Building a Professional Network in Science

Here’s a secret to help you supercharge your networking. Stop trying to hit home runs with every touch point. Instead, focus on small wins that move the conversation forward. I see so many people making big / vague asks up front: “Can you hop on a 30 minute call?” “Tell me how you accomplished [Big Thing].” These people are super busy and they’re receiving this email from you - a total stranger. The last thing they want is another item on their to do list. Instead, start with a small, simple ask that they can reply to in <30 seconds. Here’s a formula that's been really effective for me: “Hey [Name], your experience in [Industry] is really impressive. I know you're busy, but I just had to ask: If you had to start over and work your way back to [Insert Achievement], would you do A or B? A: [Insert Actionable Thing] B: [Insert Other Actionable Thing]” This formula makes is incredibly easy for them to say "I'd do A" or "I'd do B." Now the door is open! Go do thing A or thing B, get results, and report back. Let this person know you took their advice and then ask for more. This positions you as someone who values their advice and has an action bias -- someone worth investing in. That's going to lead to deeper conversations and stronger relationships!

In my early career, I thought networking was all about building as many connections as possible. But I quickly learned that effective networking isn't about the quantity of your connections—it's about the quality. Throughout my career, the connections that have truly made a difference weren’t the ones where I just asked for help—they were the ones where I made it easy for others to want to help me. If you want to make others genuinely want to help you, it’s crucial to move beyond simply asking for favors. Instead, focus on creating value and building relationships where both parties benefit. So, how can you do the same? Here are four tactical tips to help you network effectively: ✅ Do Your Homework Before reaching out, research the person or company you’re interested in. Understand their work, challenges, and how you can add value. For instance, instead of asking a connection for job leads, do your own research first. Identify specific roles and companies you’re targeting, and then ask if they can help with an introduction. This approach shows initiative and respect for their time. ✅ Be Specific in Your Ask Whether you’re asking for an introduction, advice, or a referral, be clear and concise about what you need. For example, instead of asking, “Do you know anyone hiring?” say, “I noticed [Company Name] is looking for a [Role]. Would you be open to introducing me to [Person]? I’m happy to send you my resume and a brief write-up you can pass along, too.” This shows that you’ve taken the initiative and makes it easier for your contact to say yes. ✅ Offer Mutual Value When requesting a meeting or advice, frame it as a two-way conversation. Instead of saying, “Can I pick your brain?” try something like, “I’d love to exchange ideas on [specific topic] and share some strategies that have worked for me.” This not only makes your request more compelling but also positions you as someone who brings value to the table. ✅ Follow Up with Gratitude After someone has helped you, don’t just say thank you and disappear. Keep them in the loop on how their help made an impact. Whether you got the job, secured the meeting, or just had a great conversation, let them know. This closes the loop and makes them more inclined to help you in the future. Your network is one of your greatest assets—nurture it well, and it will be there for you when you need it most. What’s one networking tip that’s helped you build stronger connections? *** 📧 Want more tips like these? Join Career Bites - free weekly bite-sized tips to supercharge your career in 3 minutes or less: lorraineklee.com/subscribe 📖 You can also get behind-the-scenes stories, updates, and special gifts for my upcoming book Unforgettable Presence: lorraineklee.com/book

Every opportunity that changed my life came from a relationship (not a resume). 6 tips to build a network that actually works for you: 1/ Check In Without Needing Anything ↳ Send "how are you?" texts more often than "can you help me?" emails. ↳ People forget what you said, but they remember that you stayed in touch. 2/ Give Before You Get ↳ The best networkers give help more often than they ask for it. ↳ Share opportunities, make introductions, send useful articles. 3/ Start Building Today ↳ The worst time to build relationships is when you desperately need them. ↳ Your next job won't come from a blind job app. It'll come from someone you know. 4/ Make It Personal ↳ Remember birthdays, kids' names, their big wins. ↳ One genuine conversation beats 100 business cards. 5/ Stay Consistent ↳ Set reminders to reach out quarterly. ↳ Small efforts compound into strong connections. 6/ Be The Connector ↳ Introduce people who should know each other. ↳ Become known as someone who helps others win. The net worth of your network compounds faster than your 401(k). Every promotion, every opportunity, every breakthrough... They all started with a relationship. Your dream job is one conversation away. But that conversation only happens if you've been nurturing relationships all along. Start today. Text someone you haven't talked to in months. Not because you need something. Just because relationships are your most valuable career asset. What's your favorite way to network? Reshare ♻️ to help someone in your network. And give me a follow for more posts like this.

