Networking

Being surrounded by the right people is the best hack for ultimate growth. Your circle determines your ceiling. Everything shifted when I found mentors who were 10x my level. Their "normal" became my new baseline. Their problems became my new targets. Their thinking became my new standard. Environment is stronger than willpower. Here are 6 ways to upgrade your circle today: 1. Join Communities of High-Performers Seek environments where excellence is the minimum standard, not the exception. I've found that when you're the least accomplished person in the room, your growth accelerates exponentially. High-performance communities create natural accountability that no app or system can replicate. 2. Attend Events Where Your Heroes Gather The magic rarely happens during the presentations, it's in the lobby conversations, the dinners after, the unexpected connections. I met one of my most influential mentors not during his keynote, but while waiting for coffee at an event I almost didn't attend. Proximity creates possibility. 3. Create Value Before Asking The moment you shift from "what can I get?" to "what can I give?" everything changes. I spent six months helping others in my industry before ever asking for anything in return. This approach built a reservoir of goodwill that continues to overflow years later. 4. Share Your Work Publicly Building in public isn't just about transparency, it's about signaling. When you openly share your journey, values, and systems, you naturally attract aligned people while filtering out those who don't resonate. My most valuable relationships began when someone reached out after seeing something I'd shared. 5. Be Genuinely Curious Curiosity is the hidden superpower in relationship-building. I've found that asking thoughtful questions and truly listening creates deeper connections than any amount of impressive talking. People remember the person who made them feel understood, not the one who tried to sound intelligent. 6. Invest in Relationships The relationships that transformed my business weren't built over a single coffee meeting, they developed through consistent investment over time. I block time every week specifically for relationship nurturing, treating it with the same importance as any business-critical activity. I've seen this play out over and over with founders in our community. When they upgrade their circle, their business transforms almost automatically. Your network isn't just your net worth. It's your thinking, your standards, your opportunities, your energy, and ultimately, your future. Who are you surrounding yourself with? __ Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want to become better at networking? Join our community of 172,000+ subscribers today: https://lnkd.in/e7xR_ZTu

The Introvert's Survival Guide to Actually Enjoying (or at least surviving) Networking Events. I avoid networking events like they're tax audits or root canals. But sometimes you have to show up. (By have to, I mean, your business kind of depends on it.) Here's my "battle-tested" playbook for introverts who'd rather be home cleaning the litter box: Pre-Game Like an Athlete (or a Coward) • Set a timer for 47 minutes Not 45. Not an hour. 47. It's specific enough that you'll honor it. • Create your "Clark Kent Exit Strategy" Park near the exit. Know where the bathrooms are. Have a fake emergency ready. • Arrive unfashionably on-time Not early (too much small talk). Not late (everyone stares). Exactly on time when everyone's distracted. The Art of Strategic Positioning • Become furniture Find a high-top table. Claim it. Let extroverts come to you (they need a place to rest their drinks). • Master "Documentary Mode" Don't network. Observe. You're David Attenborough studying extroverts in their natural habitat. • Power Pose Like a Pro Stand near the food. Everyone comes to you. Plus, mouth full = legitimate reason not to talk. Conversation Hacks for the Socially Exhausted • The "Reverse Interview" Ask them 3 questions. They'll talk for 20 minutes. You nod. They think you're brilliant. "What are you most excited about doing this weekend?" • Deploy the "Introvert Card" "I'm actually an introvert, so this is my Olympics." Be transparently vulnerable. They laugh. Pressure's off. • The "Teaching Pivot" Turn every conversation into a mini-lesson. You're not networking, you're educating. Advanced Introvert Techniques • The "Phone Prop" Hold your phone like you're about to make a call. You look busy but approachable. Or, have a drink in your hand so they have something to do. • Find Another Introvert We can smell our own. Make eye contact with the person hiding by the plants. Form an alliance. You will both be relieved. • The "One Real Conversation" Rule Forget collecting 20 contacts. Have one meaningful conversation. Quality > quantity. The Grand Escape • The Irish Goodbye Just leave. Don't announce it. Disappear like Bruce Wayne. They'll think you're mysterious, not rude. • Leave on a High Had one good conversation? That's enough. You've won. Go home. • Recovery Protocol Schedule nothing for the next day. You've earned 24 hours of silence. Most "successful networkers" are performing too. They're just better actors. Not convinced? There's an alternative. I've built more meaningful connections through content than 1,000 networking events combined. Let people come to you through your content. Like they're doing right now. Who else is team "I'd rather create content than attend another networking mixer"? Drop a like if you've ever hidden in a bathroom stall to recharge. P.S. - My record for "shortest networking event attendance" is 3 minutes. Beat that. P.P.S. - Yes, I once brought a book to a networking event. No, I'm not sorry.

