Building Professional Relationships

🤦🏼♀️You don’t know what networking is. Sending a cold dm to a stranger on LinkedIn isn’t networking, it’s asking a stranger for help. It’s telling someone you need a job. And that’s fine and you need to do that but don’t get it twisted that is NOT networking. 🟢Networking is building relationships. 🟢Networking is getting to know other people. 🟢Networking is not about YOU. Here are some tips on how to network 1. Shift Your Mindset 🧠 Give first: Don’t just ask for favors; ask, "How can I support you?" or share helpful resources.   2. Be Selective 📈 Quality over quantity: One meaningful conversation is better than cold emailing 50 cards strangers. Personalized outreach: Never send a generic connection request. Add a note mentioning a shared interest, a recent article they wrote, or a mutual connection.   3.Long-term focus 📆 Networking is a marathon. Cultivate relationships before you actually need a job or a favor.     4. Be Ready 💃 Have your pitch down. Know your unique value proposition. Be memorable. 5. Leave the house 🚗💨 Go to in person industry events, conferences and happy hours. Play pickle ball. Go with your friend to their work event. Join a chamber of commerce. Make friends at a café. 6. Don’t be shy 🤝 How to break the ice: Approach people standing alone or in groups of three (they are easier to enter than pairs). Introduce yourself simply and ask open-ended questions like, "What brought you out here tonight?" or "What exciting projects are you working on?" 7 Follow Up 📱 The 48-hour rule: Always follow up within 48 hours of meeting, send a thank you note or a thank you. Better yet send an article or resource that connects back to the conversation you had. (Go back to step 1 be a resource) Mention something specific you discussed (e.g., "I loved hearing about your experience transitioning into tech") to jog their memory   8. Be active on social 👩🏼💻media: Share industry insights, comment on others' posts, and reach out to professionals for 15-minute informational interviews.   9- Nurture consistently 🎯 Check in occasionally with a quick text or email just to share a relevant article, say congratulations on a milestone, or see how they are doing   10- It’s not about YOU🤗Networking is about building a relationship that is mutually beneficial. GIVE VALUE. #howtonetwork #careeradvice #jobsearchtips #linkedin

Acquaintances don’t become advocates by accident. (Here’s how to make it happen on purpose:) Most professionals meet someone promising. Exchange cards. Maybe grab coffee. Then the relationship stalls. Not because the fit wasn't there. But because they didn't know what to do next. Strong client relationships follow a pattern. And top performers know exactly how to climb it. Here’s the 10-step ladder from acquaintance to advocate: 1. Start With Research → Check for recent hires, launches, or shifts → Skim their LinkedIn posts to spot what they’re proud of 2. Ask About Their Priority → Try “What's keeping you up at night?” → Listen for what they mention second 3. Follow Up With Value → Send one relevant case study within 48 hours → Explain briefly why you thought of them 4. Make a Strategic Introduction → Connect them to someone who solved their problem → Brief both parties before the intro 5. Share Relevant Experience → Pick a story where the solution wasn't obvious → End with the lesson, not the sale 6. Create a Quick Win → Offer a free audit that saves them time → Make it actionable immediately 7. Become a Thought Partner → Schedule monthly strategy conversations → Bring trends and ask their perspective 8. Expand the Network → Ask who else should join the conversation → Invite colleagues to build shared context 9. Deliver an Experience → Send a handwritten note with specific details → Reference something personal they shared 10. Ask for the Partnership → Frame your proposal around their goals → Be clear and ready to hear “not yet” Here’s the truth: Most professionals stop after the first follow-up. ❌ They wait. ❌ Wonder. ❌ Hope. Top performers, on the other hand, keep climbing. The Relationship Ladder isn’t complex. But it does require intention. So—what’s your next step? ♻️Valuable? Repost to help someone in your network. 📌Follow Mo Bunnell for client-growth strategies that don’t feel like selling. P.S. Are you an LMA member looking to grow your legal practice? On October 15, Legal Marketing Association (LMA) is hosting a free session: The Best BD Strategies That Aren't Common In Law (Yet). I’ll join a cross-industry panel to reveal proven BD strategies, and show how to spark growth inside your firm. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ewD7i8T8 