Here is how I got an 80% Success Rate in Cold Reach-Outs (even as a student) 1. Quality over Quantity Don’t mass message. Focus on high-potential connections and personalize each message. 💡 Example: “Hi [Name], I saw your talk on [topic] and it really aligns with my work on [project].” 2. Get to the Point Fast Introduce yourself and state why you’re reaching out in the first two sentences. 💡 Example: “I’m [Your Name], working on [specific project]. I’d love to chat about [shared interest].” 3. Choose the Right Platform Some respond best to LinkedIn, others to email, X, or their website’s contact form. Find the right way to reach them. 4. Be Specific About Your Ask Clearly state what you’re asking for- advice, a call, collaboration, etc. 💡 Example: “I’d love a quick 15-minute call to discuss [topic].” 5. Showcase Credibility Include a link to your GitHub, blog, or research to build trust. 💡 Example: “Here’s my recent work on [topic]: [link].” 6. Follow Up (Respectfully) If they don’t respond, send polite follow-ups 2-3 times with a week between messages. Persistence works, but don’t spam. 7. Respect Their Time Keep your message short and to the point. Show you respect their busy schedule. 💡 Example: “I know you’re busy—just a quick 15-minute call would be great!” Try these tips to level up your cold outreach! 🚀 #NetworkingTips #AICommunity #GrowthHacks

Build connections when you don’t need them, so they’re there when you do. Networking is a long‑term investment. You never know what can happen tomorrow, whether it’s a new opportunity, an unexpected challenge, or a career pivot. By cultivating relationships early, you turn strangers into allies and potential into possibility. My pro‑tip? Develop your personal value proposition. 
- List your top 3–5 strengths and concrete examples of how you’ve helped others 
- Turn each into an “I help…” statement (for example, “I help marketing teams drive engagement through data‑driven storytelling”) 
- Use these statements to guide every outreach, ensuring you’re always offering value, not just asking for favors Then start from what you know. 1. Choose 5–10 people from your alumni network, former classmates, or close colleagues 2. Send a genuine note, share an article they might find helpful, congratulate them on a recent win, or simply ask how you can support them 3. No agenda. Just curiosity and a willingness to help Next, venture into the unknown. 1. Identify people at companies you admire or in roles you aspire to 2. Do your homework: reference a recent project, article, or speaking engagement 3. Reach out with a clear, value‑first message: “I enjoyed your piece on X; as someone looking to Y, I’d love to learn how you approached Z.” And keep the momentum going. 
- Schedule quarterly reminders to check in, share insights, celebrate milestones, or ask a thoughtful question 
- Track key dates (promotions, product launches, anniversaries) so your messages feel timely Your network matters. When you need advice, an introduction, or anything really, you’ll already have authentic connections. And at the end of the day, already built connections where you can leverage the relationships > dry unknowns ‘Hey, I need help’ messages. #StephSynergy

Build relationships and not a network. "Networking" is cringeworthy for many, especially those who feel it is selfish, wrong, or uncomfortable. The good news is that nobody wants to be at the receiving end of your networking efforts too. If you are trying the same old networking tips that promise to boost your connections but leave you feeling more disconnected than ever, that is because networking is killing relationship building. Stop networking and build genuine relationships. You can do that by thinking about a few things. ➡️ Be genuinely curious - Be interested in learning more about the other person in the conversation. ➡️ Find commonalities - Find common topics like books, kids, dogs, and food but remember that while discussing such common topics can be a good icebreaker, relying solely on these surface-level interests can hinder deeper connections. Dig a little deeper into shared passions or experiences to foster a more meaningful bond. ➡️ Relationships over transactions - Don't treat networking as a transaction. Look for ways to help others genuinely without expecting an immediate return or any return. Building a network based on mutual support and generosity fosters authentic connections that go beyond mere self-interest. ➡️ Notes of gratitude vs. genuine appreciation - Sending notes of gratitude can be powerful, but they lose their impact if they become a routine gesture. Instead, express genuine appreciation when someone has truly made a difference. Personalized and heartfelt acknowledgments go a long way in building lasting connections. ➡️ Public networks vs. personal connections - Investing in public networks can widen your reach, but don't neglect the importance of personal connections. Balancing both public and private networks ensures a well-rounded and authentic approach to relationship building. Remember fostering genuine relationships is important. By avoiding the common pitfalls of networking and focusing on authentic connections, you will be building a network that truly matters.

My work is done here… 🙄 What are the best ways to engage with recruiters and industry leaders on LinkedIn to build strong career connections? Engaging effectively with recruiters and industry leaders on LinkedIn can open doors to job opportunities, mentorships, and long-term professional relationships. Here are some of the best strategies: 1. Optimize Your Profile First Before reaching out: • Professional photo and compelling headline (beyond just your job title) • Well-written summary showcasing your strengths and goals • Highlight key skills, achievements, and experience • Get endorsements and recommendations ⸻ 2. Engage with Their Content • Like, comment, or share their posts meaningfully • Ask insightful questions or add value to discussions • This gets you noticed before you even reach out directly ⸻ 3. Send a Personalized Connection Request Keep it brief and specific: “Hi [Name], I admire your work in [industry/topic] and would love to connect to learn more about your insights in [shared interest or goal].” ⸻ 4. Follow Up with a Message Once connected, send a message like: “Thanks for connecting! I’ve been following your work on [topic]—really impressed. I’m exploring opportunities in [area], and would love any advice you might have.” Make it clear you value their expertise—not just trying to get a job. ⸻ 5. Add Value Before Asking • Share articles, insights, or reports they might find useful • Tag them (respectfully) in relevant posts if it fits organically ⸻ 6. Join and Participate in Industry Groups Engage in LinkedIn Groups where recruiters and leaders hang out. This shows your interest and gives more opportunities to connect meaningfully. ⸻ 7. Post Thoughtfully • Share your own content—insights, learnings, project highlights • It helps position you as someone active and engaged in your field ⸻ 8. Be Consistent, Not Pushy • Don’t bombard them with messages • Follow up after a week or two if appropriate • Be patient and persistent, not aggressive ⸻ Would you like help drafting a custom message for a recruiter or leader in your field?