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

As technology becomes the backbone of modern business, understanding cybersecurity fundamentals has shifted from a specialized skill to a critical competency for all IT professionals. Here’s an overview of the critical areas IT professionals need to master:  Phishing Attacks   - What it is: Deceptive emails designed to trick users into sharing sensitive information or downloading malicious files.   - Why it matters: Phishing accounts for over 90% of cyberattacks globally.   - How to prevent it: Implement email filtering, educate users, and enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA).  Ransomware   - What it is: Malware that encrypts data and demands payment for its release.   - Why it matters: The average ransomware attack costs organizations millions in downtime and recovery.   - How to prevent it: Regular backups, endpoint protection, and a robust incident response plan.  Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks   - What it is: Overwhelming systems with traffic to disrupt service availability.   - Why it matters: DoS attacks can cripple mission-critical systems.   - How to prevent it: Use load balancers, rate limiting, and cloud-based mitigation solutions.  Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks   - What it is: Interception and manipulation of data between two parties.   - Why it matters: These attacks compromise data confidentiality and integrity.   - How to prevent it: Use end-to-end encryption and secure protocols like HTTPS.  SQL Injection   - What it is: Exploitation of database vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or manipulate data.   - Why it matters: It’s one of the most common web application vulnerabilities.   - How to prevent it: Validate input and use parameterized queries.  Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)   - What it is: Injection of malicious scripts into web applications to execute on users’ browsers.   - Why it matters: XSS compromises user sessions and data.   - How to prevent it: Sanitize user inputs and use content security policies (CSP).  Zero-Day Exploits   - What it is: Attacks that exploit unknown or unpatched vulnerabilities.   - Why it matters: These attacks are highly targeted and difficult to detect.   - How to prevent it: Regular patching and leveraging threat intelligence tools.  DNS Spoofing   - What it is: Manipulating DNS records to redirect users to malicious sites.   - Why it matters: It compromises user trust and security.   - How to prevent it: Use DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) and monitor DNS traffic.  Why Mastering Cybersecurity Matters   - Risk Mitigation: Proactive knowledge minimizes exposure to threats.   - Organizational Resilience: Strong security measures ensure business continuity.   - Stakeholder Trust: Protecting digital assets fosters confidence among customers and partners.  The cybersecurity landscape evolves rapidly. Staying ahead requires regular training, and keeping pace with the latest trends and technologies.  

What if the best networking strategy had nothing to do with “networking” at all? Back in 2014, I started a group called “Delhi Internet Mafia”. To learn from and share insights with founders based out of Delhi. I would cold email founders to show up for the catchup. Vijay Shekhar Sharma of Paytm showed up for one of them. I remember being blown away by his energy, his ambition and his clarity. We stayed in touch. A few years later, Paytm invested in my startup nearbuy. If it weren’t for that group, we may have never raised money from Paytm. 3 ways to build genuine relationships: 1/ Do not try to impress. Be impressed. People can see through your attempts to impress them. But what people can truly be attracted to is your interest in them. Genuine interest. 2/ Engage meaningfully. If engaging offline, ask questions out of pure curiosity. To truly understand. If engaging online, don’t just comment “Great post!” - add insight or ask smart questions. 3/ Give before you ask. That could be sharing feedback on their work, amplifying their content, or connecting them to someone useful. You can never fail with authenticity and trust.