A follow-up to something I posted earlier… The most valuable person in your network probably has nothing to do with your industry. That sounds backwards. But here's what most people miss about networking: The connections that look "irrelevant" create the most exponential growth. The ones that seem "practical" just keep you moving in straight lines. I think about people in my life who have made a real difference, like Michael Roderick, a friend who used to be a Broadway producer and inspired me on my journey to start writing musical theater. As I write about in The Long Game, there are three types of networking most people never distinguish: Short-Term Networking: You connect because you need something now. It feels transactional because it is. People sense the agenda immediately. Long-Term Networking: You build relationships in your field over time. Smart professionals do this consistently. But it's the baseline, not the breakthrough. Infinite Horizon Networking: This is where exponential growth happens. You connect with people completely outside your sphere. Not because you need something. Because they spark curiosity. The astronaut who changes how you think about systems. The comedian who teaches you timing in presentations. The dog breeder who shows you patience in development. These connections seem impractical. They won't help you close a deal next quarter. But here's the paradox: When you stop optimizing for immediate relevance, you start accessing ideas no one else in your field has. You think differently. You solve problems differently. You become unforgettable in a sea of people with identical networks. Your greatest opportunities emerge from conversations you never expected to have. Networking isn't just a business tool. It's about becoming more curious. More creative. More human. When you connect out of genuine curiosity, you don't just build a network. You become someone worth knowing. It's the most rewarding investment you can make in your personal and professional life. Think about the people in your life who inspire you most - and ways you can begin to spend even more time with people outside your sphere.

#Networking is underrated but it single handedly helped me get my a) My First job, 2) My first client (and many more clients) and also our 3) Mentor, Ravi - amongst many other aspects of my personal and professional life #PowerOfNetworking cannot be underestimated. And its never about exchange business cards or linkedin handles - it's about building relationships, about learning and having a meaningful conversation in the few minutes that you get. First, select the right kind of #events to network a) Start with smaller #LocalMeetups and events b) Then select #IndustryConferences relevant to you. For eg, in Marketing there is Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), exchange4media, Social Samosa, Ad Clubs c) #ManagementAssociations have a mixed crowd but one can meet like-minded individuals there. Eg. Bombay Management Association, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Young Indians, The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) So how do you start the first conversation 1. #Reading - This may seem like it has nothing to do with Networking but it has everything to do with it. Often, being well read is a good segway to an opening conversation. Be it business news, industry trends or even reading non fiction books. I regularly read The Ken in combination with select publications that I track via Google Alerts 2. Craft a #PersonalIntroduction - First impressions matter. Having a concise, interesting, and relevant introduction can help others remember you. It should encapsulate who you are, what you do, and what value you bring 3. #JustDoIt - Quoting Nike's slogan here. Don't think about what will the other person think if you start talking to them. The worst that can happen is that they will keep the conversation short. So if you seen an opening where someone is alone, just say hello and introduce yourself. That's all it takes 4. Researching the #Speakers is another easy win. It allows you to have specific questions and conversations that you may want to have with them. Ofcourse, most attendees want to meet the speakers, so be patient 5. #Quality Over Quantity - While it's tempting to meet as many people as possible, quality always trumps quantity. I focus on having fewer, more meaningful conversations rather than trying to meet everyone in the room. That's how I met the Head of HR at Taj Hotels & eventually landed my first job 6. #OfferValue Before Expecting It - This could be in the form of an introduction, or sharing a relevant piece of content. When you help others, you build trust and goodwill, which often comes back in many forms. And this can happen over the years. 7. #FollowUp is equally important - The real magic of networking often happens after the event. Sending them a Linkedin connection request or an email or Whatsapp just helps keeps the conversation going. Commenting on their Linkedin posts can keep you on their radar too Over the years, I've had met some amazing individuals through networking. Wishing you the best with it!

