Leadership Networking Strategies

In the U.S., you can grab coffee with a CEO in two weeks. In Europe, it might take two years to get that meeting. I ’ve spent years building relationships across both U.S. and European markets, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: networking looks completely different depending on where you are. The way people connect, build trust, and create opportunities is shaped by culture-and if you don’t adapt your approach, you’ll hit walls fast. So, if you're an executive expanding globally, a leader hiring across regions, or a professional trying to break into a new market-this post is for you. The U.S.: Fast, Open, and High-Volume Americans love to network. Connections are made quickly, introductions flow freely, and saying "let's grab coffee" isn’t just polite—it’s expected. - Cold outreach is normal—you can message a top executive on LinkedIn, and they just might say yes. - Speed matters. Business moves fast, so meetings, interviews, and hiring decisions happen quickly. But here’s the catch: Just because you had a great chat doesn’t mean you’ve built a deep relationship. Trust takes follow-ups, consistency, and results. I’ve seen European executives struggle with this—mistaking initial enthusiasm for long-term commitment. In the U.S., networking is about momentum—you have to keep showing up, adding value, and staying top of mind. In Europe, networking is a long game. If you don’t have an introduction, it’s much harder to get in the door. - Warm introductions matter. Cold outreach? Much tougher. Senior leaders prefer to meet through trusted referrals—someone who can vouch for you. - Fewer, deeper relationships. Once trust is built, it’s strong and lasting—but it takes time to get there. - Decisions take longer. Whether it’s hiring, partnerships, or leadership moves, things don’t happen overnight—expect a longer courtship period. I’ve seen U.S. executives enter the European market and get frustrated fast—wondering why it’s taking months (or years!) to break into leadership circles. But that’s how the market works. The key to winning in Europe? Patience, credibility, and long-term thinking. So, What Does This Mean for Global Leaders? If you’re an American executive expanding into Europe… 📌 Be patient. One meeting won’t seal the deal—you have to earn trust over time. 📌 Get introductions. A warm referral is worth more than 100 cold emails. 📌 Don’t push too hard. European business culture favors depth over speed—respect the process. If you’re a European leader entering the U.S. market… 📌 Don’t wait for permission—reach out. People expect direct outreach and initiative. 📌 Follow up fast. If you’re slow to respond, the opportunity moves on without you. 📌 Be ready to show value quickly. Americans won’t wait months to see if you’re a fit. Networking isn’t just about who you know—it’s about how you build relationships. #Networking #Leadership #ExecutiveSearch #CareerGrowth #GlobalBusiness #US #Europe

It's taken me 5 years to understand that networking isn't about:  - How many hours you put in  - The number of people you meet  - How often you meet them It's about 1 thing:  - impact We can understand this with a simple Impact Formula: Results = people + process (R=P+P) Use these 5 steps to master the formula and 2x your networking impact: 1) Know that networking is a numbers game - There is a limit to the number of relationships we can actively maintain - around 150. This means networking should focus on quality over quantity. - Relationships differ in strength - our inner circles of 5, 15, 50 and 150 represent tiers of closeness. The key is nurturing the deeper connections within our capacity. - With limited relationship slots, we must be selective and strategic in choosing who to include in our network. 2) Learn the value of weak ties:   - Weak ties refer to acquaintances in our outer 150 circle. - They hold valuable new information since they travel in different social circles. - Connecting with weak ties provides access to fresh opportunities and perspectives. 3) Understand the value of dormant relationships: - Our network circles evolve over time as some relationships become dormant. - Dormant relationships still hold established trust and rapport we can revive. - It's easier to rekindle a lapsed relationship than build a new one from scratch. - Reviving past dormant ties is an efficient networking strategy. 4) Ask open ended questions: - Avoid briefly meeting tons of people - focus on quality conversations. - Open-ended questions engage people better than basic ones like "What do you do?". - Ask contextual questions tied to the event to get a natural conversation flow. 5) Actually follow up: - Following up is key to building new relationships from events. - Continue the connection through your communication strengths - coffee, sharing articles, etc. - Consistent nurturing turns one-off meetings into deeper relationships over time. - Don't let conversations go dormant - proactively follow up after you meet someone new. What else would you add? #networking #personalbranding