Stop (only) applying for jobs. I'm serious. While everyone will help, here is what actually works: ✅ Spend that time building relationships with people at companies you want to work for. Here's the math no one talks about: 100 applications = 2-3 callbacks (if you're lucky) 10 genuine connections = 5-7 opportunities How do I know? Hiring and getting hired are very similar. So far, all my hires were referrals and introductions. All my clients came through the same. I've placed hundreds of designers. The ones who got hired fastest? They weren't the ones with the most applications. They were the ones who: → DMed designers at target companies about their work (I've hired people who did this at Miro) → Commented thoughtfully on posts from hiring managers → Asked for 15-minute coffee chats, not job talk at first → Built relationships BEFORE they needed them (that's the actual gold here) Real example from last week: The designer spent 3 months engaging with the design lead's content. When a role opened up? She got a DM: "We have something perfect for you." Never even posted publicly. Meanwhile, 847 other designers are fighting over the LinkedIn posting 👹 But here's the part no one teaches you — WHO to reach out to: ✓ Someone I aspire to get to know ✓ Someone's career I aspire to have ✓ Someone who works where I'd like to work ✓ Someone who may be going through similar challenges ✓ Someone I will have lots to talk about And here's how I prioritize companies and roles: First, I map out my network: → Find all my previous colleagues — where do they work now? → Find all open roles — what's relevant and what sounds like the best fit? → What can I see about those environments from JDs and career websites? This gives me a targeted list of: ✨ Companies where I already have warm connections ✨ Roles that actually match my skills ✨ Environments I'd thrive in (not just survive) Smart networking > no applications > successful hires. Every. Single. Time. The best jobs aren't advertised. They go to people already in the conversation. So stop being application #248. Start being the person they think of first. Your time is better spent building one real connection than sending 20 applications into the black hole. Trust me on this one. 💬 How did you get your last role: application or connection? Tell me and let's do some market research together ⬇️

I recently wished a senior woman I was coaching with would get fired. Not because she was bad at her job. Because she was too comfortable in it. No network outside her company. No visibility beyond her title. No presence anywhere that would survive a restructure. She had the role, the salary, the seniority. And absolutely nothing to fall back on if it disappeared tomorrow. This makes me furious. Not just at her. At myself. Because I see myself in her. I was that woman. Arrogant enough to think I'd always be in demand. Untouchable. Too busy being successful to prepare for a world where that success could vanish overnight. I didn't prepare. Then my first redundancy hit. And I learned what "safe" actually means: nothing. The data backs up what I learned the hard way: → Women are 1.6x more likely to be laid off than men → 70% of jobs are never posted - they're filled through networks → 85% of all positions come through personal connections → For the first time in 20 years, women lost C-suite seats in 2023 And yet. Senior women who think the position they have today will protect them forever. Who believe loyalty and performance are enough. Who haven't updated their LinkedIn in four years because "I'm not looking." You're not looking. But the market is always looking at you. And right now, it can't find you. The tremors you're ignoring: • You have no relationships with decision-makers outside your company • Your network is your team - people who can't hire you • You haven't posted, spoken, or been visible anywhere in years • Your entire professional identity lives inside one company's org chart You tell yourself you're secure. That's not confidence. That's complacency dressed up as stability. I've watched executives with 20-year tenures get walked out in 15 minutes. I've coached women who hit every target for a decade and still got cut. I've seen "safe" disappear overnight. The woman I wished would get fired? I wished it because a crisis might be the only thing that wakes her up. The way it woke me up. Harsh? Yes. But watching talented women sleepwalk into irrelevance while the numbers scream at them is worse. Your job isn't your safety net. Your visibility is. Your network is. Your ability to be known beyond your current role is. What have you been putting off because you thought you had time? #careerquake

