Networking Fundamentals
Build a solid foundation for sustainable professional networking.
The Right Mindset
Offer value first before asking for help
Stay authentic and honest in all interactions
Aim for long-term relationships instead of quick wins
Create mutual support and win-win situations
Be regular and consistent in network maintenance
Preparation is Everything
1
Define clear networking goals and expectations2
Develop and practice a compelling elevator pitch3
Prepare professional business cards and materials4
Research target contacts and events in advance5
Identify your own added value and expertiseEffective Networking Strategies
Successfully implement proven methods for online and offline networking.
Online Networking
LinkedIn Strategies
Fully optimized profile with professional photo
Regular, valuable content on industry topics
Active participation in discussions and comments
Membership in relevant professional groups
Personalized messages instead of standard templates
Other Platforms
Twitter/XXINGIndustry-specific networksOnline communities
Offline Networking
Event Strategies
Conferences and trade shows
Local meetups and networking groups
Workshops and continuing education
Alumni events
Chamber of commerce events
Networking Techniques
PreparationApproachConversation skillsFollow-up
Build and Maintain Relationships
From first meeting to long-term, valuable professional relationships.
Building Relationships
First Contact
Introduce yourself professionally and authentically
Show genuine interest in the other person
Ask thoughtful questions about their work and experiences
Listen actively and respond to their answers
Offer your own value and possible help
Deepening the Relationship
Deepen shared interests and projects
Share professional knowledge and experiences
Support with professional challenges
Share business opportunities and chances
Build trust through reliability
Relationship Maintenance
Regular Contact
Schedule fixed times for network maintenance
Use various contact points
Share relevant updates and news
Acknowledge successes and milestones
Offer support in difficult times
Maintenance Methods
Personal meetingsDigital communicationJoint event visitsRecommendations and referencesJoint projects
60-Day Networking Action Plan
First 30 Days: Laying the Foundation
1
Analyze and evaluate current networking situation2
Define clear, measurable networking goals3
Fully optimize and update LinkedIn profile4
Develop personal networking strategy5
Set up CRM system and capture initial contactsSecond 30 Days: Taking Action
1
Attend 2-3 networking events and make new connections2
Send 10-15 strategic connection requests3
Regularly share valuable content on LinkedIn4
Deepen and maintain existing relationships5
Optimize networking system and measure successThird 30 Days: Optimization
1
Evaluate and analyze networking progress2
Adjust strategies based on experiences3
Scale and expand successful approaches4
Further automate routines and systems5
Measure ROI and success metrics of networkingEssential Networking Do's & Don'ts
What You Should Do
Go to events prepared and with clear goals
Ask thoughtful questions and show genuine interest
Listen actively instead of just waiting for your turn
Follow up promptly and with added value
Always think about how you can help others
Stay authentic and don't pretend to be someone else
What You Should Avoid
Being pushy or immediately asking for favors
Endless monologues about yourself
Sending standard messages without personal reference
Responding irregularly or not at all to messages
Only talking about your own problems and needs
Not keeping promises or forgetting follow-ups
Additional Resources
Recommended Books
Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
The Like Switch by Jack Schafer
Networking for People Who Hate Networking by Devora Zack
The Trusted Advisor by David Maister
Networking Tools
LinkedIn Premium for advanced search
HubSpot CRM for contact management
Calendly for easy meeting scheduling
Notion for networking database
Zoom for virtual networking meetings
Professional Platforms
LinkedIn - Primary professional network
XING - European business network
Meetup - Local professional events
Eventbrite - Industry conferences
Slack communities - Industry-specific groups
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