How can we bridge the gap between cultures in Japan? I saw two worlds in one room. In one corner, Japanese groups gathered neatly, exchanging business cards. On the other, the international crowd was jumping into conversations, laughing, and sharing ideas. This dynamic wasn’t new to me. I’ve had chats with Japanese friends and colleagues who feel awkward about networking—whether it’s at events or just in everyday work situations. It made me wonder: Why does networking feel so different in Japan? It’s more than just personal preference. It’s a mix of cultural norms, history, and workplace traditions all playing a role. ↪︎ The lifetime employment mindset For decades, Japan’s career path followed one simple rule: Stick with one company, and they’ll take care of you for life. Networking outside your company? It was sometimes seen as disloyal. Even today, that mindset still feels familiar to many of us. Growing up, I often heard: “If you stay loyal, the company will take care of you.” That safety net isn’t guaranteed anymore. Yet, the hesitation to network is still there. ↪︎ Risk aversion & the need for structure (Nemawashi) “I’ll go if someone I know is going—it feels safer.” That line explains why approaching strangers feels unnatural for many Japanese people. It’s tied to nemawashi (根回し)—the quiet, behind-the-scenes consensus-building that happens before anything official. Like rehearsing before a show, everyone knows their role before the event even starts. Spontaneous networking? That’s pure improv. Without introductions or structure, it feels risky. That’s why business cards (meishi) aren’t just contact details—they’re a safety net providing context and reassurance. ↪︎ Social bonding happens elsewhere In Japan, the strongest connections aren’t made at networking events. They’re built over drinks at nomikai (after-work parties) or company outings like hanami (cherry blossom viewing). These settings offer structure—clear roles, established hierarchy, and a comfortable atmosphere. But when networking feels like a free-for-all, with no introductions or shared context, hesitation comes naturally. ▶︎ How can we make networking events more inclusive? Semi-structured activities with clear guidance, bilingual facilitators, and low-pressure settings can make networking feel less intimidating and way more genuine. I explored this more in the full article—would love to hear your thoughts: https://lnkd.in/g6NcfgXd P.S. Ever thought about the power of weak ties? The people who aren’t in your immediate circle—an old colleague, a LinkedIn contact, or someone you met once at an event. They’re the ones who open doors to new ideas and perspectives you’d never find on your own. I’m grateful for everyone who made me see that. And for the deeper connections I’ve been lucky enough to build along the way. What’s helped you navigate networking across cultures?

Most working professionals don't know how to make the most of industry events. This is the season of Industry events in India with conversations happening across all major cities. As a professional it’s quite likely you would be attending at least a few of them. But the question is – Are you making the most of them? Here’s some guidance to help you do exactly that. 1.      Plan your sched around the conference agenda – All conferences usually display the agenda in advance. You are not likely to be able to attend all especially if there are some concurrent sessions. Keeping your interests and objectives in mind, make sure you know in advance which sessions you are going to attend. 2.      Create a target list of people you want to meet in advance – Whether your objective is networking or business development, make sure you have a Top Target list ready in advance. Since you are also likely to run into friends and ex-colleagues, this way you will not get distracted. 3.      Meet relevant people at the right time – For example, better to meet a speaker after his/her session is over. Pro Tip – Mention an idea or thought the speaker shared – your compliment becomes more credible, and the speaker will connect better with you. For catch up with friends, the lunch time is a great option. 4.      Scout the partner stalls smartly – Most conferences have sponsor partners showcasing their products. Do block some time to move around and pick up brochures, etc. Once you get back to work, you can go through the same and initiate conversations with those that you want to take a deeper look at. 5.      Share your learnings with others who were not able to attend – Not everyone can get out for an entire day or more to attend these valuable conferences. They really would love to know what interesting information was shared. You could help your community by creating a post on Linkedin listing your top learnings. At the recent ETHRWorld #futureskills conference, I had a chance to do all of this and meet up with some cherished HR fraternity colleagues. Anything else that one should keep in mind while attending such industry meet ups? Would love to know your thoughts. Do share in the comments. #networking #growthhacks #careers #collaboration