Telecoms and Banks Connect - Tapping into Transactions and Tech to Grow Revenue 💡 This surge of digital financial services presents an urgently needed opportunity for the telecommunications industry to extend into new markets and generate new additional revenue streams. Some communications service providers (CSPs) have transformed landscapes with mobile money in emerging markets, including countries across Africa. Others are exploring an Economy of Things, where IoT devices complete transactions. But CSPs cannot deliver these solutions alone. They must partner with banks, which can help ensure mobile transactions are seamless, secure, and successful. The growth of technologies such as cloud and open APIs clears the way for banks and CSPs to collaborate and create real-time financial solutions. 4 pillars of Embedded Finance to build new revenue-generating solutions: 👨💻 Embedded Payments - Embedded payments allows customers to complete transactions seamlessly without leaving a platform's website or mobile application. CSPs can partner with consumer electronics retailers to offer rebates to their customers. 📱 Embedded Banking - Embedded banking solutions are integrated into non financial applications and platforms and enable businesses to provide slimmed down banking services to customers in a single client experience. A popular example is Lyft Direct, which offers a checking account and linked debit card exclusively to Lyft drivers. 💰 Embedded Lending - Embedded lending solutions are designed to offer consumers more seamless access to financial products and services that enable a purchase through apps, website, or in store. One example: BNPL options from providers such as Klarna or Clearpay (Afterpay). 💳 Hosted payment solutions - The services permit a company to have a fully integrated card-acquiring solution. Payment solutions in this space offer business management tools to help small businesses get up and running as well as take payments for their services. An example is Toast, which provides a single platform combining many of the systems needed to run a restaurant, including point-of-sale, payment processing, and online ordering. With jointly delivered financial services, CSPs and banks can place themselves at the core of revolutionary cross-industry solutions, leveraging their strengths to extend their reach to more customers. Combining data insights is one nexus. CSPs have network and call-detail information, customer service usage and payment histories, plus detail from billions of IoT devices. Banks have information on consumers' buying behaviors, spending patterns, credit scores, loan details, and more. Robust analyses of these unique types of data can uncover customer struggles, needs, and opportunities to spark imaginative service ideas. Source: IBM x GSMA x J.P. Morgan - https://bit.ly/49HCq2A #Innovation #Fintech #Banking #Telecoms #OpenBanking #EmbeddedFinance #API #FinancialServices #Payments #Lending #Data 

Behind every opportunity is a relationship, and behind every relationship is a conversation. Networking is about building real connections that last and have the potential to help you find your next opportunity. Data shared by the University of Maryland’s Department of Economics indicates you won’t find 70% of available jobs on any site that posts open positions. Those positions are usually found on a company’s internal network, often by referral. In other words, relationships can make the difference between finding a job or not. That’s no surprise to me. Throughout my journey, from engineer to investor, relationships have been a constant driver of growth. Mentors, colleagues and peers have not only opened doors, but also challenged my thinking, sharpened my skills and inspired my vision. Here’s what I have learned: - Be curious: Ask questions that show you care about people’s stories. - Be intentional: Connect with purpose, not just for your own gain. - Be consistent: Follow up, follow through and add value where you can. Networking isn’t a one-time event. It requires maintaining ongoing relationships rooted in trust and genuine interest in other people’s lives. Whether you’re just starting out on your professional journey or deep into your field, relationships are what power careers.

My candidate landed a ₹15 LPA offer at a top MNC without even applying. No resume drop. No job portal. How? ✅ She unlocked the hidden job market that most candidates never see. So, how did she do it? Not with luck. But with a strategy anyone can use: 1. She built her brand before she needed a job. She shared her wins, projects, and insights on LinkedIn consistently. Example: Every Friday, she posted a carousel breaking down a real-life analytics problem she solved at work, tagging teammates and sharing key takeaways. This made her visible as a problem-solver in her field. 2. She reached out to industry peers, not just HR. No generic “Hi, can you refer me?” Instead, she started real conversations about trends, challenges, and solutions in her field. Example: She messaged a data scientist at her dream company, commenting on a recent paper he’d published: 👇 “Hi Raj, I loved your article on predictive analytics in retail. I’ve been working on similar models for FMCG clients and would love to exchange notes!” This led to a meaningful chat, not a cold request. 3. She gave before she asked. She offered feedback on others’ work, shared resources, and celebrated others’ milestones. Example: She congratulated connections on promotions, shared helpful webinars in group chats, and offered to review a peer’s resume before asking for any help herself. 4. She followed up, politely and persistently. After every conversation, she sent a thank-you note: 👇 “Thanks for your insights, Priya! I’ve already started applying your advice. Hope we can catch up again soon.” She stayed top of mind, not just top of the inbox. You don’t need a massive network. You need genuine connections, a clear story, and the courage to show up before you need help. If you’re still waiting for the “perfect” job post to appear, you’re already late. The best opportunities are shared in DMs, whispered in meetings, and offered to those who are already visible. Start building your presence, your relationships, and your reputation today. #jobsearch #jobopportunities #jobinterview #careergrowth