Restarting my career at the age of 40 was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.
For nearly 20 years, I was laser-focused on network news, anchoring at ABC, CBS, and NBC. I understood my industry, its rules, and my path forward.
Then covid hit, and I started seeing the editorial power shift to platforms like TikTok. I knew I needed to think differently, but I had no roadmap or built-in network in that world.
So I started having conversations. Not transactional ones, but real conversations with people whose expertise I respected across many fields.
Some conversations gave me clarity and direction, and eventually provided opportunities I wouldn’t have found on my own.
Networking gave me a window to a second career.
What I chose to do five years ago, many may be forced to do because of artificial intelligence. As your industry evolves, networking is no longer just a “good skill to have,” it can serve as your career insurance.
I'm curious if you agree:
How concerned are you that AI could impact your job in the next few years?
The good news is that effective networking is a skill you can learn. Today’s newsletter will give you a roadmap and sample scripts:
Mindset Change
This Week’s Tip: Before, After & During
Next Week's Tip
Mindset Change
Networking is a mindset. One of the lessons I routinely teach is that if you walk into a conversation trying to “get something,” the other person can feel it. But if you walk in curious, wanting to learn, or just focused on having a good conversation, the interaction will completely change.
The first step in networking is to make a connection. Before we get into sample scripts, I’ll address two common questions:
Why would a someone help me? Because it feels good, boosts their influence, and you may be able to help them down the road.
Where do I network? Go where people you want to meet already are — industry events, small gatherings, classes; or get an introduction through a friend.
This Week’s Tip: Before, During & After
Before you arrive to an event, do some pre-work. See if you can locate a guest list and identify two or three people you genuinely want to meet. Read up on their areas of expertise so you have educated questions and comments when you speak.
During your conversations, lead with curiosity. Your job is to make the other person like you, rather than impressing them. Be authentic.
For your opener, try to ask a question that prompts them to share story. Don’t ask "What do you do?" because it feels like the start of a transaction. Humor is a bonus.
"How did you end up here tonight?"
“How do you know the host?”
"You look like you're deciding whether the passed appetizers are worth committing to. What are you thinking?”
For the middle: Your goal is to go one layer deeper in learning about the other person and to resist the urge to sell yourself. Let the conversation flow naturally, even if it means you cannot pitch yourself. When the other person shows genuine interest, you’ve made a connection.
You: “How did you end up here tonight?”
Them: “I know the host from a startup where we worked a few years ago.”
You: “Nice, are you still in the startup world?”
Them: “Yeah, I’m building a software company that helps HR teams manage their work more easily.”
You: “Interesting. I just read about Asure Software’s growth… seems like a strong space to be in. You guys must be using a ton of AI?”
Them: “We are… but there will still be a fair amount of human touch. Asure is a giant in the space. We’re actually co-developing a few things with them.”
(There’s the connection. You’re now talking about something real and relevant that the other person is interested in.)
Them: “What about you? How do you know the host?”
You: “Through HR tech circles. I’m a consultant that specializes in employee experience, so I help companies improve onboarding, engagement, and retention.”
Even if the conversation never goes deeper, the connection is enough for a follow-up.
After the event, follow up in email or a DM within a week. The tone should be enthusiastic and you should reference one specific moment of connection when you spoke. When I do my own follow up, I include where we met and a specific ask:
It was so great talking to you last Tuesday at the Vinita Speaks event — especially hearing about your work with Asure. It’s an interesting balance between AI and the human touch. I’d love to grab coffee to learn more about what you’re building. If you have 30 minutes to spare in the next few weeks, please let me know. I am happy to come to you.
Next Week’s Tip
Have you ever been in a meeting, or at an event, with someone who just won’t stop talking?
Next week, I’ll share practical strategies to help you redirect the conversation gracefully without damaging the relationship.
If you know someone who could benefit from practical communication tips, I hope you will share this with them. If you’re interested in private or team coaching, email me at [email protected]. Thank you for reading this.