I've had the opportunity to work in three different countries with colleagues from all over the world.🗺 In my experience, I have found that following these tips has helped me build strong relationships with colleagues from different backgrounds. These relationships have been essential for my success in diverse work environments. 🍁Be respectful of different cultures and perspectives. Be mindful of your colleagues' cultural norms and values. Avoid making assumptions or judgments. It's important to remember that not everyone comes from the same background as you, and that's okay! Create a positive and supportive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. 🍁Be a good listener and listen to what your colleagues have to say, even if their ideas are different from your own. Be willing to learn from others. Not everyone will agree on everything. Be willing to find common ground and compromise. The important thing is to be willing to listen to each other's perspectives and find solutions that work for everyone. What are your tips for building effective relationships in diverse workplaces?

🚀 Excited to share insights from my recent conversation with Cultivated Culture's Austin Belcak from LinkedIn's Career Talks! We dive deep in the latest edition of #GetHired to discuss the art of networking and how it can significantly impact your career trajectory. Here's what you'll learn: ⏳ Think Long-Term: #Networking isn't about immediate gains; it's about building relationships over time. 🏦 The Bank Account Model: Treat each connection like a bank account where you make deposits (interactions) before making withdrawals (asks). ♥️ Genuine Interactions: Engage authentically with your connections, whether online or in person. ♾️ Continuous Engagement: Keep checking in with your network to maintain active relationships. 🫴 Give More Than You Take: Always look for ways to contribute to your connections, enhancing the strength of your network. 🔗 Dive deeper into these insights and learn how else you can maximize your networking efforts for #career and #jobsearch success at the link below.

Just because important people in the organization like you and are friendly towards you … doesn’t mean that you have a great network. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗞𝗟𝗧 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿? 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.  An effective network is one in which key decision-makers (those who influence promotions) know, like, and trust (KLT) your work. 𝗦𝗼 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲? 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝟱 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁: ↳  You’re connected to key influencers: Do you have 5-8 senior leaders who can impact your career on your radar? These are the people you need to focus on. ↳  Regular touchpoints with decision-makers: Are you intentionally connecting with these leaders? Regular interaction is key to building trust and staying visible. ↳  Your work is well-known: Do the people who matter know what you’ve accomplished? If your achievements aren’t on their radar, you need to fix that. ↳  You’re involved in high-visibility projects: Are you getting the right assignments that showcase your skills? Being in the loop on critical projects can make all the difference. ↳  You receive feedback and advice from influential leaders: Do senior leaders share feedback, guidance, or career advice with you? If so, it's a sign they are invested in your growth. An effective network is about strategically positioning yourself for success. I wish you a great week ahead!

One critical relationship I’ve been exploring is the connection between social capital and career development. Social capital is vital because much of our learning and growth depends on the support, guidance, and opportunities provided by others. The extent to which you have—and can leverage—social capital directly impacts your ability to gain the experiences, exposure, and expertise necessary for career progression. As a leader, how can you help your employees build social capital to excel in their roles and advance their careers? Here are a few actionable areas to focus on: ✅ Relationships: Ensure your employees build connections with key stakeholders or influential leaders essential to their success. ✅ Opportunities: Advocate for them to gain access to meaningful projects or roles where they can showcase their skills and grow. ✅ Exposure: Act as their "megaphone," amplifying their great work so it gets the recognition it deserves. ✅ Resources: Provide the tools, budget, or approvals they need to perform at their best. ✅ Credibility: Support new or less-experienced employees by vouching for them, helping them earn trust and acceptance from others. By focusing on these areas, you can help unlock opportunities and unleash your employees' full potential. What other strategies have you found effective in building social capital? #leadership #managers #socialcapital

