4️⃣ Make giving referrals a habit Want to receive more referrals? Start giving them. When you introduce people in your network, they’ll naturally think of you when the time comes. 💡 Pro tip: If you see two people in your network who could benefit from knowing each other, introduce them in a quick message. Your generosity will often come back to you in unexpected ways. 5️⃣ Subtly signal that you’re open to referrals You don’t have to ask for referrals outright, but you can plant the idea. Mention client success stories in posts, thank people for referrals publicly, or share a case study that shows the kind of work you do. 📌 Example Post: "I’m incredibly grateful for a recent referral from my network that led to a fantastic collaboration. It’s amazing how connections on LinkedIn turn into real opportunities!" This reminds your audience that referrals happen – and that you welcome them. Your next big opportunity might already be in your network. By staying visible, engaging genuinely, and positioning yourself as the go-to expert, referrals will start coming your way – without you having to ask. #SocialSelling #LinkedInNetworking #Referrals #PersonalBranding

Most people on LinkedIn are posting too much — and connecting too little. You don’t need to chase attention. You need to build real relationships. Here’s how to use LinkedIn properly as an NDIS provider: 1. Treat it like a café, not a market. Post something real. Then engage in the comments. Message people thoughtfully. Start real conversations. 2. Make your profile interesting, not impressive. People don’t care about your title. They care about who you help and why. A selfie with a caption often builds more trust than a polished brochure. 3. Share your story. Why did you start in NDIS? What keeps you going on hard days? This creates a connection. It’s how people remember you. 4. Post often—but not randomly. 5. Value > volume. Short, helpful, honest posts beat long self-promotion. Example: Share a challenge your team solved last week. No names, just the situation and how you helped. 6. Comment daily. Don’t scroll and like—join the conversation. Leave 5 thoughtful comments a day. This gives you more visibility than 5 of your own posts. 7. Use video and voice messages. Too many “connections” are strangers. Send a 30-second video or voice note to someone you appreciate. That’s how trust starts. 8. Use your team. If your support workers have a LinkedIn profile, help them update it. If they don’t, offer to help them create one. Engage as a team. Human connection scales fast that way. 9. Follow key people. Tag them. Comment on their work. Learn from their posts. Relationships aren’t built in silence. You have to show up for others first. 10. Every referral starts with a relationship. So ask yourself: Would someone want to collaborate with the real version of me they see on LinkedIn? Because if the answer isn’t yes, you’re not using LinkedIn properly yet. What’s one small shift you can make this week?

Earlier this week, I shared an AI-powered role play I developed with LinkedIn to help job seekers prepare for one of the trickiest interview questions: “What salary are you looking for?” Today, I’m excited to introduce another scenario that many people find just as intimidating: reaching out for—and leading—an informational interview. I'm a huge proponent of informational interviews, done well. These conversations can open doors, give you 'insider scoop,' and expand your network in powerful ways. But asking someone for their time? Knowing what to say? That’s not always easy. That’s why I created this new LinkedIn Learning AI role play: 🎯 Conduct an Impactful Informational Interview In this interactive exercise, you’ll practice how to: • Craft a concise, compelling outreach message • Guide the conversation with smart, curious questions • Keep the focus on learning—not asking for a job • Follow up in a way that builds real connection and momentum 🆓 Try it out (free!): https://lnkd.in/gGAgJDZX You can use text or voice—and get instant feedback to improve your delivery. 👍 Why I recommend it: If you’ve ever felt nervous about initiating a networking chat or unsure how to lead one with confidence, this tool offers a safe, practical way to build those skills—before it really counts. I’d love to hear what you think after trying it! #LinkedInLearning #AIRolePlay #LinkedInLearningInstructor #informationalinterviews

Your network is worthless when you actually need it. Unless you’ve cultivated it over the years. Everyone's talking about layoffs, job anxiety and career security. Your network is your lifeline. But not if you only think about it when you're in trouble. After 25 years of coaching executives through multiple economic downturns, I've seen the same pattern. The people who land on their feet aren't scrambling to build relationships when the writing's on the wall. They spent years building authentic connections when they didn't need anything. Most networking advice is superficial. Here's what actually works: 1️⃣ Proactively share others’ wins  When something goes well, highlight  the people who helped make it happen. Send their boss a note. Tag them in your success post. This single habit builds massive  goodwill. 2️⃣ Make introductions that surprise people Don't just connect people in your industry. The VP of sales who loves hiking needs to meet the operations manager who leads wilderness trips. Unexpected connections create value. 3️⃣ Remember what they actually care about Someone mentioned  their daughter's career  search six months ago. When you see a relevant article, send it. Stand out by remembering the human details. 4️⃣ Ask for their opinion on your challenges  "I'm thinking through this issue and could use your perspective" is a form of sincere flattery. People love sharing expertise. 5️⃣ Amplify their voice, not just their achievements Don't just comment on promotion posts. Share their insights. Quote their smart takes in your own content. Make  them a thought leader in your network. 6️⃣ Follow up on the hard stuff When someone mentions a difficult project or family situation remember to check in about it.  "How did that restructuring announcement land with your team?" “How’s your mom?” Real relationships aren't built when you need something. They're built over time with sincere interest in others’ success. It’s a good moment to check in with someone to see how they’re doing.

🏆 Want to land a job at your dream company? 🏆 Before you hit "apply," one of the smartest moves you can make is to connect with key decision-makers at the company. Building relationships before you submit your application gives you an edge over other candidates. Here are 4 steps to strategically connect with decision-makers before applying (with examples!): 1️⃣ Engage with Their Content Start by following and engaging with decision-makers’ posts. Like, comment, and share their content in a meaningful way. This gets your name in front of them and shows you’re genuinely interested in their insights and the company. 👉 Example: “Great post, [Name]! I really appreciated your insights on digital transformation in retail—this is an area I’ve been exploring, and your perspective on customer experience really resonated with me.” This is a simple, effective way to build familiarity and start the relationship. 2️⃣ Send a Personalized Connection Request Once you’ve engaged with their content a few times, send a personalized connection request. Mention something specific you’ve enjoyed about their work or a mutual interest to establish rapport. 👉 Example: “Hi [Name], I’ve been following your work at [Company] for a while now and found your recent post on [topic] insightful. I’d love to connect and learn more about your work in [industry/field].” This shows you’ve taken the time to know their work, which makes your request more likely to be accepted. 3️⃣ Request an Informational Interview Once you’ve connected and engaged a bit more, ask for an informational interview to learn about their journey and insights into the company. This shows initiative and interest without being too pushy about job openings. 👉 Example: “Hi [Name], I admire the work you’ve done at [Company], especially in [specific project]. I’m exploring opportunities in [field] and would love to hear more about your experience and any advice you have for someone looking to break into [company/industry]. Would you have 15 minutes for a quick virtual coffee?” This allows you to build a relationship while gathering valuable information for your future application. 4️⃣ Leverage the Relationship When You Apply Once you’ve built a connection, mention it in your cover letter or application to show you’ve done your homework and have a real interest in the company. 👉 Example: “Through my recent conversations with [Name], I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the innovative work your team is doing at [Company], and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills in [specific area] to help drive further success.” This demonstrates your proactive approach and sets your application apart from the rest. 💡 Remember: Relationships are key. By engaging with decision-makers before you apply, you’re not just another resume—you’re someone they know, respect, and trust. Have you tried reaching out to decision-makers before applying? Share your experiences below! 💬👇