Leading in Industry 4.0 isn't about walking ahead; it's about walking together. I want to go beyond just being a thought leader by fostering collaboration and building a community. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫? A person who is recognized as an authority in a specific field of expertise and highly influential in shaping the thinking of others. They are often sought out as speakers, consultants, and advisors because of their expertise and ability to inspire and guide others. They are viewed as being at the forefront of their field, and their ideas and perspectives can be influential in shaping the direction of their industry or discipline. A thought leader can be thought of as the combination of a 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭, an 𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭, and an 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫. 𝐌𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞:  My approach is about sharing knowledge, encouraging discussions, and bringing together diverse perspectives to drive innovation. 𝐌𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲: 𝟏. 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞: Regularly providing updates on the latest stats, trends, best practices, and insights in Industry 4.0. I believe in the power of informed decision-making. 𝟐. 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲: Actively responding to your messages and comments. Your thoughts and questions are the heartbeat of our community and deserve attention and respect. 𝟑. 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬: Working together on industry artifacts to not only share knowledge but to create it. Let's turn our collective expertise into tangible outcomes. 𝟒. 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬: Serving as an industry representative at various industry associations, academic groups, and research teams. It's about taking our voice to the places where it can make a significant impact. 𝟓. 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: Committing to not just speaking but also listening. Your experiences, challenges, and successes are what will drive us forward. Together, let's shape the future of Industry 4.0, making it more inclusive, innovative, and impactful!

Recently, I posted about 𝗹𝗮𝘄 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹-𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲, 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁-𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲. Readers asked: 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲? The answer is not the title or the job description. It is mastery and disciplined use of a skill set that doesn't come naturally for most lawyers: knowing and using the science of personal style and interpersonal communication. Consider what the research on human behavior shows: 1. Roughly 70% to 80% of the people you meet over your lifetime will think and behave differently than you do. Differences are the norm, not the exception. For example, owners, C-suite leaders, and CEOs tend to be Type A, strongly assertive communicators. If that is not your natural style, adapt to theirs – not the reverse. 2. Most people absorb information visually, but highly educated professionals – including most attorneys and buyers of legal services – lean auditory. So do both: discuss it live, then confirm in writing. 3. Every professional has both business and personal motives, values, and agendas. Effective relationship builders learn, adapt to, track, and respond to both. Why does this matter for new clients and revenue? Because every single person you meet 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 a referral source. Whether they ever do depends on how you make them feel – and whether you stay in touch. The best client-facing professionals – and the best rainmakers – do these things consistently: • Are sincerely curious and enjoy interacting with people. • Expect, accept, and are interested in differences in communication styles and avoid judging or dismissing them. • Are kind and establish rapport before anything else. No rapport, no trust. No trust, no credibility. No credibility, no engagement. • Are always thinking: "What can I do to be helpful or useful to you?" • Track whom they met, where, and what was discussed – then follow up and keep in touch appropriately over time. That last point is key: follow-up and follow-through is where the revenue is won or lost – along with the new clients and referrals. Firms investing in dedicated client relationship roles are buying this discipline at scale. If you'd like to enhance your communication skills and develop more business, save the attached infographic to apply these same techniques, one interaction at a time. #BusinessDevelopment #ClientDevelopment #LawFirms

"How do I get on your radar?" I get asked this a lot. And my answer disappoints people who want a shortcut: Show up consistently. Engage thoughtfully. Stop pitching nonstop. Here's the simple truth, and what I tell my team: When someone shows up consistently and engages in a smart way, you start to recognize them. That builds familiarity and trust way faster than repeated cold pitches. We're not looking for speakers who can sell the hardest. It's counterproductive. We're not looking for people who "just need a chance." We're not gatekeepers. We're looking for people we know, respect, and want to work with before they ever formally reach out. That means: • Following the bureaus and agents you want to work with • Engaging with their content in meaningful ways • Being visible without being relentless • Building relationships before you need them The speaking industry gets better when we stop guarding the gates and start explaining how they work. And the reality is we build organic relationships before they lead to something more formal. Isn't that really what you want? If you're building a speaking career for the long term, the path forward isn't louder. It's smarter, more human, and way more patient. National Speakers Association NY Chapter, National Speakers Association - Philadelphia Chapter, National Speakers Association #speakingindustry #thoughtleadership #businessdevelopment

