How To Network with Highly Influential and Successful People!

Summary

This video focuses on networking strategies for young individuals, particularly from smaller cities. It highlights the importance of Twitter as a powerful tool for business networking, emphasizing engagement through comments and DM follow-ups. The speaker advises starting with peers rather than mentors, building meaningful connections through Zoom calls, thoughtful gifts, and attending conferences. The video also explores the value of adding contributions to online communities like Discord and Reddit. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of offering value to others in exchange for their time and insights, using warm introductions rather than cold DMs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Networking is crucial for both personal and professional growth, especially as you transition from youth to adulthood.
• 📱 Twitter is highlighted as an effective platform for networking, where engaging with industry leaders can lead to valuable connections.
• 🔗 Building a network starts with creating connections with peers who are at a similar stage in their career or slightly ahead.
• 🎁 Sending thoughtful gifts can help solidify relationships and ensure that you are remembered by your connections.
• 📞 Suggesting a Zoom call is a strategic move to deepen connections and exchange ideas beyond just social media interactions.
• 🏢 Attending conferences can be a gateway to meeting industry peers and potential mentors, with the added benefit of future job opportunities.
• 💼 Confidence is key when networking, even for introverts. It's important to approach networking with an intentional mindset.
• 🔍 Adding value in online communities can lead to recognition and a 'tag' that distinguishes you from others, making you more noticeable.
• 💡 Offering free advice or assistance to companies or founders can get you noticed and remembered, potentially leading to future opportunities.
• 🚫 Avoid reaching out to ultra-busy individuals first; instead, start with peers or those slightly ahead in their career.
• ✉️ Leverage warm intros from existing connections to increase the likelihood of getting a response from new contacts.

Q & A

What is the most effective tool for networking in the business world according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests that Twitter is currently the best networking tool, especially for business, as it allows for following and interacting with the right people.

How does the speaker recommend engaging with influential people on Twitter?

The speaker advises engaging by commenting on their posts with simple phrases like 'great post' or 'wow', and reminding them to check their DMs if you've sent them a message.

What is the strategy for solidifying a relationship with someone you've networked with on Twitter?

The strategy involves asking for a Zoom call to exchange notes, which is a more personal and engaging way to solidify the relationship.

Why is it important to create a network with peers rather than mentors when you're just starting out?

The speaker emphasizes creating a network with peers because mentors are more likely to engage with you once you've demonstrated some level of success or initiative on your own.

What is a thoughtful yet inexpensive way to remind someone of your interaction after a Zoom call?

Sending a small gift, such as a card or chocolates, with your logo or name on it is suggested as a thoughtful way to be remembered without spending a lot of money.

How can attending conferences help in networking for someone in a tier 2 or tier 3 city?

Conferences provide an opportunity to network with peers and potentially more advanced individuals in the industry, and can lead to future job opportunities.

What role does confidence play in networking at conferences?

Confidence is crucial as it allows individuals to approach and engage with others, even if they are introverted, and can lead to meaningful connections.

Why is adding value in online communities an effective networking strategy?

Adding value in communities like Reddit or Discord can lead to recognition and a 'tag', which differentiates you and can lead to job opportunities or other benefits.

What is the advantage of reaching out to companies and offering suggestions or feedback?

Reaching out with suggestions or feedback can get your name remembered, even if you don't receive an immediate response, and shows initiative and value.

Why is it not advisable to network with ultra-busy people like CEOs or founders right away?

Networking with ultra-busy people can be discouraging as they are less likely to respond, and it's more effective to start with peers or those slightly ahead in your industry.

How does the speaker describe the importance of adding value when networking?

The speaker stresses that networking is not just about reaching out but about providing value to the other person, whether it's through market intelligence, specific expertise, or offering your skills.