Most people tell you to network, but they don’t teach you how. Here’s what you can do: 🔹 Quality Over Quantity: Before attending, study the event's attendee list and identify 2-3 people you want to meet. This focused approach can lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations. I’ve recently done this myself at a TED event. 🔹 Adopt a Giving Mindset: Offer to share your expertise or resources. For example, if someone is working on a project you have experience with, volunteer to provide insights or introduce them to someone who can help. This shows you're invested in their success. 🔹 Research Smartly: Look into their recent projects or publications. If your contact has recently published a paper or given a talk, read it and mention specific points you found intriguing or valuable. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart. 🔹 Make the First Move: Send a message acknowledging a challenge they mentioned in a public forum or LinkedIn comment. For example: "Hi [Name], I saw your post about the challenges of remote team management. I've faced similar issues and found that regular virtual coffee breaks helped. Would love to share more if you're interested. Best, [Your Name]" 🔹 Build a Habit: Set a weekly reminder to engage with your network on social media. This could be liking, commenting on, or sharing posts from your contacts. Regular engagement keeps you top of mind and builds a foundation for deeper connections. Tomorrow’s newsletter is packed with actionable insights to turn casual contacts into valuable connections. ➡ Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eE-aFmFy 💜 Career Well-being is the best work-life newsletter, according to my readers! Join us! #NetworkingTips #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #careerbutterfly #CareerWellbeing

Forget the free food and swag. The real conference ROI? Stronger relationships. Here's how you do it: Was advising a founder headed to her first conference as an entrepreneur rather than just for fun / to hang out. These events can be intimidating and expensive so you want to make the most of your time and energy. Here's a recap of what we discussed: ◾ Know your goal. You are there to advance your business through relationships and new insights / information. Manage your energy, get enough sleep, don't eat too much of the free food if its junk. ◾ Chat everyone up. Your job is to build relationships with new friends and potential collaborators / customers. If you see people you know, great but don't spend all your time with them—use them to meet other folks "Can I join your group at lunch?" ◾ Small talk matters. Start w/ simple questions like "Is this your first time at XYZ Con?" "When did you get in / where did you come in from?" "What are you most hoping to get out of this event?" And be prepared to answer all those q's for yourself! ◾ Be choosy about the talks. Pick a few of the events you really think will be worth your time and ask a public question during the Q&A. It can make an impression for the speakers and also the audience (people will remember you and maybe start up a convo with you later) ◾ Be ready to connect. Have a QR code or link ready to your company / socials / mailing list. You'll completely forget to do this later and seconds matter b/c people get distracted / bored. ◾ Follow up with people. Do it right away so you don't forget who they were—email or social media DM. Remind them of how you met and share a memory or insight or piece of media that can help cement your relationship. Try to set up a call or at least be friendly on social in the DMs or in comments. ◾ All you need is a few good ones. It can feel overwhelming but if you can walk away from a conference with even just 2 strong relationships (which might happen slowly over time) for a conference to be a great investment. These days I don't attend as many conferences unless I'm speaking but early in my career these events helped me connect and deepen relationships with a lot of amazing people. What are your favorite tips when it comes to a conference?

I recently go asked "what is one thing that no one tells you about networking when you're an international student?" When I came to the U.S. 6 years ago to study Data Science, I had no idea how important networking would be for my career. Coming from Spain, I thought hard work and a good resume would be enough. Spoiler: it wasn’t. As an international student, job hunting comes with extra challenges: visas, sponsorships, and navigating a system that sometimes feels overwhelming. But here’s the truth: networking changed everything for me. Here’s what worked: 1️⃣ Reaching out to alumni: - I was at Suffolk University in Boston, and I used LinkedIn to connect with alumni in Data Science. At first, it felt awkward—what could I possibly say? But I learned this: people love sharing advice when you ask the right questions. Instead of asking for jobs, I asked about their journeys, challenges, and advice. Those conversations didn’t just lead to referrals; they gave me confidence and clarity. 2️⃣ Leveraging LinkedIn: - LinkedIn became more than just a job board. I posted about projects I was working on, shared my thoughts on the industry, and commented on others’ posts. Over time, recruiters and professionals in my field started noticing me. 3️⃣ Attending industry events: - From local meetups to webinars, I treated every event as a learning opportunity. The key wasn’t handing out resumes—it was making meaningful connections. One conversation at a career fair even led to an internship that shaped my path. Looking back, I realized networking isn’t just about getting a job—it’s about building relationships. As an international student, those connections helped me navigate a career system I didn’t grow up in, and they became my biggest advantage. What’s your go-to strategy for networking? Let’s share tips below—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you!