In 2024, the Paddle team hosted or attended 95 (🤯) events. And there are just 2 people in our field marketing team (massive props to Leigh Anne for leading this!). We learned that SMALL gatherings drive the best conversations and most pipeline. Even at the big conferences, it’s when you get into small conversations that magic happens. As my good friend Munya Hoto (MSc) says (probably quoting Andy Stanley), “Life happens in circles, not rows.” People don’t connect or change their minds from sitting in a big crowd (rows). But they certainly do when 'doing life' with peers over dinner or drinks (circles). When I joined, I didn’t know if events would be a big lever of growth for Paddle. But, we treated it as an experiment and gave it a shot. And very quickly I saw first-hand how valuable they were for us. I can remember the first time I had dinner with a prospect and a customer, and found myself just being silent, as the customer told the prospect about the huge value Paddle had driven. As we began doubling down on events, we’ve learned that small, focused events and dinners create the most value for us. So even at big conferences, we try and find those rooms. Mainly for these 3 reasons: 1. We start to stand out We want to be the most helpful brand in our market. Others will attend the biggest industry events, but you won’t see them go out of their way to be present in the SaaS community. Being in-person can allow you to be truly helpful. Attending 2 events every week all over the world is hard. But hard is good - because not everyone does it. And we start to stand out by helping, not by pitching. We know that if we help enough other people achieve their dreams, then as a result, we will achieve ours too. 2. It’s a better conversation Smaller events allow us to have better conversations. Being face to face with someone across a dinner table and getting to know them is so much better at building trust and relationships than pitching your product during a big keynote. Paddle also has quite a complicated value proposition (a merchant of record that manages your payments, tax and compliance needs, so you can focus on growth), and although we need to constantly refine this to a simple explainer, communicating conversationally works better than a big strapline on a booth. 3. Truly supporting sales The more aligned we are with sales, the more events we can do well. So, instead of the marketing team preaching its calendar of activities and persuading sales to get involved, we take a different approach. If sales is working on a deal with prospects in Zagreb, we say ‘Great, we can be in Zagreb. Can you invite 10 people?’. Suddenly, everyone is sharing the load and there's a combined purpose. Kimberly and Glyn have been great partners in this. These intimate, ad hoc events lead to the best conversations and most closed deals. ------ Brands are built one good conversation at a time. Do whatever it takes to make those happen.

The ultimate guide to creating transformational workshop experiences (Even if you're not a natural facilitator) Ever had that gut-punch moment after a workshop where you just know it didn’t land? I’ve been there. Back then, I thought great workshops were all about cramming in as much content as possible. You know what I mean: - Slides with inspirational quotes. - The theory behind the frameworks. - More activities than a summer camp schedule… Subconsciously I believed that: The more I shared, the more people would see me as an expert. The more I shared, the more valuable the workshop. And participants would surely walk away transformed. Spoiler: they didn’t. They were hit-and-miss. But then on a leadership retreat in 2016, I stumbled onto something that changed everything. Something so obvious it's almost easy to miss. But when you intentionally use them, it took my workshops from "meh" to "mind-blowing": Three simple principles: 1️⃣ Context-based Learning People don't show up as blank slates. They bring their own experiences, challenges, and goals. When I started anchoring my content in their reality, things clicked. Suddenly, what I was sharing felt relevant and useful — like I was talking with them instead of at them. 2️⃣ Experiential Learning Turns out, people don’t learn by being told. They learn by doing (duh). When I shifted to creating experiences, the room came alive. And participants actually remembered what they’d learned. Experiences like roleplays, discussions, real-world scenarios, the odd game... 3️⃣ Evocative Facilitation This one was a game-changer. The best workshops aren’t just informative — they’re emotional. The experiences we run spark thoughts and reactions. And it's our job to ask powerful questions to invite reflection. Guiding participants to their own "aha!" moments to use in the real world. (yup, workshops aren't the real world) ... When I started being intentional with these three principles, something clicked. Participants started coming up to me after sessions, saying things like: "That’s exactly what I needed." "I feel like you were speaking directly to me." "I’ve never felt so seen in a workshop before." And best of all? Those workshops led to repeat bookings, referrals, and clients who couldn’t wait to work with me again. Is this the missing piece to your expertise? - If so, design experiences around context. •Facilitate experiences that evoke reactions •Unpack reactions to land the learning ♻️ Share if you found this useful ✍️ Do you use any principles to design your workshops?