🤝 Networking in Germany: It’s More Than Just Job Hunting! In a recent poll, you voted that, besides finding the right companies, your biggest challenge is networking. Here’s how you can expand your network and find hidden job opportunities: 🔹 1. Join Industry Events & Meetups ✅ Tech conferences (e.g., Bits & Pretzels, OMR, Web Summit) ✅ Startup events (e.g., Berlin Startup Night, Hamburg Startups) ✅ Meetup.com events in your industry (IT, finance, marketing, consulting) ✅ Local Chamber of Commerce or professional networking events 💡 Tip: Many companies hire through referrals, so even a casual conversation at an event could lead to an opportunity! 🔹 2. Use LinkedIn the Right Way LinkedIn is a place to build relationships. ✅ Follow professionals in your field and comment on their posts ✅ Send personalized connection requests ✅ Join LinkedIn groups relevant to your expertise ✅ Share your own knowledge (projects, industry insights, trends) 💡 Tip: Instead of writing, "Hi, can you help me find a job?", try: "Hi [Name], I see you're in [industry]. I’m new to Germany and would love to exchange insights. Let’s connect!" 🔹 3. Get Involved in Sports & Hobby Circles 🏀🎨🎸 Networking isn’t just professional—it’s also social! Some of the best connections happen in hobby groups and sports clubs. ✅ Join a local gym, running club, football team, yoga group ✅ Sign up for art classes, book clubs, language meetups ✅ Play in a band or music group ✅ Volunteer for local events & organizations 💡 Why? Germans value trust and long-term relationships. If people know you personally, they’re more likely to help you professionally. 🇩🇪 Bonus: You can also practice your German while meeting people. Even basic German can help you integrate, build trust, and access more job opportunities. 🔹 4. Use the “Coffee Chat” Strategy ☕ Many people land jobs through casual conversations. ✅ Reach out to professionals in your industry ✅ Invite them for a 15-20 minute virtual coffee chat ✅ Ask about their career path, industry trends, and advice ✅ Focus on learning & relationship-building, not just job searching 💡 Tip: People remember genuine conversations. If they hear of a job opening, they might think of you first! 🔹 5. Explore Online Communities & Hidden Job Markets Many job leads come from WhatsApp, Slack, or Facebook groups. 🔹 Slack communities: Berlin Tech Workers, Startup Jobs Germany 🔹 Facebook groups: “English Jobs in Germany” / “Expats in [city]” 🔹 Internations.org: Great for meeting professionals in Germany 💡 Tip: Actively engage in discussions. The more visible you are, the more opportunities will come your way! 🌍 Final Thought: Networking is not just about job hunting—it’s about integrating, building trust, and forming connections. When you participate in events, hobbies, and professional communities, you naturally expand your opportunities. #Networking #JobSearch #Germany #CareerTips #ExpatLife #LinkedInNetworking #Integration

After years of conducting audits across various organizations, I've learned that sometimes the most challenging part isn't reviewing the documentation—it's managing difficult auditees. Here's what I've found works: Start with empathy: Remember that audits can feel threatening. Your auditee might be defensive because they're worried about their work being criticized. Acknowledge their expertise and make it clear you're there to help improve processes, not to find fault. Set clear expectations early: Explain your process, timeline, and exactly what you need. When people understand the 'why' behind your requests, they're more likely to cooperate. I always start with: "Here's what success looks like for both of us..." Document everything professionally: A difficult auditee might challenge your findings later. Keep detailed notes of all interactions and evidence requests. But avoid using confrontational language in your documentation—stay objective and fact-based. Build informal relationships: I've found that grabbing a coffee with the auditee before diving into work can transform the entire dynamic. The walls come down when they see you as a person, not just an auditor. Use the "feedback sandwich" technique: When discussing findings, start with something positive, address the issues, and then end with constructive suggestions. It helps maintain a collaborative atmosphere even during tough conversations. Remember: The goal isn't to win an argument—it's to help the organization improve. Sometimes the most resistant auditees become your biggest allies once they understand you're on their side. What strategies have you found effective in handling challenging audit situations? Share your experiences below! 👇 PS: Below pic is just for LinkedIn algorithm and not at all related to this post, don't consider it as a tip :D #InternalAudit #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #IA #AuditBestPractices #CorporateGovernance